Maryland Expands Cybersecurity Training to Address Skills Gap
Severity: Low (Score: 27.9)
Sources: Briefglance, Globenewswire
Published: · Updated:
Keywords: cyber, sans, workforce, bethesda, cybersecurity, academy, applications
Severity indicators: rce, ot
Summary
On June 9, 2026, the SANS Cyber Workforce Academy announced the opening of applications for an expanded Maryland program aimed at addressing a critical skills gap in cybersecurity. This initiative includes new specialized training tracks in Industrial Control System (ICS/OT) security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) security. The move responds to findings from the SANS 2026 Cybersecurity Workforce Research Report, which revealed that 60% of organizations lack the necessary skills to defend against current threats. The program is supported by the EARN Maryland grant and aims to build a more competent cybersecurity workforce. The shift in focus from headcount shortages to skills deficits reflects a significant change in the cybersecurity landscape, with 27% of organizations reporting breaches due to inadequate capabilities. The SANS Academy's initiative is seen as a strategic investment in the state's cyber resilience, emphasizing the need for targeted training that aligns with employer requirements. Key Points: • SANS Cyber Workforce Academy expands Maryland program to address cybersecurity skills gap. • New training tracks focus on Industrial Control System (ICS/OT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) security. • 60% of organizations report lacking the skills needed to defend against current cyber threats.
Detailed Analysis
**Impact** Maryland’s cybersecurity workforce faces a critical skills gap affecting key sectors including critical infrastructure, industrial control systems (ICS/OT), and AI security. According to the SANS 2026 Cybersecurity Workforce Research Report, 27% of organizations experienced breaches due to inadequate team capabilities, with 60% reporting skill deficiencies versus 40% citing staffing shortages. The skills gap contributes to increased breach costs, with IBM’s 2024 analysis attributing an average $1.76 million in additional expenses per incident. This impacts national security, critical infrastructure resilience, and emerging technology sectors primarily within Maryland but with broader national implications. **Technical Details** The briefing does not provide specific attack vectors, TTPs, malware, CVEs, or infrastructure details related to active threats. It identifies ICS/OT environments and AI systems as vulnerable targets due to connectivity and rapid AI adoption, respectively, but no concrete indicators of compromise (IOCs) or kill chain stages are detailed. **Recommended Response** Defenders should prioritize specialized training in ICS/OT security and AI security to address the identified skills gap. Organizations should monitor for emerging threats targeting SCADA, PLC systems, and AI-driven attack surfaces. Implementing comprehensive AI security policies and enhancing workforce competencies in these areas are critical. No specific patches or IOCs are provided; focus should be on workforce development and monitoring evolving threat landscapes in critical infrastructure and AI domains.
Source articles (2)
- SANS Cyber Workforce Academy Opens Applications for — Globenewswire · 2026-06-09
Bethesda, MD, May 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2026 Cybersecurity Readiness in Government Survey from SANS Institute finds that adequate cybersecurity funding is the exception across... Bethesda,… - Maryland's New Cyber Blueprint: Skills, Not Just Staff, Are the Mission — Briefglance · 2026-06-09
BETHESDA, MD – June 09, 2026 – In a move that signals a seismic shift in how we approach cybersecurity workforce development, the SANS Cyber Workforce Academy has opened applications for an expanded M…
Timeline
- 2026-06-09 — SANS Cyber Workforce Academy opens applications: The Academy announced expanded programs in Maryland to address cybersecurity skills gaps, including new tracks in ICS/OT and AI security.
- 2026-06-09 — SANS 2026 Cybersecurity Workforce Research Report released: The report revealed that 60% of organizations lack the skills necessary to defend against current threats, marking a shift in industry challenges.
Related entities
- Data Breach (Attack Type)