We need a cybersecurity curriculum taught by hackers
The article argues that a significant cybersecurity skills gap exists not because of a lack of talent, but because skilled individuals—often young—are being drawn toward cybercrime due to lack of guidance and opportunity. The author, a cybersecurity executive, suggests that ethical mentorship and a formal curriculum taught by reformed hackers could redirect this talent toward defense. With teenagers as young as nine involved in cyberattacks, the piece calls for urgent intervention in education and workforce development.
- ▪Dark web forums are increasingly hosting job-seeking resumes from teenagers and laid-off tech workers.
- ▪ISC2 estimates a global shortage of 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals.
- ▪The UK's National Crime Agency reports that the average cybercriminal is now 17 years old, with referrals as young as 15.
- ▪Children as young as nine have been caught launching DDoS attacks, often starting with gaming disputes.
- ▪The author, Daniel Spicer, is the CSO of Ivanti and advocates for cybersecurity education led by ethical hackers.
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Pro We need a cybersecurity curriculum taught by hackers Opinion By Daniel Spicer published 1 May 2026 Cybersecurity skills do exist, just on the other side When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Getty Images) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Dark web forums are now hosting resumes. Not from seasoned criminals – now, from teenagers and recently laid-off tech professionals looking for work.At the same time, the global cybersecurity workforce shortage remains dire.
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