Top cybersecurity talent retention requires a good office environment

While expertise is essential, the atmosphere and leadership play pivotal roles in talent retention.

Supportive work environment in the competitive landscape of cybersecurity is needed to retain top-tier cybersecurity talents, according to Dr Mart Noorma, NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence’s Director.

In an interview during the Australian Cyber Conference, Noorma said that in navigating the global talent hunt, especially in sectors like IoT and cybersecurity, it's crucial for organisations to offer roles that have a broader purpose.

“In order to attract the most advanced, inspired people with the best capabilities, your organisation has to provide them with jobs that are really inspiring, changing the world, making the world a better place, and doing something really great,” he said.

Noorma emphasised that whilst skill frameworks are excellent for recruitment, people often quit jobs due to a bad boss or office environment.

“I believe that it's much more important that we have a supportive environment and we have a specialty, inspirational leadership, and community around our jobs. And then people want to stay there as well,” he added.

He stressed that with cybersecurity becoming a global focal point, organisations are keen to secure the best minds in the field, however, collaboration remains as a potent tool against cyber threats.

“Our cause is cyber defense, collective cyber defense, so our nations will be able to support each other in time of need, and be able to face cyber threats as a coalition,” he said.