The US government has pledged approximately $3.6 million in cooperative agreements to develop a cybersecurity workforce to protect businesses from cyber attacks. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will allocate funding to 18 education and community-centric organizations across 15 states to address the shortage of experienced cybersecurity professionals. This initiative will be overseen by NICE, a partner company between the US government, academia, and the private sector, focusing on cybersecurity education and workforce development. NIST Director Laurie E. Locascio expressed optimism about the impact of these grants on the future cybersecurity workforce, emphasizing the importance of training Americans for high-quality, well-paying jobs in the field.
The selected organizations will establish Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) cybersecurity education. These projects will align with the cybersecurity workforce framework needs of local businesses, firms, and nonprofit organizations, contributing to local and regional economic development. The CyberSeek tool, funded by NICE, revealed that there were over 448,000 cybersecurity job opportunities in the US between January 2023 and January 2024. Despite layoffs in the tech sector, job vacancies for cybersecurity professionals have grown significantly over the past decade, with 3.5 million unfilled roles in 2023. The US government’s pledge reflects the growing concern over cyber risks in the country, with organizations facing devastating consequences following data breaches and cyber attacks.
In response to the rising threat of cybercrime, the US government, through the NIST, has announced the establishment of the US Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (USAISI) to lead the nation’s efforts on AI safety and trust. The institute will evaluate advanced AI models and develop science-based guidelines and standards for AI measurement and policy. Key executive members, including the Director and Chief Technology Officer, were appointed to lead the USAISI. The creation of the AI Safety Institute Consortium, comprising over 200 organizations, will bring together government, industry, AI developers, and users to address the capabilities and risks associated with the next generation of AI models.
The prevalence of cybercrime has become a major concern for various industries globally, with organizations facing financial and reputational losses following cyber attacks. The US government’s investment in cybersecurity education and workforce development aims to address the shortage of experienced professionals in the field and mitigate the growing cyber risks facing businesses. Through initiatives like the RAMPS cybersecurity education projects, the government is aiming to create career pathways for Americans in cybersecurity and support local economic development. The collaboration between government agencies, academia, and the private sector underscores the importance of building a strong cybersecurity workforce to protect critical infrastructure and businesses from cyber threats.
The USAISI will play a crucial role in advancing AI safety and trust in the US, evaluating advanced AI models and developing guidelines and standards for AI measurement and policy. The establishment of the AI Safety Institute Consortium will facilitate collaboration between government, industry, and AI stakeholders to address the risks associated with AI technologies. By investing in AI safety and cybersecurity education, the US government is taking proactive steps to safeguard critical systems and mitigate the impact of cyber threats on businesses and society. The formation of alliances and partnerships in the cybersecurity and AI sectors highlights the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing emerging technological challenges and ensuring a secure digital future for all.
