A recent Forbes article pulled together a list of several cybersecurity stats that underpin the current state of the industry and threat landscape. The stats, which come from various private sector organizations, highlight the dire need for more cybersecurity professionals to keep up with adversarial threats. Some of the most alarming stats include:

• Cybercriminals can penetrate 93% of company networks (Positive Technologies)
• Businesses suffered 50% more cyberattack attempts per week in 2021 (CheckPoint Software)
• The threat of ransomware attacks, data breaches or significant IT outages worries companies even more than business and supply chain disruption, natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic (Allianz Risk Barometer)
• In 2021, 37% of all businesses and organizations were hit by ransomware (Sophos)
• The global cost of ransomware in 2021 was $20 billion. That figure is expected to rise to $265 billion by 2031 (Cybersecurity Ventures)

The 2021 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study estimates there are 4.19 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide, which is an increase of more than 700,000 compared to last year.

Despite this growth, the study also shows that global demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to outpace supply — resulting in a Cybersecurity Workforce Gap of 2.72 million professionals. The global cybersecurity workforce needs to grow 65% to effectively defend organizations’ critical assets.

(ISC)² is committed to growing and developing the cybersecurity workforce. While there are many contributing factors to the workforce shortage, (ISC)² believes one solution is to create a certification that enables candidates without IT experience – including students, young professionals and career-changers – to demonstrate to employers their familiarity with foundational cybersecurity concepts and their ability to be taught the skills to succeed in the profession.

(ISC)² has begun the exciting process of piloting a new entry-level certification . The pilot program is now underway and interested candidates can register for the exam today . This foundational certification will help professionals interested in building a career in cyber gain the education and the right information they need on their way to a rewarding career.

The certification pilot program exam is designed to be challenging while remaining attainable for newcomers. (ISC)² recognizes and supports the growing trend of people entering the cybersecurity workforce without direct IT experience.

To find out more about the (ISC)² entry-level cybersecurity pilot program and to see the exam outline, please visit: https://www.isc2.org/Notice/New-Cert

Interested individuals can register for the pilot exam online through Pearson VUE .