In its latest observatory of cybersecurity professions, ANSSI unveiled on Monday three measures to fill the talent shortage in France. The agency wants to stem the crisis in this strategic sector.
For the third consecutive year, the National Information Systems Security Agency (ANSSI) published, Monday March 25, 2024, the results of its survey on the attractiveness and representation of cybersecurity professions. Conducted in collaboration with the DGEFP and the AFPAA, the study highlights three fundamental levers that could help overcome the talent shortage in the cybersecurity sector.
Cybersecurity professionals want to convey a better image of the sector, to attract talent
ANSSI first began with the observation of a significant lack of understanding of the reality on the ground among young people in training, fewer of whom than professionals consider the need for strong interpersonal skills in cybersecurity professions to be important. So to attract more talent, the experts who contributed to the study recommend better communication in the sector.
The IT security sector is often perceived as technical and elitist which, it must be admitted, limits accessibility to certain profiles. To remedy this, private sector professionals are calling for diversification of career paths and better clarity of career opportunities.
Among the people interviewed by ANSSI, those working in the public sector highlight the lack of “cybersecurity” expertise courses on the civil service side. Everyone agrees that progress is possible by encouraging the development of specialized training from high school and the recognition of skills acquired outside of traditional courses.
Working conditions and remuneration should not be neglected, even in the public sector
There is therefore an image of the sector to work on, a sector to be better structured according to the professionals, and there is also the question of working conditions, which according to them must be improved. For cyber experts, they play a crucial role in attracting and retaining talent in the sector.
A better balance between professional and private life, and increased social recognition of cybersecurity professions, appear necessary to retain professionals in the sector. Efforts must also be made to harmonize pay and benefits between the public and private sectors. We must not neglect the lever of remuneration, especially in the public sector.
The professions are also not all in the same boat. Activities like those of the council allow “ a better scale than others », Tells us ANSSI, citing examples of project management and security. Stemming the talent shortage is a huge challenge. But it will perhaps help the entire cyber community to get back on its feet, to ensure the security of information systems, and protect the sensitive data of French people and businesses.
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