Cybersecurity: Federal Efforts are Under Way that May Address Workforce Challenges
Abstract
The federal government faces an ever-evolving array of cyber-based threats to its systems and information. Further, federal systems and networks are inherently at risk because of their complexity, technological diversity, and geographic dispersion, among other reasons. GAO has designated the protection of federal information systems as a government-wide high risk area since 1997. In 2001, GAO introduced strategic government-wide human capital management as another area of high risk. A key component of the governments ability to mitigate and respond to cyber threats is having a qualified, well-trained cybersecurity workforce. However, shortages in qualified cybersecurity professionals have been identified, which can hinder the government's ability to ensure an effective workforce. This statement discusses challenges agencies face in ensuring an effective cybersecurity workforce, recent initiatives aimed at improving the federal cyber workforce, and ongoing activities that could assist in recruiting and retaining cybersecurity professionals. In preparing this statement, GAO relied on published work related to federal cybersecurity workforce efforts, and information reported by other federal and nonfederal entities focusing on cybersecurity workforce challenges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 04, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1150843
Entities
People
- Adam Vodraska
- Chris Businsky
- Daniel Wexler
- David Hong
- Franklin Jackson
- Lee Mccracken
- Luis L. Rodriguez
- Merry Woo
- Nick Marinos
- Tammi Kalugdan
- William Cook
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office