Jones provides testimony to House Homeland Security Committee

Today Chris Jones from Middle Tennessee Electric submitted testimony to the House Homeland Security Committee regarding the shortage of cyber security professionals in rural America.

“As cyber threats grow more complex and prevalent, particularly those targeting critical infrastructure like electric utilities, the demand for cybersecurity professionals will continue to grow,” Jones said. “Recruitment and retention for these professionals are complicated by competitive salaries and benefits offered by larger, urban-based firms, which can lure away skilled workers. While electric cooperatives are making smart investments and building strategic partnerships to develop our cyber professionals, more work needs to be done. Initiatives like those in the Cyber PIVOT Act bring much-needed focus to the cyber workforce needs of rural America. Creating a talent pipeline that includes pathways into rural areas will foster a local, skilled cybersecurity workforce to safeguard critical infrastructure in these regions. Co-ops and our rural communities have a lot to offer in protecting America’s critical infrastructure.”

The entire hearing entitled “Preparing the Pipeline: Examining the State of America’s Cyber Workforce” can be viewed below, and Mr. Jones submitted complete comments can be viewed here.