Lack of Cyber Security Workers Leaves State Governments Vulnerable
States and cities can't compete with the private sector in hiring cybersecurity workers, making them vulnerable to attack.
Landwebs
State governments grappling with a constant stream of cyberattacks are having a hard time hiring and keeping staff capable of helping fend off online attacks and threats, reports the Associated Press. A severe shortage of those professionals and a lack of resources means state offices are hard-pressed to compete with federal counterparts, global brands and specialized cybersecurity firms when recruiting workers. Notable hits since 2019 include the Washington state auditor, Illinois’ attorney general and computer servers supporting much of Louisiana’s state agencies. Cities are in an even worse situation.
States have turned to outside contractors, civilian volunteers and National Guard units for help when their systems are taken down by ransomware and other hacks. States needed to fill nearly 9,000 cybersecurity jobs as of this summer, according to CyberSeek a joint project of the Computing Technology Industry Association and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Aided by industry groups, the federal government and individual states have created training programs, competitions and scholarships in hopes of producing more cybersecurity pros nationwide. Those strategies could take years to pay off, however.
