SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN CYBERSECURITY
As the global community becomes increasingly interconnected, the demand for proficient cybersecurity professionals has never been more urgent.
Recent reports reveal that the cybersecurity skills gap continues to widen faster, even if more people are entering the field.
The ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) is tackling workforce development by focusing on two key areas: building the capacity of women within the field and nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by exposing and training youth.
By addressing the skills shortage and promoting diversity, ITU-D not only strengthens defences against evolving cyber threats but also fosters a more inclusive and resilient workforce for the future.
WOMEN IN CYBER
Mentorship Programme
Fostering inclusivity and skill development, the
ITU-D Women in Cyber Mentorship programme addresses systemic barriers for women in cybersecurity. Through mentorship, we build a supportive community, equipping participants with essential skills and confidence for success in the field. This program can be localized and implemented by regional or national women in cyber organizations, scaling efforts to empowering communities globally.
Her CyberTracks is a natural progression of ITU's dedication to promoting gender diversity in cybersecurity. By leveraging the success of the WiC Mentorship programme, Her CyberTracks will provide specialized, targeted training, maintaining the essential mentorship and role modeling aspects. The program is poised to propel the next generation of women in cybersecurity into roles of leadership, ensuring that their voices and expertise shape the future of this critical field.
SYSTEMS APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY EDUCATIONAL CAPACITY
ITU and the Organization of American States developed a systems approach to understanding and enhancing national cybersecurity education capacity, emphasizing a holistic understanding, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable capacity development. Building a resilient cybersecurity workforce is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. A systems approach helps design and implement strategies that are sustainable and adaptable to changing circumstances.
Read the joint paper
here
BACKGROUND
Recognizing this imperative, and in line with the Kigali Action Plan 4.5 Implementation of Inclusive and secure telecommunications/ICTs for sustainable development, priority outcomes “increased digital literacy and public awareness of cybersecurity issues”, “Increased access for all to training programmes in digital skills”, and “Enhanced capacity of telecommunication/ICT professionals to support the digital economy and strengthened digital skills”, ITU-D engages in comprehensive capacity development initiatives for nurturing talent, fostering expertise, and ultimately fortifying defences against evolving cyber threats.
Our action is also mandated by PP Resolution 130 (rev. Bucharest):
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to promote the growth and development of a diverse and skilled cybersecurity workforce that is able to address and mitigate cyber risks, and promote the importance of effective qualifications and professional career pathways;
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to support the membership to address cybersecurity skills shortages by encouraging people to enter the cybersecurity profession and promoting the employment of women in the cybersecurity field;
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to maintain, develop and promote a repository of best practice on measures that facilitate and encourage people to choose a career in cybersecurity.
