Episode 36: Special Edition: LinkedIn Live - Mind the Gap: Solving Cybersecurity's Talent Crisis

In this thought-provoking discussion, cybersecurity veterans debate whether the industry truly faces a talent shortage or an expectations problem. The panel explores how hiring practices, remote work trends, and training investments impact the ability to match qualified candidates with appropriate positions in today's evolving workplace.

GUEST INFORMATION:

Name: Amelie Koran

Title/Credentials: Cybersecurity

ExecutiveBackground: 25+ years in cybersecurity, former government agency experience

Name: Bil Harmer

Title/Credentials: CEO and Founder of Kill Switch Advisory

Background: 30+ years in industry, 5-time CISO

Name: Deidre Diamond

Title/Credentials: Founder and CEO of Cyber SN

Background: 11 years in talent matching solutions, 3 years in workforce risk management

Name: Nicholas Moy

Title/Credentials: Cybersecurity

ProfessionalBackground: 15+ years in security engineering, operations, and product management

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

[00:03:16] - Is There Really a Skills Gap?Deidre explains there is a crisis, but it's more about experience than skillsCompanies want candidates with specific experience rather than trainable talentKey quote: "If we're not willing to train and we will only take people that have the majority of what I need them to do as experience that they're doing now, I'm not going to hire them." - Deidre Diamond

[00:07:59] - The Technology Specialization ProblemEmployers often look for candidates with specific technology experienceHiring for adaptability and broader skill sets is more valuable long-term

Key quote: "I would rather hire somebody with Fortinet experience because then they will learn this and they will bring what they know from the other side to it." - Bil Harmer

[00:12:25] - Job Description Accuracy Issues

Many hiring managers don't accurately describe what they're looking for.

Digital job posting has made companies less careful about job descriptions

Key quote: "What they say doesn't always match what they want, especially for leadership roles because it can ruin a team." - Nicholas Moy

[00:19:04] - The Remote Work Revolution

Companies requiring in-office work face 5x longer hiring times

Organizations must build their culture around their work model

Key quote: "If they're doing it, they're doing it. If they're not doing it, they're not doing it. Everybody's made their choices as companies." - Deidre Diamond

[00:25:55] - The Decline of Training Investment

Companies view training as a cost center rather than investment

Employees often lack time to complete available training

Key quote: "I gave up my own training dollars to make sure my staff got training." - Amelie Koran

[00:34:30] - Tips for Hiring Managers and Job Seekers

Document actual job requirements rather than ideal candidate personas

Build and maintain your network before you need it

Key quote: "Read that job description to get through the ATS, read the job description and use their words back to them." - Bil Harmer