"As of May 2024, we have 469,000 unfilled cyber security jobs and that number is expected to increase," said Chair of the Computing, Information Science, Cyber Security and Data Science Department at Mercyhurst University, Associate Professor, Dr. Chris Mansour.

Mansour is sounding the alarm when it comes to a shortage in the field of cyber security workers and explained that the main reason why is because the field itself is always evolving.

"It is applicable everywhere from critical infrastructure like water facilities, any manufacturing industry, businesses, finance, healthcare, you name it," Mansour said.

Without workers to fill these jobs, he said both consumers and companies are more prone to cyber attacks.

The most recent example being the attacks on CDK Global, which impacted nearly 15,000 car dealerships throughout the country.

"The work has been affected, whether it has been slowed, canceled or paused and they did not do anything wrong," he said.

So, how do we fix this problem and get more cyber security workers in the field?

He believes making younger people aware of programs like the one offered at Mercyhurst University is a good start.

"By the time they graduate from our program, they are ahead of the curve when it comes to the skills and certifications needed," he said.

Letting the students know how important these jobs are to ensuring everyone remains safe both on and offline is a priority for Mansour.

"Our nation's future prosperity depends on people like them, trained in the latest skills and technologies in cyber security for cyber defense and for the greater good," he said.