Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act Aims to Expand Federal workforce
Table of Contents
WASHINGTON D.C. – In a strategic move to bolster national security,Representative nancy Mace of South Carolina introduced the Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act on Thursday. The bill seeks to dismantle degree-centric hiring practices within federal agencies, prioritizing demonstrable skills and experience in the critical field of cybersecurity.
Addressing the Cybersecurity Talent gap
Representative Mace, who chairs the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation, collaborated with Representative Shontel Brown of Ohio on this legislation. The core objective is to broaden the applicant pool for cybersecurity positions by removing outdated educational prerequisites. This comes as the nation faces an escalating number of cyber threats and a persistent shortage of qualified professionals.
As cyber threats against our government continue to grow,we need to make sure our federal agencies hire the most qualified candidates,not just those with traditional degrees,” Mace stated.“This bill cuts red tape, opens doors to skilled Americans without a four-year diploma but with the expertise to get the job done, and strengthens our nation’s cybersecurity workforce.
Did You Know? The United States faces a cybersecurity workforce gap of nearly 770,000 professionals, according to CyberSeek, a National Institute of Standards and Technology initiative [CyberSeek].
Building on Previous Legislative Efforts
This latest initiative builds upon Representative Mace’s previous efforts to reform federal hiring practices. In 2024, she championed the Access Act, which aimed to eliminate degree requirements for federal contract work, recognizing that valuable skills frequently enough exist outside traditional academic pathways. A version of the Access Act remains under consideration in the Senate.
Moreover, the Cybersecurity Hiring modernization Act expands on the groundwork laid by the modernizing the acquisition of Cybersecurity Experts Act, introduced by Mace in the previous congressional session. These successive legislative pushes demonstrate a sustained commitment to modernizing the federal workforce.
Key Provisions of the Act
The Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act mandates that the Office of Personnel management (OPM) annually update minimum qualification standards for cybersecurity roles.It also requires the OPM to compile and publish data on the educational backgrounds of individuals newly hired into these positions. The legislation specifically targets positions within the GS-2210 Information Technology Management series and other roles aligned with the National initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework.
Pro Tip: The NICE framework provides a common language for describing cybersecurity work and helps organizations define roles, skills, and training needs. [NIST NICE Framework]
Executive Order Alignment and Bipartisan Support
The bill’s introduction follows a 2021 executive order issued by former President donald Trump, which prioritized advancements in software security, artificial intelligence risks, and post-quantum encryption. Mace’s office believes the act will not only enable agencies to recruit skilled professionals but also advance the goals outlined in the former president’s executive order.
Representative Brown echoed this sentiment, stating, I’m proud to co-lead the Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act with Subcommittee Chair Mace, legislation to remove outdated hiring policies, expand workforce opportunities to a wider pool of talented applicants, and help agencies hire the staff that they need.
The bipartisan support underscores the widespread recognition of the need to address the cybersecurity talent shortage.
| Legislation | Year | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Access Act | 2024 | Removing degree requirements for federal contract work |
| Modernizing the Acquisition of Cybersecurity Experts Act | 2023 | Strengthening federal cybersecurity workforce acquisition |
| Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act | 2025 | Prioritizing skills-based hiring for federal cybersecurity positions |
What steps can federal agencies take to proactively attract and retain cybersecurity talent beyond legislative changes? How will this bill impact the diversity of the cybersecurity workforce?
The Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape
the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to surge globally,driven by the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks and the expanding digital footprint of businesses and governments. The shift towards remote work and cloud computing has further exacerbated the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Skills in areas like cloud security,threat intelligence,and incident response are especially sought after.
The traditional emphasis on four-year degrees is increasingly being challenged as employers recognize the value of alternative credentials,such as certifications and bootcamps,which can provide focused,practical training. This trend is reflected in the growing adoption of skills-based hiring practices across various industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act? This act aims to remove degree requirements for certain federal cybersecurity positions,prioritizing skills and experience.
- Who sponsored the Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act? Representatives Nancy Mace and Shontel Brown are the primary sponsors.
- Why is this bill crucial for cybersecurity? It addresses the critical shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals by expanding the applicant pool.
- What does the bill require of the OPM? The OPM must update qualification standards and collect data on the educational backgrounds of new hires.
- What is the NICE framework? The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework provides a standardized approach to defining cybersecurity roles and skills.
We encourage you to share this important news with your network and join the conversation about building a stronger, more skilled cybersecurity workforce. Your thoughts and feedback are valuable - please leave a comment below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.
