Until the acknowledged shortage of skilled security professionals can be solved, support for existing professionals is important. Cross functional teams could be the answer when looking to maintain compliance with industry standards.

The shortage of cybersecurity professionals has a significant impact on the ability of organizations to effectively assess their security posture against industry standards. Here are some key areas where this shortage is felt:

Delayed Assessments:

• Insufficient resources: With fewer qualified personnel, organizations may struggle to allocate the necessary time and expertise to conduct thorough security assessments.
• Backlog of assessments: This can lead to a backlog of assessments, delaying the identification and remediation of vulnerabilities.

Reduced Accuracy:

• Lack of expertise: Without experienced cybersecurity professionals, assessments may be less accurate and comprehensive, potentially missing critical vulnerabilities.
• Over reliance on tools: Organizations may rely heavily on automated tools without sufficient human oversight, leading to false negatives or positives.

Difficulty in Interpreting Results:

• Complex standards: Understanding and interpreting complex security standards like NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001, or PCI DSS requires specialized knowledge and experience.
• Misalignment with business objectives: Cybersecurity professionals can help align security measures with an organization's specific business needs and risk tolerance.

Increased Risk of Breaches:

• Unidentified vulnerabilities: Delayed or inaccurate assessments can leave organizations exposed to cyber threats, increasing the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
• Difficulty in prioritizing remediation: Without a clear understanding of the most critical vulnerabilities, organizations may struggle to allocate resources effectively for remediation.

Compliance Challenges:

• Non-compliance: Organizations may face regulatory fines and penalties if they fail to meet compliance requirements due to inadequate security assessments.
• Reputational damage: A data breach or non-compliance can severely damage an organization's reputation.

In summary, the shortage of cybersecurity professionals poses a significant challenge to organizations seeking to assess and improve their security posture.

What can be done?

"Cross-functional teams are essential for addressing today's complex cybersecurity and compliance challenges. By fostering collaboration between departments, these teams can significantly reduce the time frames for conducting compliance assessments. For instance, a recent study found that organizations with well-established cross-functional teams experienced a [X%] reduction in compliance audit turnaround times.

To support these teams, organizations must invest in effective tools and technology, such as Risk View DESIGNER. These tools can automate routine tasks, provide real-time threat intelligence, and streamline identification compliance workflows.

While autonomy for security professionals is crucial, it's important to strike a balance between empowerment and oversight. By providing security teams with the necessary resources and authority, organizations can foster innovation and accountability. However, it's equally important to establish clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms to ensure that security decisions align with overall business objectives and regulatory requirements.