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The power of allyship and mentorship
“Annus horribilis,” the Latin phrase for “a disaster year,” was how the HIPAA Journal described the breach performance of the healthcare industry in 2024. The wording may seem harsh, but when you peel the cyberattack numbers, it's quite fitting. The healthcare industry accounted for nearly a quarter of cyberattacks (23%) Kroll handled in 2024, making it the most breached sector. For more context, around 2 in 10 (18%) healthcare companies were breached in 2023, per Kroll.
For example, the National Health Service (NHS) had its fair share of ransomware misfortunes in June and December 2024. The ransomware attack in June 2024 was fatal: it caused the cancellation of 3,000 hospital appointments. As the ransomware attack on the NHS in June 2024 shows, cyber hygiene is paramount to survival in the new interconnected digital world.
Despite the importance of digital security, the cybersecurity industry lacks “hands”. For instance, in 2024, ISC2 revealed that the cybersecurity workforce needs 10.2 million employees, up from 9.5 million the previous year, to address the talent shortage. Similarly, in the UK, almost half (43%) of small and medium-sized enterprises have been unable to hire cybersecurity support.
Reasons for Talent Shortage in Cybersecurity
If you ask two hiring managers about the job scarcity in the cybersecurity industry, you'll likely hear different reasons.
Both managers, however, will likely highlight the lack of entry-level cyber roles as a detrimental factor. Per Kaspersky, over 7 in 10 employers prefer to promote internal workers than hire a new one, while over 5 in 10 (53%) employers hire external seasoned professionals. In both cases, unproven talents will likely struggle to get a cybersecurity job.
How Mentorship Can Bridge the Cybersecurity Talent Gap
For newbies, cybersecurity—the industry and gaining technical knowledge—can be daunting. Fletus Poston (SANS instructor candidate) put the experience this way: “It can be hard to know where to start in the #cybersecurity field.”
Mentorship, however, can smoothen the experience, especially for starters and junior professionals. Mentorship programs can connect aspiring cybersecurity specialists with seasoned professionals to improve technical knowledge and other relevant soft skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving attitude.
As Fletus pointed out, knowing where to start is a real headache for many cybersecurity professionals. However, mentorship programs can improve specialization thanks to mentors’ vast experience and knowledge about the information security industry. Mentors can draw on trends to guide junior cybersecurity professionals to make informed career decisions. In 2022, organizations that prioritized mentorship programs were least likely to have staff shortages.
How to Improve Mentorship and Allyship Outcomes
Successful mentorship outcomes aren't automatic. It requires mentors and mentees to be in sync. Here are tips for improving mentorship and allyship outcomes:
1. Choose the right mentor
Experienced professionals are ideal mentors. But more importantly, they must have a heart for guiding people. Therefore, check that your potential mentor is experienced and has a track record of guiding professionals.
2. Define your goals
This will help you streamline the required activities and evaluate your progress with your mentor.
3. Communication is a must
Effective communication builds trust, clarifies expectations with your mentor, and enhances collaboration.
techUK’s TechTogether campaign, taking place throughout March, is a collection of activities highlighting the UK’s technology sector pursuit to shape a more equitable future. In 2025 we are exploring: Inclusive AI, investing in diverse founders and entrepreneurs, the power of allyship and mentorship, and empowering young people.
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Dr Iretioluwa Akerele
Dr. Iretioluwa Akerele is a cybersecurity leader. With over a decade of experience in Cybersecurity, she has excelled in the field and also carved a path for others to follow. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Akerele's impact shines brightest in her role as a mentor and advocate for diversity in cybersecurity. As a career coach, she has been a guiding light for countless beginners, nurturing their talents and empowering them to realize their full potential in the field. Driven by her unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, Dr. Akerele co-founded CyBlack, a vibrant cybersecurity community dedicated to empowering Black professionals globally. Dr Akerele is also an advisory board member of Cybersafe Foundation, an organization focused on protecting the most vulnerable individuals and businesses from cyber-attacks. Dr. Akerele is a director at Cybarik Limited. She is passionate about supporting organizations to improve their security posture. Additionally, she has supported several individuals by empowering them with the relevant skills to compete in the cybersecurity job market.