President Issues Executive Order on Cybersecurity Workforce
Under the executive order, the Department of Homeland Security will work with partners from around the federal government on several initiatives to strengthen the workforce.
President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order May 2 directing federal agencies to take steps to strengthen the nation's cybersecurity workforce. DHS reported that the order will support the development of cybersecurity practitioners' skills to encourage excellence in the field and help ensure the United States keeps a competitive edge in cybersecurity. According to DHS, the United States currently has a shortage of 300,000 cybersecurity practitioners.
"America's cybersecurity practitioners—whether working in the private sector or serving in the federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial governments—constitute a core element in our country's frontline defense, and we must urgently bolster them in the face of a myriad of cybersecurity threats," said Acting DHS Secretary Kevin K. McAleenan. "DHS and this administration are committed to bold action. From enabling movement between the private and public sectors to supporting our workforce's training, education, and development, the president's action today sets the course to expand and sustain the workforce and ensure America keeps its competitive edge in the critical field of cybersecurity."
Under the executive order, the Department of Homeland Security will work with partners from around the federal government on several initiatives to strengthen the workforce. DHS will create the Federal Cybersecurity Rotational Program, in which IT and cybersecurity practitioners in the federal government can serve temporary assignments in DHS, sharing knowledge and cybersecurity best practices and undergoing training. DHS also will identify aptitude assessments for use in identifying current employees who would be excellent candidates to work in IT and cybersecurity.