A new report, just released in draft by the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee recommends that the United States undertake a “Cybersecurity Moonshot” to harness the power of government, industry, and academia to “fundamentally transform the security of our digital landscape” and attack the roots of cyber insecurity. The draft report calls out STEM and cybersecurity education as one of the pillars of the strategic framework of the Moonshot initiative noting the shortage of skilled cyber professionals in the workforce.

The cybersecurity skills gap, its persistence, and its implications for the nation are well documented. The urgent question is: Why does this state of affairs exist? Normally, the market solves labor shortages through rising wages and educational institutions respond by offering programs that increase the supply of in-demand workers. In response to the demand, students are drawn to and prepared for these careers. Over time, the market reaches a dynamic equilibrium where supply meets demand. But this does not seem to be happening in the cyber workplace. If anything, the cybersecurity skills gap is growing both in terms of an insufficient number of new professionals and their level of skills.

This one-day symposium will address the 'why' question and seek to identify solutions through keynote addresses and panel discussions. It will include the perspectives of senior leaders, policy makers, employers, faculty and students who will focus on how powerful new technologies might be used to boost the talent pipeline, slow the demand for cybersecurity professionals, and help the nation achieve a sustainable equilibrium.

Symposium Topics

• Education and workforce development as a fundamental pillar of cyber security

• Progress to date and trends in cyber education and workforce development

• Perspectives from Maryland students in STEM educational programs

• The relationship between the workforce market demand and educational outcomes

• The role of innovative technologies in strengthening the quality, accessibility, and inclusiveness of cyber education

Who Should Attend

• Professionals in industry and government responsible for recruiting and managing cybersecurity talent for their organizations.

• Educators and school counselors; postsecondary deans, department chairs and faculty in engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity; and accreditors in these disciplines

• Elected officials and government civilians with responsibility for cybersecurity workforce development policy

• Students, teachers and the general public with an interest in the future of cyber education
  
  

  Register today!
  
  Registration to the CCEI Fall Symposium is complimentary
  thanks to the generous support of our partners.