(ISC)²Study Reveals Vastly Improved Perceptions About Cybersecurity Professionals

CLEARWATER, Fla., Sept. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- (ISC)² - the world's largest nonprofit association of certified cybersecurity professionals - today released the findings of its 2020 Cybersecurity Perception Study, in which 2,500 survey respondents across the U.S. and the U.K. gave their opinions of the men and women working in the cybersecurity profession. The research indicates that attitudes toward cybersecurity roles are now overwhelmingly positive, although most people still don't view the field as a career fit for themselves, even as nearly one-third (29%) of respondents say they are considering a career change.

As National Cybersecurity Awareness Month approaches in October, the findings indicate a shift in popular opinion about cybersecurity professionals, who have traditionally been viewed through a negative lens as roadblocks to business efficiency. In fact, 71% of the survey's respondents, all of whom do not work in the industry, say they consider cybersecurity professionals to be smart and technically skilled, while 51% also described them as "the good guys fighting cybercrime." 69% of respondents replied that cybersecurity seems like a good career path, just not one they see themselves pursuing.

The cybersecurity industry is made up of 2.8 million skilled professionals, but research indicates that there is a global shortage of 4.07 million, which requires a massive recruitment effort of new entrants to the field who may not have considered the career before. The Cybersecurity Perception Study reveals that the obstacles to attracting these additional workers may be two-fold.

First, 77% of respondents said cybersecurity was never offered as part of their formal educational curriculum at any point, making it difficult for most people to gain a solid understanding of what roles in the industry actually entail and how to pursue the career. The second factor that may be limiting interest is a pervasive belief that such roles would require very advanced skills development that would require time and resources to achieve.

"What these results show us is that while it's becoming even more highly-respected, the cybersecurity profession is still misunderstood by many, and that's counterproductive to encouraging more people to pursue this rewarding career," said Wesley Simpson, COO of (ISC)(2). "The reality of the situation, and what we need to do a better job of publicizing, is that a truly effective cybersecurity workforce requires a broad range of professionals who bring different skillsets to their teams. While technical skills are vital for many roles, we also need individuals with varied backgrounds in areas including communications, risk management, legal, regulatory compliance, process development and more, to bring a well-rounded perspective to cyber defense."

Additional highlighted findings include:

    --  Conducted during a time of record unemployment amidst the COVID-19
        pandemic, the study found that job stability is now the most valued
        characteristic in a career (61% of respondents), followed by ones that
        offer a "flexible work environment" (57%) and only then, "earning
        potential" (56%).
    --  In the absence of formal cybersecurity education, perceptions about the
        industry and the professionals in it are formed primarily through
        portrayals in TV shows and movies (37% of respondents) or by news
        coverage of security incidents (31%).
    --  61% of respondents said they believe they would either need to go back
        to school (26%), earn a certification (22%) or teach themselves new
        skills (13%) in order to pursue a career in cybersecurity. 32% of
        respondents said they believe too much technical knowledge or training
        would be required.
    --  Generation Z (Zoomers) were the least likely demographic group to cast
        cybersecurity professionals in a positive light. Just 58% view
        cybersecurity professionals as smart and technically skilled, as opposed
        to 78% of Baby Boomers. And only 34% of Zoomers consider them the "good
        guys fighting cybercrime," as opposed to 60% of Boomers.

The study outlines recommendations for hiring managers and organizations, as well as the industry at large, to make cybersecurity more accessible and inviting to those considering a career change. To download a complimentary copy of the report, please visit: https://www.isc2.org/Research/Perception-Study.

About the Survey Methodology
The (ISC)(2 )study was conducted through an online survey managed by Market Cube in June 2020. The total respondent base of 2,500 adults has never worked and does not currently work in the field of cybersecurity. 1,500 respondents reside in the United States, while 1,000 reside in the United Kingdom.

About (ISC)²
(ISC)² is an international nonprofit membership association focused on inspiring a safe and secure cyber world. Best known for the acclaimed Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP(®)) certification, (ISC)² offers a portfolio of credentials that are part of a holistic, pragmatic approach to security. Our membership, more than 150,000 strong, is made up of certified cyber, information, software and infrastructure security professionals who are making a difference and helping to advance the industry. Our vision is supported by our commitment to educate and reach the general public through our charitable foundation - The Center for Cyber Safety and Education(TM). For more information on (ISC)², visit www.isc2.org, follow us on Twitter or connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

© 2020 (ISC)² Inc., (ISC)², CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, CAP, CSSLP, HCISPP, CCFP, CISSP-ISSAP, CISSP-ISSEP, CISSP-ISSMP and CBK are registered marks of (ISC)², Inc.

Media Contact:
Brian Alberti
Corporate Public Relations Manager
(ISC)²
balberti@isc2.org
(617) 510-1540

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SOURCE (ISC)2