America needs well trained professionals working in cybersecurity roles. These professionals are critical in both private industry and the government for the security of individuals and the nation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity workforce through standardizing roles and helping to ensure we have well-trained cybersecurity workers today as well as a strong pipeline of future cybersecurity leaders of tomorrow.

Advancing the Cybersecurity Profession

The National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework is the foundation for increasing the size and capability of the U.S. cybersecurity workforce. It is a national resource that categorizes, organizes, and describes cybersecurity work. The National Cybersecurity Workforce Framework provides educators, students, employers, employees, training providers and policy makers with a system for organizing the way we think and talk about cybersecurity work, and what is required of the cybersecurity workforce. 

Additionally, DHS’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) serves as a national resource for cybersecurity awareness, education, training, and career opportunities. NICCS makes research and training information available through a robust, searchable catalog which allows users to find cyber training programs based on location, preferred delivery method, specialty area, or proficiency level. NICCS supports DHS’s objective to grow the cyber workforce by providing information about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and cyber-related degree programs, internship and scholarship opportunities, and cyber competitions and events.