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Closing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap: A Blueprint for Security Leaders Published by Info-Tech Research Group

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3 years ago

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Info-Tech’s latest research unveils strategies to address the persistent cybersecurity talent gap. The report dives into actionable insights and strategic approaches designed to combat the shortage of skilled professionals in the cybersecurity domain.

TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals to combat these risks is growing rapidly. However, organizations are grappling with identifying and developing the necessary skills within their teams to enhance their security posture and align with business objectives. To address this critical issue, Info-Tech Research Group has published its latest research, Build a Plan to Close Your Cybersecurity Competency Gaps. This research provides cybersecurity leaders with a structured approach to cultivating essential business-aligned security competencies within their IT teams, thereby enhancing their organization’s resilience against modern cyber threats.

According to Info-Tech’s latest research, the shortage of cybersecurity professionals, directly linked to rising costs and an escalating demand for specialized skill sets, creates significant challenges for organizations. These hurdles include uncertainty about the essential competencies required to elevate cybersecurity maturity levels. Additionally, organizations face difficulties in prioritizing which skills to develop first and how to align them with overarching organizational goals. Given the pressing nature of the cybersecurity skills gap, there is an increasing urgency for organizations to take proactive measures in addressing competency shortfalls.

“A cybersecurity development plan that focuses on equipping employees with competencies recognized by industry standards would ensure the correct skills are being developed while enabling organizations to stay competitive,” says Ahmad Jowhar, research specialist, security & privacy, at Info-Tech Research Group. “These development plans should allow organizations to prioritize which skills to mature while also tracking proficiency within those competencies. This approach would ensure organizations are meeting their security goals while also improving their overall maturity.”

The firm’s latest research provides a comprehensive strategy for cybersecurity leaders to build a tailored plan that outlines and tracks the professional growth of their security teams. Central to this approach is the emphasis on identifying and prioritizing critical competencies that are aligned with the organization’s security objectives. To support cybersecurity leaders in this effort, Info-Tech’s blueprint outlines the following key aspects of an effective cybersecurity competency development plan:

Define the unique competencies, knowledge, and abilities the organization needs in order to deliver security services.Assess proficiency gaps across defined competencies by identifying both initial and target proficiencies, as well as development actions to mitigate the gap.Prioritize competencies based on the importance of service domains, organizational priorities, and compliance requirements.Acquire competencies through certifications or training programs that are engaging, are applicable to employees’ career goals, and can be evaluated against security program objectives.

Info-Tech’s research underscores the importance of a balanced approach to workforce development and recommends that security leaders use a strategy that combines hands-on experience with validation through globally recognized credentials. This strategy not only streamlines the training process for new staff but also provides avenues for upskilling existing personnel. By integrating practical learning with credential validation, organizations can empower their security teams to effectively address the dynamic challenges of the cybersecurity threat landscape.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Ahmad Jowhar, an expert in security and privacy practice, and access to the complete Build a Plan to Close Your Cybersecurity Competency Gaps blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading information technology research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT professionals. The company produces unbiased and highly relevant research to help CIOs and IT leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For 25 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with IT teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and over 200 IT and industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com. 

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

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SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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1 hour ago

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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2 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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