Closing the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

Small financial institutions, such as community banks and credit unions, face unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity. One of the biggest challenges is the shortage of cybersecurity professionals with the necessary skills to secure their systems and data. I mean, have you ever tried to find a good cybersecurity expert? It’s like finding a needle in a haystack! And for small financial institutions, it can be even more difficult. They often have limited budgets and resources to allocate toward cybersecurity initiatives which can make it difficult to attract top talent.

Why does the cybersecurity skills shortage matter? Well, for starters, financial institutions face many challenges such as the need to comply with strict regulations, protect sensitive customer data, and defend against a constantly evolving threat landscape. Without skilled cybersecurity professionals, these institutions may struggle to protect their systems from cyber threats, which can lead to reputational damage, financial losses, and regulatory fines.

There are several solutions that small financial institutions can implement to address the cybersecurity skills shortage, such as:

• Outsourcing cybersecurity tasks to third-party providers can be a great way to access skilled professionals and advanced technologies without incurring the costs of hiring full-time staff. It’s a cost-effective solution that can help bridge the skills gap and improve the overall security posture.
  
  
• Investing in employee training and development programs can be a great way to upskill existing staff. This can include cybersecurity awareness training, certifications, and on-the-job training. By investing in their employees, small financial institutions can help to protect systems from cyber threats.
  
  
• Small financial institutions should collaborate with other organizations in the industry to share best practices and resources. By joining industry groups and associations, attending conferences and workshops, and participating and cybersecurity exercises and drills, these institutions can stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in cybersecurity.
  
  
• Automation technologies can help small financial institutions streamline cybersecurity tasks and reduce the workload on staff. This can include security information and event management (SIEM) tools, endpoint protection, and intrusion detection and prevention systems.

In conclusion, the cybersecurity skills shortage is a real issue for small financial institutions, but it’s not insurmountable. By outsourcing cybersecurity tasks, investing in employee training, collaborating with other organizations, and implementing automation technologies, these institutions, can make significant strides to secure their environment. For those institutions that need extra help, Bedel Security offers a range of services and solutions to meet their unique needs. Send us an email at support@bedelsecurity.com to learn more.

Additional Resources:

Where to start?
https://www.bedelsecurity.com/blog/where-to-start

The 1 Thing You Can Do to Improve Your Cybersecurity Program
https://www.bedelsecurity.com/blog/the-1-thing-you-can-do-to-improve-your-cybersecurity-program

Should Financial Institutions Have a BISO Program?
https://www.bedelsecurity.com/blog/should-financial-institutions-have-a-biso-program