Unlocking the Path to Success: Embracing a Cybersecurity Careers Framework

The Importance of Career Frameworks in the Cybersecurity Sector

The cybersecurity sector is facing a significant challenge in terms of the evolving roles and associated skill sets required to address the ever-changing threat landscape. This has led to discrepancies in job descriptions and difficulty for both businesses and candidates in planning their workforce and career paths. To address this issue, career frameworks have been developed to bring transparency and standardization to the industry. These frameworks, such as the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) in the US, the Cyber Security Council Framework (CCF) in the UK, and the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF) in the EU, provide a roadmap for employers and candidates alike.

NICE Framework in the US

The NICE framework, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), provides a comprehensive set of Task, Knowledge, and Skill (TKS) statements that describe the competencies required for various cybersecurity roles. With seven categories, 33 specialty areas, and 52 work roles, NICE offers a wide range of options for both employers and candidates. To simplify navigation within the framework, the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) has created the Cyber Career Pathways Tool. This tool helps users understand the relationship between skills and roles and explore potential career progression paths.

CCF Framework in the UK

In the UK, the Cyber Security Council has developed the Cyber Career Framework, which covers 16 specialisms and provides detailed information on working life, responsibilities, salary, knowledge, skills, and qualifications for each role. The framework is accompanied by an interactive Career Mapping Tool, which allows candidates to assess their transferable skills and explore compatible roles within the cybersecurity sector. The Cyber Security Profession Chartered Standards (CSPCS) certification program is also being rolled out alongside the framework to provide standardized certification within each specialism by 2025.

ECSF Framework in the EU

The European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF), introduced by Enisa, profiles 12 different cyber job titles and provides comprehensive information on job summaries, missions, deliverables, tasks, key skills, knowledge, and competencies. The framework also includes a manual to guide employers, learning providers, and candidates in meeting their specific requirements. Collaboration from organizations such as ISACA, (ISC)2, and ECSO has contributed use cases, making the framework practical and relevant to real-world scenarios. The hope is that these frameworks will be widely adopted in their respective regions, simplifying the cybersecurity sector for employers, candidates, and education providers.

Benefits and Implications

Employer Perspective

Career frameworks provide employers with a standardized reference for matching skill sets to specific roles and listing the relevant competencies in job descriptions. The frameworks also assist in workforce planning and enable the development of existing staff by providing a clear career progression path. This, in turn, improves retention rates and ensures a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.

Candidate Perspective

For candidates, career frameworks offer unprecedented visibility into the relationship between different roles, potential salary expectations, and career development opportunities. The frameworks also help candidates with transferable skills identify compatible roles and provide insights into the skills and qualifications required for specific positions. This empowers candidates to plan their career paths effectively and make informed decisions.

Recruitment Sector Impact

Recruiters will benefit from career frameworks by being able to source candidates more efficiently. Job descriptions will align with the competencies outlined in the frameworks, eliminating unrealistic demands or unrelated skill combinations. This streamlines the recruitment process and increases the likelihood of finding qualified candidates, ultimately narrowing the cybersecurity skills gap.

Education and Vendors

Career frameworks help guide education providers in designing cybersecurity programs that align with industry needs and empower students with relevant skills. Vendors can also utilize the competencies outlined in the frameworks to demonstrate the level of skill sets required to operate their solutions. Overall, career frameworks have implications that extend beyond employers and candidates, benefiting the entire cybersecurity ecosystem.

Conclusion

It is evident that career frameworks have the potential to revolutionize the cybersecurity sector by providing clarity, transparency, and standardization. These frameworks help bridge the gap between employers and candidates, enable effective workforce planning, and facilitate career development. As the frameworks gain wider adoption, they will shape the industry’s future by guiding education providers, assisting recruiters, and supporting vendors. The cybersecurity sector cannot afford to overlook the benefits of career frameworks, and it is crucial for both security and HR teams to leverage these frameworks to attract, develop, and retain the right talent.

Disclaimer: The content presented in this report is for informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization.