The Cybersecurity Skills Survey: Response to the 2020 SIM IT Trends Study

Abstract

The Cybersecurity Skills Survey was developed and implemented to respond to the high-demand for cybersecurity professionals, noted by the findings of the 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 SIM (Society for Information Management) IT Trends and Issues Study. These findings were based upon input from over 1,000 IT leaders representing 37 SIM Chapters. The goals of the cybersecurity skills survey were to identify: (1) What technical skills are needed for entry-level professionals in cybersecurity jobs? (2) What professional skills are needed for entry level professionals in cybersecurity jobs? (3) What technical skills are needed for early-career professionals in cybersecurity jobs? and (4) What professional skills are needed for early-career professionals in cybersecurity jobs? The survey findings provide key insights into in-demand skills and "difficult-to-find" competencies. This paper reports on 99 responses captured from IT leaders representing the SIM Chapters in St. Louis, Austin, Milwaukee, and Phoenix, and is part of an ongoing data collection effort to include the Chapters in Tampa, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and Boston. Dialogues between academic professionals and industry leaders in each of these professional communities are contributing to meeting the demand for talented cybersecurity graduates.