“The High Cost of Locking Out: Examining the Broader Impacts of Inaccessible Security Products”

In the world of cybersecurity, getting access to security products is not always easy. More often than not, practitioners are required to attend demos, sign multi-year contracts, and commit to minimum spends before accessing products. This sales model is contributing significantly to the talent shortage in the industry, and cybersecurity companies need to rethink the approach, making security products more accessible.

#### The Problem with the Current Sales Model

The current sales model of cybersecurity products is perpetuating the talent shortage in the industry. Entry-level professionals are finding it hard to access the necessary tools to gain experience. This creates a vicious circle where one cannot gain experience without relevant tools. Becoming job-ready is becoming more complicated, and hopeful security professionals are denied opportunities they need to level up.

#### Impacts on Diversity and Exclusion

Gating security products harms diversity efforts in the industry. Underrepresented groups often find it harder to catch up with their peers already using these tools. Companies that publicly celebrate diversity efforts and seek to increase diversity, yet make it harder for these groups to access security products, create unintended consequences.

#### Challenges in Defending Small and Medium-sized Businesses

Security professionals interested in starting an entrepreneurship venture often face significant challenges accessing the tools they need. Small and medium-sized businesses are often victims of cybercrime because they lack information on cybersecurity and access to relevant tools. Large security firms frequently ignore SMBs, making it even more difficult to access relevant products.

#### Looking into the Future

There are many blue-team focused events, defense-centric capture the flags, and security vendors opening up access to their products. More companies in the industry need to embrace this approach, allowing aspiring security professionals to become job-ready by learning how to use their tools. The talent shortage in cybersecurity is an ongoing issue, and accessible cybersecurity products are one solution to this problem.

In conclusion, the locking out of accessibility to security products has far-reaching implications on the wider industry. Companies need to explore product-led growth as a way to make security products more accessible to practitioners, from entry-level to experienced professionals. Additionally, making cybersecurity products more accessible will help SMBs in securing their systems, making it harder for cybercriminals to attack them. Accessibility, cost, locking-out of specific groups, and other concerns should be addressed if we want cybersecurity to advance.

Security Products-securityproducts,accessibility,cost,lockingout,impacts