New Zealand is a country renowned for its breathtaking scenery, strong economy and innovative spirit. However, there is a growing concern in the country’s tech sector – a shortage of cybersecurity talent. This skills gap is a major concern for New Zealand – and the world. As more companies digitise and move their operations online, cybersecurity threats have increased in frequency and complexity. Data breaches, identity theft, and cyberattacks are becoming more common and more devastating. Cybercrime is predicted to cost the world $6 trillion yearly by 2021, up from $3 trillion in 2015. This situation demands a quick and effective solution. Bridging the skills gap in cybersecurity is that solution. It will not only strengthen the private sector and the economy but also enhance the overall security of life and assets of citizens. So where is this shortage of cybersecurity talent coming from? Firstly, the cybersecurity field has not been adequately promoted as an attractive career opportunity in New Zealand. Entry-level cybersecurity roles have historically been low paying and lack prestige. This has led to a shortage of graduates who pursue this profession, perpetuating the shortage of talent. Secondly, to adequately address the cybersecurity skills gap, industries must broaden their talent pool. Gender diversity remains unsatisfactory within the cybersecurity profession, with only 24% of professionals currently being women according to (ISC)². The solution lies in exposing the younger generation, including girls, to the possibilities of this dynamic and exciting industry. Cybersecurity is a multidisciplinary field encompassing computer science, mathematics, psychology, and law enforcement. Graduate-level programs in this area often look for students with degrees with strong numeric, linguistic, and analytical skills to meet the standards of the industry. So let’s talk about what can be done to address the cybersecurity skills gap in New Zealand. 1. Raising Awareness of the Cybersecurity Industry To bridge the skills gap, there must be a high level of awareness of the opportunities available in the market. Government agencies, alongside industry leaders, need to set up nationwide initiatives that promote cybersecurity as an exciting career. 2. Supporting Upward Mobility A lack of upward mobility can also contribute to the cybersecurity skills gap. Employees must have the opportunity to progress and develop their skills within the industry. Companies can create personal career plans and encourage career growth within the industry. 3. Increasing Gender Diversity Interested women must have access to equal training opportunities and paid internships. Momentum needs to be built to entice women to pursue this exciting degree and career path. 4. Collaboration between Industries Diverse education training providers, certification platforms, and employers must work together cohesively to ensure that young people, college students, and candidates in the labour market have the infrastructure, support, and professional development opportunities needed to excel in cybersecurity careers. 5. Encouragement of Startups IT entrepreneurship can be a solution to many problems in the cybersecurity talent shortage. With startup accelerators and incubators, bright minds can shine and realise innovative solutions to develop products and services in the cybersecurity industry. In summary, the cybersecurity talent shortage presents a tremendous opportunity for individuals, companies and society as a whole, to invest in cybersecurity for personal, corporate, and national safety. This will require a sustained, collaborative effort, including ongoing training and innovative approaches to promoting the industry as an attractive career choice without distinction of gender. By bridging the cybersecurity skills gap and working together, a new generation of cybersecurity professionals will emerge, bolstering the nation's cybersecurity strength and securing a safer, more digital world for New Zealand.