Talent & skills
Tuesday 18 March 2025

DESCRIPTION

As the cybersecurity landscape grows more complex, the demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever. This workshop will address the critical talent and skills gaps in cybersecurity, focusing on the essential expertise needed to combat evolving threats. Led by Dimitri van Zantvliet, this session will explore strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. Participants will gain insights from a CISO’s real-world experience and engage in interactive discussions and breakout sessions on building a future-proof workforce, the power of mentorship, and upskilling to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap.

Plenary program

  • Setting the scene

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve with increasing complexity and sophistication, the demand for skilled professionals in this sector has never been greater. This workshop aims to address the critical talent and skills gaps that organizations face in securing their digital assets and infrastructure.

In this workshop, we will explore the current state of the cybersecurity workforce, identify the essential skills needed to combat emerging threats, and discuss strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent in this competitive field.

CISO Platform board member Dimitri van Zantvliet sets the scene for the workshop, by providing an overview of the importance of business continuity, the challenges in developing a solid strategy, and the responsibility of the CISO.

  • Inside information:

A CISO shares personal experiences and real-world insights. This presentation offers a hands-on perspective on talent development in a large organization and how he/she deals with the challenges of a cybersecurity skills shortage.

  • Interactive panel discussion:

Together with experts and thought leaders, we will discuss the challenges and solutions for developing talent and skills within the cybersecurity sector. This interactive session offers the opportunity to ask questions and join the discussion on the themes covered during the round tables.

Break-out sessions

1. Building a future-proof cybersecurity workforce

Building a future-proof cybersecurity workforce is more critical than ever. This breakout session will delve into the strategies and best practices for developing a skilled and adaptable team that can effectively respond to emerging challenges in the cybersecurity landscape.

In this session, we will explore the importance of long-term strategies, continuous learning, the role of certifications and training programs, and the significance of fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

2. The power of mentorship and knowledge transfer

The power of mentorship and knowledge transfer plays a crucial role in fostering growth and resilience within the workforce. This breakout session will explore how mentorship programs can bridge the gap between experienced professionals and newcomers, facilitating the exchange of skills, insights, and best practices.

We will discuss the benefits of creating a culture of mentorship, including improved retention rates, enhanced collaboration, and the acceleration of skill development. Additionally, we will talk about the importance of reverse mentoring: how young professionals with new ideas can inspire established professionals and vice versa.

3. Upskilling and reskilling: bridging the cybersecurity skills gap

As the cybersecurity landscape evolves at an unprecedented pace, upskilling and reskilling the current workforce has become essential for bridging the cybersecurity skills gap.  This session will explore opportunities to upskill existing staff and retrain professionals from other disciplines to close the cybersecurity skills gap.

We will discuss effective training programs, the importance of continuous learning, and how organizations can foster a culture that values skill development, and explore innovative approaches to identify skills gaps, leverage technology for training, and create pathways for career advancement within the cybersecurity field.

 

Please note that the exact details of this workshop are subject to change. Changes may be made to speakers and content to improve your experience.

 

REGISTRATION

Register for one or more workshops

PROGRAM

  • Welcome
  • Plenary program
  • Break
  • Break-out session(s)
  • Drinks

SPEAKER(S)

Dimitri van Zantvliet

Dimitri van Zantvliet

Directeur Cybersecurity/ CISO at NS & Board member CISO Platform Nederland