Outgoing White House Cyber Director Advocates for Inclusive Cybersecurity Workforce Expansion

Harry Coker, the outgoing National Cyber Director, has emphasized the urgent need to bolster the U.S. cybersecurity workforce by adopting more inclusive hiring practices. He advocates for prioritizing skills over formal degrees to address the nearly 500,000 open cyber positions nationwide. Coker suggests that the federal government lead by example in implementing skills-based hiring, thereby broadening the talent pool to include individuals without four-year college degrees.

New York Post

This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration's National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy (NCWES), which aims to transition the federal Information Technology Management series to skills-based hiring by next summer. The NCWES outlines a comprehensive approach to developing a skilled and diverse cyber workforce, emphasizing collaborative workforce development ecosystems, lifelong pursuit of cyber skills, and greater diversity and inclusion.

White House

Coker also highlights the challenges posed by duplicative federal regulations, noting that they consume a significant portion of resources that could be better utilized in enhancing cybersecurity measures. He calls for streamlined, bipartisan legislation to address regulatory harmonization, thereby reducing the compliance burden on cybersecurity professionals.

New York Post

In addition to workforce expansion, the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) is finalizing proposals on software liability and exploring ways to scale successful cyber workforce solutions across educational ecosystems. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance the nation's cybersecurity posture and resilience.

Federal News Network

Coker's tenure as National Cyber Director has been marked by significant initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation's cybersecurity infrastructure. His departure underscores the ongoing need for sustained efforts in workforce development, regulatory reform, and strategic policy implementation to safeguard the nation's digital assets.