8 Steps for Building an IT Security Career Path Program

Cybersecurity professionals are in steep demand, given the projected shortfall of 1.8 million workers by 2022. But organizations can both retain their coveted cybersecurity team members so they don't get hired away, as well as attract new talent amid competing job offers - by creating a career path program.

A majority of companies don't provide such a program for their cybersecurity team, according to IT security career experts. But it's a key tool to keep in-house security talent fulfilled and challenged in their jobs, and to help recruit additional talent.

"The number one reason people leave their jobs today is their company doesn't take security seriously. What this means is that they don't have a plan, which includes a career path plan too," says Deidre Diamond, founder and CEO of Cyber Security Networks.

Career path programs show existing employees the role they currently hold within the organization and potential positions they may later ascend into through promotions or other moves, depending upon their interests, say cybersecurity career experts. It also gives prospective employees a view of their security career opportunities at an organization. 

Here are eight steps for creating a cybersecurity career-path program.