The Value of Experience in Cybersecurity: Why Governments Should Invest Wisely
Cybersecurity is a field that evolves rapidly, requiring constant updates and learning to keep up with new threats. This means that the value of experienced cybersecurity experts cannot be underestimated. Governments often have the task of maintaining the security of multiple countries, a complex and demanding task that requires exceptional expertise. In this article, we will explore the argument that the government should not merely pay a sum of 75,000 for a short-term engagement but rather invest in long-term strategic partnerships and expertise.
Why Short-Term Engagement Is Not Sufficient
One of the most significant challenges in cybersecurity is its rapid evolution. Threats can change rapidly, and what is deemed secure today may be vulnerable tomorrow. Therefore, it is crucial for cybersecurity experts to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Simply transferring decades of knowledge in a short time is practically impossible. An experienced cybersecurity expert often has a wealth of knowledge accumulated over many years, built through various projects, incidents, and experiences. This accumulation of knowledge is irreplaceable and cannot be quickly replicated by junior or even mid-level experts.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Long-Term Hiring
Instead of paying a rather modest sum of 75,000 per year for a short-term engagement, governments should consider hiring experienced experts on a long-term basis. This approach offers several advantages:
Consistent Availability: A long-term hire ensures that the security team has consistent access to the knowledge and expertise of the cybersecurity expert. This reduces the need for constant training and re-synthesis of knowledge.
Strategic Mentoring: Mentoring and knowledge transfer can be more effective in the long run. An experienced expert can guide less experienced team members, creating a more cohesive and capable security team over time.
Problem-Solving Capacity: Handling complex and sensitive cybersecurity issues requires depth and breadth of experience. Short-term hires may struggle to offer the level of insight and long-term view required to address these issues effectively.
Hiring only one expert or a couple of freshers to the field at 75,000 per year cannot match the depth of knowledge of a mature cybersecurity expert. Cybersecurity professionals these days are not cheap, and 75,000 is well below the market rate. The value of experienced cybersecurity experts is significantly higher, especially when considering the long-term benefits of reducing risks, avoiding costly incidents, and maintaining a robust security posture.
Government Spending on Cybersecurity Experts
Consider the perspective of government spending. Most governments already have a core of skilled cybersecurity experts who are well-compensated for their expertise. Paying for multiple times the 75,000 annually to their own experts is a more practical and cost-effective approach than bringing in mythical “outside experts.” The core team is already well-established and can be leveraged effectively with strategic hires or partnerships.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the government should not merely pay a sum of 75,000 for a short-term engagement but instead should invest in long-term strategic partnerships and hires. The value of experienced cybersecurity experts in maintaining and enhancing the security of multiple countries cannot be overstated. By doing so, governments can ensure that their security teams are well-equipped to handle the myriad challenges of the modern digital landscape.