Educational Strategies and Initiatives to Address the Cyber security Talent Gap

A Look at Current Initiatives and Future Pathways

As the cyber security talent gap widens, education is key to tackling this global challenge. The shortage is acutely felt in Japan and innovative strategies are being implemented to nurture the next generation of cyber security professionals. But are these efforts enough to bridge the gap?

One standout initiative is the Registered Information Security Specialist (RISS) certification mentioned in the earlier blog post. While it aims to build a qualified workforce, its high difficulty level and limited practical applicability have hindered its broader adoption. Addressing these issues could make RISS a more effective tool in workforce development.

Beyond certifications, systemic changes in education are crucial. Japan’s Council for the Creation of Future Education has set an ambitious goal to increase science and engineering undergraduates from 35% to 50%. This includes expanding university programs in digital-related fields, with 26 universities adding information-related departments in 2023. While these efforts are promising, capacity constraints are still an obstacle, as applications to information-related departments have surged by 34% over a decade, outpacing available spots.

High schools and technical colleges are also stepping up. The National Institute of Technology (KOSEN) has pioneered cyber security education through its K-SEC program, offering a structured, tiered curriculum. This model provides basic security education for all its 50,000 students, intermediate training for 20%, and advanced skills for the top 1%. Expanding this approach to high schools and universities could significantly boost the nation’s talent pool.

However, foundational education still lags. Elementary and middle schools—critical stages for sparking interest—rarely incorporate cyber security concepts. While the GIGA School Initiative has equipped all the elementary school students with digital devices, cyber literacy is still notably absent. Public-private collaboration could fill this gap by creating engaging curricula and using industry expertise.

Globally, 72% of surveyed parents in the UK and USA cite limited exposure to cyber security in schools as a key reason for the talent shortage. To counter this, Japan can learn from international examples. For instance, the UK’s CyberFirst program emphasizes early exposure and offers a clear pathway from awareness to professional skills.

This brings us to the third post, which will explore how Japan can adapt and adopt lessons from the UK’s successful model.

Collaborate with Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) to integrate cyber security into education at all levels and inspire the next generation of professionals. NCD provides opportunities to empower individuals launch their career in cyber security. Contact us to learn how we can work with your institution.

Keiichi Hori

Executive Advisor @ Nihon Cyber Defence

Keiichi Hori

Executive Advisor @ Nihon Cyber Defence

Current Deputy Secretary-General of JANE, Hori strengthens Japan’s defence and tech collaboration through expertise in national security, diplomacy, and technology.

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