By Chris Wilkinson, Director at BSS

It’s no secret that the UK is facing a cybersecurity skills crisis. In fact, recent research from the UK government found that half (50%) of all businesses are aware of at least one basic cybersecurity skills gap in their teams.

When it comes to cybersecurity, you should never be off your guard and that requires a well resourced and skilled team, either internally, via a service provider such as us or in a hybrid approach. The challenge with building that team, however, is that according to the government there is a shortfall of around 11,200 people.

Cyber skills shortage is a perennial problem

Of course, the issue of a skills shortage in the cybersecurity industry is nothing new. The question, though, is how to address the problem so that we can attract more people into the industry.

A recent government report suggests a number of ways to make a career in cybersecurity more appealing, such as improving pay and remuneration, creating opportunities for personal development and training, and flexible working.

While these are all fantastic benefits, findings in a recent BSS report show that these suggestions are falling short, with almost half (48%) of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) agreeing that their organisations still suffers from a skills shortage.

I propose a more out-of-the-box approach. I’d encourage cybersecurity teams to consider applicants outside of their usual recruitment pool – starting with veterans of the armed forces.

Appealing to veterans

Of course, I have a vested interest in hiring veterans. I began my career in the RAF before joining the Army Reserve; a role I still pursue alongside my position at BSS.

Moving from military life to civvy street, I found that my experience in solving time pressured technical challenges in the military had equipped me with the skills needed to work in cyber security. The same is true for countless veterans who may not realise that the skills they learnt in the armed forces are transferable and can lead them into all sorts of career paths.

One of the obstacles that veterans face when they enter civvy street is an unfamiliar recruitment and interviewing process, which are enough to knock their confidence in pursuing a career change. With some service leavers not having undertaken a job interview for over 20 years! But this shouldn’t be allowed to hinder recruitment at a time when cybersecurity businesses desperately need to fill the skills gap with individuals who can quickly adapt, go the extra mile and be very professional.

We also know that the private sector tends to be more laid-back (by military standards at least) and places a greater emphasis on soft skills. So, when it comes to tapping into this highly skilled, disciplined pool of talent, cybersecurity companies need to make the first move.

That’s why BSS have signed the Armed Forces Covenant – the nation’s commitment to treating veterans with respect – to solidify our dedication to hiring more veterans.

As a first step, I would encourage more businesses to take the pledge and express their intentions to not only hire veterans, but to treat them fairly throughout the recruitment and employment stages.

Taking a new approach

Secondly, I’d urge cybersecurity professionals to have open discussions with their recruitment teams and encourage them to consider hiring military veterans. This starts by setting aside false assumptions about veterans and, instead, focusing on the skills gaps they can fill in your cybersecurity teams.

One thing we know for certain is that military personnel undergo rigorous training and are taught a high level of discipline. The deep level of commitment required for this role makes veterans such a valuable asset to cybersecurity teams, especially in an industry where staff retention rates are low.

My own work experience is proof that when veterans are provided with the opportunities to retrain, it is possible to draw a clear link between the skills obtained in the military and those currently lacking in cybersecurity.

The bigger picture

Let’s be perfectly blunt. We all know the digital skills gap is undermining the cyber defences of businesses and organisations across the country. The shortfall in suitably qualified and motivated people will continue to be a thorn in our side unless we all take steps to address the issue.

Those organisations that recruit military veterans have already witnessed the strong work ethic and practical skills they bring to the table and if these are the types of employees that are in demand, then who better to consider for the role than someone who has served in the armed forces? Contact me on LinkedIn and I’ll facilitate the right introductions.