In Search Of The Right Skills

There aren't enough soldiers or weapons to fight an increasingly escalating war against cyberattacks, and it could cause more fallout for businesses, according to recent studies by two technology vendors.

The studies, conducted by Intel Security and Kaspersky Lab, cite a lack of adequately skilled security professionals and a lack of sufficient investment by governments – both in the U.S. and in foreign countries – in cybersecurity education.

The results have clear implications for solution providers, especially those that provide managed security services.

"There is more demand than there is supply," said Ryan Barrett, vice president of information technology, security and privacy at solution provider Intermedia, based in Mountain View, Calif. Barrett is seeing that not only at his own company. He's heard similar stories at conferences and from industry experts. "It's a challenge."

Here are five insights from the Intel and Kaspersky studies.