Project Cyber Ready

What happens when the cybersecurity talent pipeline itself starts to shrink?

In this episode of Project Cyber Ready, I’m continuing our four-part series by sitting down with Will Markow, founder of FourOne Insights and the developer behind CyberSeek, to take a closer look at the data behind the cybersecurity workforce and what it tells us about the future of the talent pipeline.

We’ve heard the headlines about hundreds of thousands of open cybersecurity jobs, but what do those numbers actually tell us? Will and I unpack the data behind the commonly cited workforce shortage figures and explore the difference between job openings, actual supply and demand, and the realities facing early-career versus experienced cybersecurity professionals.

So what does this mean for employers, job seekers, educators, and workforce organizations?

In Part 2, The Supply Gap: Why the Talent Pipeline Is About to Shrink, I explore the forces reshaping the cybersecurity workforce and the challenges we need to address before the pipeline contracts even further.

Will and I also discuss skills-based hiring, including how removing unnecessary bachelor’s degree requirements can expand the talent pool and reduce hiring costs. We talk about how traditional HR processes can create barriers for qualified candidates and how AI is changing the hiring process by making it easier for candidates to apply—and harder for employers to identify true proficiency.

We also explore what employers can gain by looking beyond traditional credentials and investing in talent-friendly practices like mentorship, personalized skills development, and stretch assignments—and how these approaches can impact hiring, retention, and the cost of building a cybersecurity team.

The cybersecurity workforce isn't standing still. Between changing hiring practices, AI, shifting employer needs, and the challenges facing the talent pipeline, we're entering a new phase—and understanding what the data is really telling us is an important first step toward preparing for what's next.

This is Part 2 of our four-part Project Cyber Ready series.

Join me and Will Markow as we dig into the data, look beyond the headlines, and explore what employers and communities can do to build a stronger cybersecurity workforce pipeline.

🎧 Listen in and let’s keep the conversation going.

Connect & Join the Movement:

• Website: https://wecyberup.org/
• LinkedIn: Connect with Tony Bryan | Connect with Will Markow
• Subscribe: Hit follow on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode in our 4-pillar rotation.

What happens when “job-ready” means different things to educators and employers?

In this episode of Project Cyber Ready, I’m kicking off a four-part series exploring one of the biggest challenges I see in the cybersecurity workforce: the broken handoff between training and hiring.

We have a massive and growing cybersecurity training ecosystem producing tens of thousands of candidates each year. At the same time, employers are navigating a very different reality—one shaped by risk, compliance requirements, changing hiring practices, and the need for measurable, immediately applicable skills.

So why aren't those two sides connecting more effectively?

In Part 1, The Broken Handoff: When “Job-Ready” Gets Lost in Translation, I unpack the different realities facing employers and educators, how advisory boards can unintentionally create isolated pockets of readiness, and why localized feedback doesn't always translate across the broader job market.

I also share three steps I believe can help us start bridging that divide:

1. Shift from opinions to frameworks. Use established frameworks like NIST/NICE, CMMC, and CIS Controls to create a shared language around cybersecurity skills.
2. Standardize around regional market demands. Establish a common baseline for entry-level cybersecurity roles while still accounting for the unique workforce needs of each community.
3. Share resources across pathways. Find ways for universities, community colleges, workforce organizations, and training providers to share resources, hands-on environments, and knowledge rather than operating in silos.

We don't need to eliminate advisory boards or industry collaboration. We need to make those connections clearer, more objective, and more scalable.

This is Part 1 of our four-part Project Cyber Ready series.

Join me as we look at what it will take to build a stronger connection between cybersecurity education, employers, and the workforce.

🎧 Listen in and let’s keep the conversation going.


Connect & Join the Movement:

• Website: https://wecyberup.org/
• LinkedIn: Connect with Tony Bryan
• Subscribe: Hit follow on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode in our 4-pillar rotation.

