With the fast development of technologies, cyber threats are becoming even more complex, sophisticated and targeted. Consequently, securing our digital products and services against cyber threats and attacks has grown to be significantly more challenging. This is why the cybersecurity sector relies on extremely skilled and qualified personnel. However, the sector is faced with workforce shortage and the widening skills gap pose significant concerns and security cybersecurity risks, particularly in relation to the rapid digitalisation of the global economy.
While new initiatives to resolve the issues continually emerge, the cybersecurity skills gap still persists.
ENISA has a long tradition of studies and programmes designed to mitigate cybersecurity issues. In an effort to increase the EU’s future cybersecurity workforce and ensure the availability of appropriately trained professionals, ENISA has taken a number of actions.
In particular, ENISA supports national authorities by developing mechanisms such as the Cybersecurity Skills Framework. This will translate into a clear structure meant to identify and define the key roles and competencies needed in the field. These tools are expected to help organisations better align training and recruitment to meet the current industry demands. Additionally, ENISA runs targeted exercises and training programmes to build expertise, enhance practical skills, and in doing so helps to further strengthen national and cross-border cooperation in cybersecurity.
