Cybersecurity firm Immersive Labs is partnering with Accenture to tackle the cybersecurity talent shortage.
The Cyber Million programme looks to increase access to one million entry-level cybersecurity operations jobs over the next decade.
The beta version of the programme, rolling out now, will be powered by the Immersive Labs platform with Accenture Security serving as the first foundational partner. The programme is available to other organisations seeking to make cybersecurity operations roles available on the platform to a diverse pool of candidates, and users may access the platform to begin growing their skills.
There are currently an estimated 3.4 million roles currently unfilled worldwide in the cybersecurity industry. Additionally, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2023 report in collaboration with Accenture, 59 percent of business leaders and 64 percent of cyber leaders ranked talent recruitment and retention as a key challenge for managing cyber resilience. And, less than half of respondents reported having the people and skills needed today to respond to cyberattacks.
The companies hope Cyber Million will help fill these open roles, reducing barriers to entry for job seekers by increasing access to opportunities and uncovering hidden talent. Through an emphasis on real-world skills, upskilling, and aptitude over traditional evaluation methods – such as education, certification, and experience – they said the programme will modernise the way organizations recruit for cybersecurity roles globally.
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“Unlike legacy hiring modes, the programme will take a practical, evidence-based, skills-first approach to recruiting. Anyone over the age of 16 will be able to register for the programme and complete a series of curated hands-on exercises and labs that match the skill set requirements of open roles. Once candidates successfully complete these labs, skilled individuals may apply to open employment partner roles. The programme is designed to be flexible, allowing candidates to complete courses at their own pace,” said Immersive Labs in a press statement.
Industry-wide collaboration
“Cybersecurity talent is everywhere, and it can be developed if those eager to learn are given the opportunity, whether or not they come from a technical background,” said Robert Boyce, global lead of cyber resilience, Accenture.
“We upskill our own people using the Immersive Labs programme approach and we’re proud to build on our relationship to help get more people excited about starting a career in cybersecurity. Solving the cyber talent crisis requires this kind of industry-wide collaboration and an innovative approach.”
“We founded Immersive Labs based on the idea that people from various backgrounds – both with or without a formal education – can excel in cybersecurity if given the right opportunities,” said James Hadley, CEO and founder, Immersive Labs. “Our Cyber Million programme that we’re building in partnership with Accenture, will help organisations discover hidden talent, increase diversity across the workforce, and build resilience against cyberattacks, and we welcome other organisations to join us.”
Immersive Labs already offers platform access to veterans, students, and the neurodivergent community through Digital Cyber Academies (DCAs). Cyber Million represents the next evolution of this programme, with thousands of DCA candidates already migrated to the new platform, it said.