Welcome back! If you noticed a new title and artwork in your podcast feed today, you are in the right place. We are officially evolving from LevelUp Cyber to Project Cyber Ready.Over the past year, Executive Director Tony Bryan and the CyberUp team have been doing deep work on the ground—listening to employers, educators, and community leaders to answer a critical question: Why are traditional workforce models failing both companies and candidates in a post-AI world?The answer became crystal clear: We don't have a technology problem in cybersecurity—we have a readiness problem.In this relaunch episode, Tony breaks down why CyberUp is expanding its vision to address total regional readiness by connecting what everyone else separates: protecting our communities, sharpening workforce development, and delivering Day-1 ready talent to employers.In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The Core Shift: Why cybersecurity isn't just an IT problem—it’s an economic resilience and safety issue.
• Expanding PowerUp: How we’re protecting the entire community spectrum, from birth-to-5 youth safety to shielding seniors (65+) from digital scams.
• Dialing In LevelUp: Why the traditional "entry-level" cyber role is dead, and how targeted, 30-day skill sprints produce Day-1 ready hires.
• The 4-Pillar Rotation: What to expect from Project Cyber Ready moving forward across Industry, Education, Community, and Leadership.

Connect & Join the Movement:

• Website: https://wecyberup.org/
• LinkedIn: Connect with Tony Bryan
• Subscribe: Hit follow on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode in our 4-pillar rotation.

PowerUp your community. LevelUp your workforce. Stay cyber ready.

Join host Tony Bryan, Executive Director of CyberUp, as he sits down with cybersecurity expert Sairam Durgaraju for an in-depth discussion on Multi-Factor Authentication.

In this episode, they'll dive deep into the importance of MFA, explore its various methods, and uncover how this essential security measure can safeguard your digital identity against modern threats.

From practical tips to real-world applications, Sairam will provide valuable insights and expert advice to help you stay secure in an increasingly digital world.

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that will elevate your understanding of cybersecurity!

Join host Tony Bryan, Executive Director of CyberUp, and special guest Jessica Cassidy, OPCyberTalent Practice Lead, as they discuss LinkedIn Best Practices and their intersection with cybersecurity careers. Discover tips to enhance your profile, build meaningful connections, and position yourself as a cybersecurity professional ready for the challenges of the digital age.

Don’t miss this opportunity to level up your career strategy! Tune in now. 
#Cybersecurity #LevelUpCyber #LinkedInBestPractices

Join host Tony Bryan, Executive Director of CyberUp, as he welcomes Steve Zalewski, Cybersecurity Advisor at S3 Consulting and former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Levi Strauss & Co., for an exciting episode.

Get an exclusive peek into the world of a CISO as Steve shares how to tackle today’s biggest cyber threats, practical advice for professionals aiming to break into or grow in the cybersecurity field and answers to the questions you’ve always wanted to ask a CISO!

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights and actionable tips you won’t want to miss.

Get ready for an exciting and insightful episode of the LevelUp Cyber show! Join host Tony Bryan, Executive Director of CyberUp, as he sits down with Special Guest Susan Klement, CISSP, PMP, Cybersecurity Lead at AT&T, for an engaging conversation titled: "The Non-Technical Side of Cyber"

Discover the human, strategic, and leadership aspects of cybersecurity that are just as crucial as the technical ones.

In this special episode, host Tony Bryan sits down with cybersecurity expert James Bierly to discuss the top 5 best practices every organization needs to adopt to stay secure in today's digital landscape. From proactive threat detection to strengthening data protection, Tony and James break down actionable strategies that can protect businesses from costly breaches and cyber threats.

Don’t miss this deep dive into essential practices that could make all the difference for your organization’s security. 

Get ready for an exciting episode of The LevelUp Cyber Show featuring Tony Bryan, Executive Director of CyberUp, and special guest Travis Nichols, Director of Information Security at Shelter Insurance!

Join us as we dive into Travis Nichols' inspiring journey, from his early days as a trucker to becoming a senior leader in cybersecurity. Discover how his unique background shaped his perspective on cybersecurity and hear insights on making a successful transition into this high-demand field.

Whether you’re a cybersecurity pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable advice, actionable tips, and inspiring stories for everyone. Don’t miss it!

Did You Miss My LinkedIn Live on Cybersecurity Awareness? Catch the Replay!

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tom Kirkham, Founder and CEO of Kirkham IronTech, for an incredible LinkedIn Live discussion on the fundamentals of cybersecurity awareness. Together, we broke down the essential steps everyone should take to protect themselves and their organizations from today’s evolving cyber threats.

Tom shared valuable insights and practical tips that are easy to implement right away. If you couldn’t join us live, don’t worry—you can still catch the replay!

Watch it now and take control of your cybersecurity.

#Cybersecurity #CyberAwareness #LevelUpCyber #SkillsBasedHiring #CybersecurityFundamentals #CyberUp