#USA #San Francisco #NightDragon #Billington Cybersecurity #Cyber Guild

Cybersecurity Leaders Unite to Strengthen Workforce Development

In an ambitious effort to bolster the cybersecurity landscape, several key organizations have come together to launch a coalition dedicated to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. This initiative is spearheaded by NightDragon, Billington CyberSecurity, The Cyber Guild, and Carahsoft. With cybersecurity constantly under threat from emerging risks, this coalition seeks to strengthen public-private collaboration and cultivate a workforce skilled enough to tackle these challenges head-on.

The Coalition's Vision

Dave DeWalt, the Founder and CEO of NightDragon, emphasizes that this coalition embodies an essential alignment needed in the realm of cybersecurity. He claims, “This coalition represents what cybersecurity needs right now—alignment between capital, community, capability, and cause.” By combining resources and knowledge, the coalition aims to dismantle existing silos and open up new pathways for individuals interested in entering the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

The coalition has outlined several strategic goals aimed at enhancing workforce engagement and promoting broader participation in cybersecurity. These goals include:

1. Raise Awareness and Engagement: Organizing educational forums, workforce summits, and community events focused on critical cybersecurity issues, inspiring increased participation across sectors.
2. Bridge the Cyber Talent Gap: Implement initiatives designed to develop, upskill, train, and mentor new cybersecurity professionals, ensuring they are adequately prepared to meet today’s challenges.
3. Foster Community and Belonging: Creating both virtual and physical platforms where cybersecurity professionals can connect, grow, and lead within the community.
4. Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging strategic collaborations among government agencies, industries, and academic institutions to boost national cyber resilience and drive innovation.

Initial Steps and Upcoming Events

This coalition is set to officially launch with a series of events coinciding with the RSA Conference 2025. Notable activities include the Carahsoft's RSA Public Sector Day on April 28 and the NightDragon Innovation Summit on April 29, 2025, where stakeholders will gather to share insights and discuss the future of cybersecurity.

Beyond the conference, the coalition envisions ongoing community engagement through:

• - Investments in Cyber Education Companies: NightDragon's investment strategy focuses on supporting emerging education platforms in cybersecurity to provide essential resources and training.
• - NightDragon Innovation Summit 2025: A pivotal gathering of over 600 executive leaders, innovators, and government officials discussing impactful ideas and strategies.
• - Cyber Guild Events: Events like the Employer Roundtable, promoting inclusive workforce practices, and Cyber Connect, focusing on career-building opportunities in cybersecurity.
• - Carahsoft’s Transition Support Seminar: Targeted at professionals transitioning from military or intelligence sectors, the seminar aims to illuminate career paths in cybersecurity.

This coalition will also facilitate programs such as the Cyber Guild Professional Protégé Mentor Program, designed to advance the careers of protégés and assist those making career transitions into cybersecurity roles.

Mountain of Work Ahead

As echoed by Thomas K. Billington, CEO of Billington CyberSecurity, the coalition is poised to expand the reach of initiatives aimed at addressing the cybersecurity workforce challenge. “We are excited to be part of this coalition, which expands our mission and reach to address workforce at scale,” he stated during the coalition's announcement.

In a similar vein, Debbie Sallis, the Founding Executive Director of The Cyber Guild noted, “Our mission has always been about building community to break down barriers, build bridges, and bring people into the cyber fold.” Their unified efforts are aimed at fostering a more resilient and empowered cybersecurity workforce.

Carahsoft also emphasized their role, with President Craig P. Abod stating, “We look forward to supporting events, training programs, and engagement efforts that build a safer, smarter cyber future.”

With a multitude of events, educational initiatives, and partnership opportunities being rolled out, the coalition is set to redefine the future of cybersecurity workforce development and enhance national security responsiveness. It’s an exciting time for individuals eager to step into this field as they will gain valuable insights and opportunities generated from this collaboration.

If you're interested in becoming part of this transformative initiative, or if you seek more information, please reach out to [email protected].

About the Coalition Members

Each organization involved in this initiative brings a wealth of expertise and resources:

• - NightDragon focuses on investment and advisory services for cybersecurity and privacy industries.
• - Billington CyberSecurity is a leader in cyber education, hosting summits that convene top cybersecurity professionals and governmental authorities.
• - The Cyber Guild is dedicated to creating a more inclusive cybersecurity workforce.
• - Carahsoft offers trusted IT solutions for public sector organizations to enhance their cybersecurity capabilities through collaboration.

Together, these organizations represent a formidable alignment of resources and influence aimed at defining the future of cybersecurity.