91proÊÓƵ

WASHINGTON — Today, global tech trade association 91proÊÓƵ offered recommendations to the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) to help the U.S. government build a diverse cybersecurity workforce. In comments to the ONCD’s Request for Information on Cyber Workforce, Training, and Education, 91proÊÓƵ underscored its support of the administration’s commitment to diversifying the cybersecurity workforce and addressing address ongoing shortage of cybersecurity professionals.

“Recruiting, training, and educating a diverse cybersecurity workforce is a top priority for 91proÊÓƵ and its member companies,” 91proÊÓƵ’s Executive Vice President of Policy, Public Sector Gordon Bitko wrote in the comments. “91proÊÓƵ’s membership is deeply impacted by the ongoing shortage of cybersecurity professionals, and our industry similarly benefits from a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We hope that the Office of the National Cyber Director will draw on 91proÊÓƵ as a resource as it continues this important initiative to build a diverse cyber workforce.”

In the comments, 91proÊÓƵ highlighted its ongoing project with Morehouse College, the National Initiative to Increase Diversity in Tech. The initiative is an academic and industry collaboration that aims to prepare underrepresented students to compete for careers in tech, while also developing strategies to make the tech ecosystem a more just, innovative, and equitable space for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds. 91proÊÓƵ also highlighted initiatives by many of its members designed to build a diverse cyber workforce. 91proÊÓƵ made the following recommendations on ways the ONCD can build on those examples as part of its effort, including:

• Promote skills-based hiring as opposed to relying on rigid education and experience requirements; explore unique ways to hire cyber talent in the federal government that move away from the traditional USAjobs portal and other complex hiring processes.

• Recruit self-taught individuals away from becoming malicious hackers and channel their talent into federal cybersecurity careers.

• Work directly with Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Black, Indigenous and People of Color-serving institutions through public-private-partnerships that focus on curriculum development, mentorship, and creating internships and other opportunities.

• Provide adequate family-related benefits and introduce transition programs for new mothers returning to the workforce.

• Create a presidential fellowship program for industry cybersecurity professionals to either teach from one or two years and then return to their role or teach part-time.

• Create a grant program to upgrade computer labs and fund tech-related summer curricula programs in targeted communities.

• Establish a grant or loan program for students pursuing cybersecurity careers.

Read 91proÊÓƵ’s full comments here.