CXO INSIGHT

Can you tell me more about The Exclusive Academy and what it offers ?

In response to the global cyberskills and talent shortage , in October 2022 we launched Exclusive Academy , a global three-year cybersecurity training programme to train the next-generation of cyber talent .

Each year , 20 participants will receive practical hands-on-experience , as well as theoretical training from highly qualified and operational cyber experts , resulting in high-level qualifications . We realised that only 15 % of cybersecurity professionals in the world attained their position through cybersecurity training and decided to take action to address this .

How can organisations tackle the digital skills gap ?

To date , we ’ ve left education to our governments and educators , but I see an opportunity for companies to get involved , as they know the skills they need and are adept at innovating . Additionally , companies need to equip existing staff with the tools to develop and expand their capabilities , i . e . offering training and skills programmes in areas such as data science and AI . Tapping into talent outside of the usual recruitment pools is another way of tackling the deficit , for example hiring people without a college education or from minority groups drives innovation and results .

Does there need to be international collaboration in the fight against cybercrime ?

Powerfully , we ’ ve managed to move from an IT stronghold to a more business-oriented environment , partnering with the likes of the

International Chamber of Commerce ( ICC ) and the Cybersecurity Coalition Belgium to address cybersecurity challenges in the industry and share our expertise with a wider audience .

Yes , given the transnational nature of cybercrime , effective combatting and investigating requires international co-operation between countries . And this high-level of co-operation needs public / private partnerships , as the private sector is responsible for developing cybersecurity products , while the public sector accounts for the national interest . This high-level of co-operation will meet current and growing needs and establish innovative ways to overcome barriers .

What trends will there be in the cybersecurity landscape in 2023 ?

With projections that a ransomware attack will happen every two seconds by 2031 , rising geopolitical tensions and a cyberskills and talent shortage – in 2023 we expect investment in cybersecurity to remain a top priority for CIOs . Another prediction is that ChatGPT will increasingly pose a security threat , given that it will make crafting phishing emails easier and put sensitive queries in the chatbot at risk .

Finally , we will see the role of AI in cybersecurity increase . The technology ’ s ability to provide rapid insights and reduce response times – will be leveraged by more businesses globally .

ANOTHER PREDICTION IS THAT CHATGPT WILL INCREASINGLY POSE A SECURITY THREAT , GIVEN THAT IT WILL MAKE CRAFTING PHISHING EMAILS EASIER AND PUT SENSITIVE QUERIES IN THE CHATBOT AT RISK .

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