For this project, you will research and report on the cybersecurity workforce crisis as it affects state governments. Your audience will be the members of an organization for state government officials such as the National Governor’s Association and the National Association of State Chief Information Officers. The results of your research project will help develop a one-day workshop on strategies for developing and growing the cybersecurity workforce at the state government level.
Write a three- to four-page research report that includes a summary of your research, findings, and recommendations. At a minimum, your paper must include the following:
1. An introduction or overview of the cybersecurity workforce issues which impact State governments. This overview should address the political, economic, socio-cultural (including education), and technological factors that contribute to the perceived lack of qualified cybersecurity workers. This introduction should be suitable for an executive audience.
2. A separate section that addresses five specific reasons why states have difficulty hiring enough trained and qualified cybersecurity workers for positions in state agencies and offices.
3. A separate section that addresses five specific “non-cybersecurity” reasons why a workforce shortage affecting state governments may currently exist. Consider and discuss whether the workforce shortage arises out of state budget problems rather than training and education or salary.
4. A recommendations section which identifies and discusses at least five training, education, marketing, or hiring actions that state governments could take to attract cybersecurity talent and reduce or alleviate a cybersecurity workforce shortage for trained and qualified cybersecurity personnel. These recommendations should include several alternative practices which deemphasize salary.
5. A separate Summary section in which you present a summary of your research and recommendations.
