Create a Pipeline with Technology Partners
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers and Deloitte published a study, “States at Risk: Bold Plays for Change,” identifying potential solutions for a talent shortage of government cybersecurity workers. Although NASCIO and Deloitte looked at a cybersecurity talent shortfall specifically, their findings are applicable at a high level to all IT skill competencies.
The study calls for government CISOs to strengthen relationships with outside institutions and forge public-private partnerships, teaming with institutions of higher education and the private sector.
In partnership with colleges and universities, state and local agencies can foster and support IT education. They also can establish internship and apprenticeship programs that attract and retain IT workers, the study says.
Working with the private sector, government agencies can continue to identify opportunities for outsourcing. Over the past decade, government CISOs increased outsourcing twofold or even threefold for specific functions, including cybersecurity risk assessments, audit log analysis and threat management and monitoring, the study notes.