CompTIA Presents 2017 Excellence in Cybersecurity Awards

CompTIA Excellence in Cybersecurity CompTIA today announced its 2017 CompTIA Excellence in Cybersecurity Awards to Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Lisa Dorr, Director of Planning and Strength IT Work, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The CompTIA Awards for Excellence in Cyber Security recognize members of Congress and program managers of federal agencies who are making significant advances in the use of the federal resources wisely to improve the cyber security skills of those who work for Government of the United States.

The awards come at a time when cybersecurity occupies far more resources than ever before, according to a new survey of information technology (IT) professionals in the United States. More than 80 percent of IT professionals say cybersecurity is consuming more of their time than just one or two years ago; And 87 percent predict that the cyber threat landscape will only worsen.

"With our nation's workforce facing a serious cybersecurity skill deficit, our three winners are committed to ensuring that federal IT workers can meet the demands of the rapidly changing cyber-threat landscape," said Todd Thibodeaux, President and CEO. CEO of CompTIA. "With this sensitive data at risk, these honorees are leading the charge to ensure that government workers have the skills to do the job," he said. "The data are critical to government functions, making it a valuable resource that malicious actors have tried to exploit. And resources to protect federal systems now and in the future. "

IT professionals surveyed by CompTIA do not see a single silver bullet to allow the government to close the cyber-skills gap in the federal workforce. The best and most effective cybersecurity federal workforce will require a multifaceted approach, combining formal education, on-the-job training and change to workplace culture and compensation incentives.

The survey also reveals that

    Seventy-six percent of IT professionals believe that the government should offer more competitive wages and flexible work arrangements for its technology workers

    72 percent said the government should do a better job of identifying and promoting career paths for civilians and military of government cyber professionals

    61 percent said the government should improve or expand cybersquatting to offset education costs in exchange for government services

    59 percent said that government employers should be better educated and accept cyber professionals without 4-year university degrees.

About Excellence in Cyber Security

Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI)

Representative Langevin has been one of the House's key voices in cybersecurity issues through his leadership on the House Armed Services Committee's Emerging Threat Subcommittee and the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security. Rep. Langevin has promoted a competition introducing high school students to the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity and obtained funding to begin other workforce development initiatives. These proposals are crucial to ensuring that we fill the next generation of the cybernetic workforce.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD)

As chair of the Senate Cyber Security Subcommittee, Sen. Rounds has been instrumental in overseeing Department of Defense programs related to cybernetic forces and capabilities. Sen. Rounds also sponsored the DOD Cyber Scholarship Program Act, which seeks to modify and enhance an existing DOD scholarship program for students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity camps. Such a move would represent an important step towards supporting the country's continued need for a strong cybernetic workforce.

Lisa Dorr, Director of Planning and Development of the IT Task Force and Assistant Director of Personnel, Office of Information Security (OIS), United States Department of Health and Human Services

Lisa Dorr's work at the Department of Health and Human Services implementing the Federal Cyber Security Workforce Assessment Act has been a critical step in securing the personal information of millions of Americans. Through her leadership, Lisa has spearheaded HHS 'efforts to develop and implement vital cyber security policies and processes, implement smart workforce development strategies, and implement much-needed security training and awareness-raising to increase protections Through the most delicate networks of the department.

About the CompTIA survey on excellence in cyber security

The CompTIA quantitative survey was administered to a sample of 370 US IT professionals involved in cybersecurity, with approximately half of the sample employed in the private sector and half of employees in the government sector. Data collection was carried out from 5 to 9 June 2017.

About CompTIA

The Computing Industry Association of Technology (CompTIA) is the voice of the information technology industry. CompTIA is dedicated to boosting industry growth through educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications and the promotion of public policy, with approximately 2,000 member companies, 3,000 academic and training partners and nearly 2 million certifications of you. Visit CompTIA Online, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About CompTIA Advocacy

Through its defense arm, CompTIA defends business and IT priorities of members affecting all IT companies, from small managed solution providers and software developers to large equipment manufacturers and service providers Of communications. CompTIA gives eyes, ears and a voice to technology companies, informing them of policy developments and providing the means to do something about it.