ISC2 Launches Academic Advisory Council to Close the Cyber Education Gap
On October 6, ISC2 announced its new Academic Advisory Council, a group of cybersecurity educators, academic leaders and industry practitioners. Its mission is to help colleges and universities prepare students for the cybersecurity jobs that exist today, including roles that secure, govern and responsibly use AI.
Why now
The data makes the case. A 2025 CyberBay survey found that 74.5% of respondents believe current undergraduate cybersecurity curricula are missing important elements. In ISC2's own Cybersecurity Workforce Study, AI was the most frequently cited skills need (41%), followed by cloud security (36%).
What the ISC2 Academic Advisory Council will focus on
Workforce readiness as AI becomes part of everyday security work
Operational excellence in academic cybersecurity programs
Program effectiveness in building job-ready skills
Sharing best practices between educators and practitioners
ISC2 will act as convener, bringing its workforce research, certification expertise and global member community to the table.
What it means for NOVA members
Northern Virginia has some of the strongest university cyber programs and largest cyber employers in the country. If you hire entry-level talent, mentor students or teach, this council is a signal that employer input is being built into how the next generation is trained. It also reinforces the value of early-career pathways such as ISC2's Certified in Cybersecurity (CC).
Students and career changers: our monthly chapter meetings are one of the best places to meet the practitioners who will shape these programs. Check the Events page for the next one.
Learn more
Source: ISC2 headquarters, Alexandria, Virginia. Summarized by the ISC2 Northern Virginia Chapter.
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