CISA Releases Guide Signaling New Approach to Cybersecurity Recruitment

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency on Friday released new guidance to cybersecurity workers emphasizing recent changes in the government’s approach to defending against cybercrime and other malicious online activities. In a press release, CISA called its new guide a one-stop-shop for information and resources to help professionals start or advance their careers in cybersecurity through training.

The guide’s release is timed alongside the Department of Homeland Security’s launch of a new Cyber Talent Management System that offers more pay flexibility for hiring managers and does not rely on the USAjobs website. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, CISA Director Jen Easterly and CISA Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity Eric Goldstein confirmed the new hiring approach during the recruitment of prospective employees at the recent Black Hat and DefCon hacker conferences.

Mayorkas told the Black Hat audience that the new recruitment policy for cyber workers is being launched on short order. He emphasized that the modern outlook on human resources will give the government more flexibility to hire the very best cyber talent and ensure agencies can compete more effectively with the private sector.

The Cyber Talent Management System will not be lacking in congressional oversight. A massive DHS reform bill from the House Homeland Security Committee would require annual reports to Congress tracking the success of the effort, NextGov reported Friday.

CISA’s latest guide offers a way for those thinking about entering the field, and those already in government, to align their interests with work categories in the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education framework.

Meanwhile, Goldstein the cybersecurity workforce is on the front lines of the nation’s security. She said the newly-released guide will help individuals identify a job track and pinpoint areas for growth.