Gartner recommends CISOs continue to build bench strength through innovative approaches to develop the security team ’ s capabilities . Meanwhile , the cybersecurity skills shortage has impacted 74 % of organisations , as revealed in the third global study of cybersecurity professionals by the Information Systems Security Association ( ISSA ). According to Cyber Security Ventures , 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs will be left unfulfilled by 2021 if the shortage is not resolved before then .

skills improvement , CyberKnight has signed Immersive Labs into its distribution portfolio . Immersive Labs is the world ’ s first fully interactive , on-demand and gamified cyberskills platform .

With Immersive Labs , regional cyberdefence teams can be empowered to prepare for cyberattacks using crisis simulations and hands-on challenge- based experiences . Blue Teams can defend against advanced malicious threats before they occur . With over 800 labs and courses , Immersive Labs keeps cybersecurity teams in touch with the latest tools and attack techniques .

As a launchpad for the CyberKnight and Immersive Labs partnership , an exclusive initiative was hosted , a Capture the Flag Competition ( CTF ), aimed at helping cybersecurity enthusiasts in the region test , upscale and enhance their cybersecurity skills including offensive and defensive capabilities .

The competition took place between August 23 and 29 2020 and was supported by leading system integrators in the region including MDS CPT in the UAE and its affiliate companies MDS CS in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ( KSA ), OBM in Oman , JBS in Jordan , as well as Security Matterz in KSA and IT Security C & T in Jordan .

Jake Alosco , Director – Global Channels , at Immersive Labs , said : “ To guarantee an organisation ’ s human readiness against the evolving cyberthreats , continuous challenges , scenarios and crisis simulations are required .

“ Through CyberKnight , we aim to help enterprises in the Middle East mitigate cyber-risk , while equipping themselves with real-world techniques and knowledge of threats .

“ CISOs now have a platform for cyberskills development that will measure , assess and fortify the education of their cyber talent .” •

INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS

INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS Issue 33

37