Growing up surrounded by cutting edge technology sparks a skill set that is heavily sought after in the private and government sectors. The generation gap is evident when it comes to technology. Especially as the youth today are born into using the technology and other generations had to learn and adapt. But who needs these tech savvy individuals more? The private sector is capable of catching these proficient individuals with impressive salaries, relaxed dress codes, and fun working environments. The government faces the issue of retraining their IT professionals as they have been used to using legacy technological platforms that are at times outdated to newer technology that is available. But of course, newer tech is also much more expensive.

How can the government compete? Eric Trexler, Vice President of Global Governments and Critical Infrastructure at Forcepoint, has a creative solution to what he dubbed the “brain drain.” The government is aware that many of the active openings in the realm of cybersecurity that there aren’t enough professionals to fill the positions. Trexler provides 4 key insightful ideas to ensure the government is doing all in its power to remain a formidable player in the realm.

First, it is imperative to establish a Cybersecurity “National Guard” to mitigate short-term and immediate problems. The government needs a “homegrown workforce” to address specific threats in regards to the scope of U.S. national security. By creating the homegrown workforce the government will provide reputable training for a set period of time and in return the individual will be part of the “National Guard” for the equivalent period of time.

Second, to ensure the professionals do not leave to private sector, Trexler suggests retraining professionals in other fields to enter the government sphere as a cybersecurity experts. As there is a large pool of individuals making minimum wage and willing to learn a new skill the government can turn to these individuals to recruit, retrain, and retain to solve U.S. cybersecurity issues.

Third, many of the critical cyber security processes needed require several hours of constant monitoring. This can take away key personnel from doing other critical tasks to securing cyber infrastructure at any capacity. Many of these processes should be automated in order to relieve personnel to increase employee productivity. When personnel know they won’t have to be stuck performing mundane tasks they are more likely to feel valued and stay at an organization.

Fourth, reducing redundancy by centralizing cybersecurity under one agency is necessary. Trexler states, “the government should consider centralizing all cybersecurity efforts under one roof, not just personnel management.” Together it will improve productivity and increase success in security U.S. cybersecurity infrastructure overall.

More creativity is needed to prepare the U.S. for the future to come. Praescient is proud to partner with Forcepoint as many of their individuals are leading the way to improve U.S. capabilities in cybersecurity. The entire team at Forcepoint is ensuring that the U.S. does not fall behind and is constantly trying to implement necessary disruptive ideas that make sense in government. Many have dubbed the need to prepare for the fifth estate or the grey war. Especially when it comes to matching the capabilities of U.S. adversaries, we need to think outside the box and retain the best of brains. Thanks to ExecutiveBiz on featuring individuals ahead of the curve!