Mayorkas announces largest DHS cybersecurity hiring initiative

DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced last week the agency’s largest cybersecurity hiring initiative, noting the onboarding of nearly 300 cybersecurity professionals as well as the extension of an additional 500 tentative job offers.

In May, Mayorkas established a goal to hire 200 new cybersecurity personnel across the department by July 1.

“As cybersecurity threats to our communities continue to rise, we must recruit and retain diverse top talent to defend against today’s threats and build a more resilient future,” Mayorkas said. “DHS is dedicating significant energy toward exceeding our cybersecurity hiring goal by recruiting talented experts, investing in diverse talent pipelines, and ensuring equitable access to professional development opportunities at every level.”

Mayorkas said the agency’s 60-day Cybersecurity Workforce Sprint has aided in filling 12 percent of more than 2,000 cybersecurity vacancies amid a time in which the country is facing cyber threats.

DHS is committed to ensuring its workforce represents the diverse communities it serves – adding the Cybersecurity Workforce Sprint is based on diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices while implementing targeted outreach to underserved communities and communities of color.