Willis Towers Watson launches cyber work diagnostic tool

LONDON and NEW YORK, July 19, 2017 -- Willis Towers Watson, the leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, has launched a new cyber work diagnostic tool designed to help organizations assess their cyber readiness with emphases on talent management, emerging skills and roles and defining the requirements of cyber work.

Roles in cybersecurity are some of the most in-demand across all industries, with premium jobs available for employees with the emerging skillset. A recent Willis Towers Watson survey of global company cybersecurity functions shows that over 84% of such functions are anticipating headcount growth. Willis Towers Watson found that companies can benefit from having a deeper understanding of organizational priorities when recruiting for positions in cyber, as well as understanding alternatives and having a comprehensive view of skills gaps and talent deficits.

With the launch of the cyber work diagnostic tool, organizations will be able to address the questions asked by Boards and management about their cybersecurity readiness. CISOs, and cybersecurity leads with HR, participate in a workshop series to assess levels of work and organizational needs across their company. This includes a complete workforce review to assess requisite skills as well as a plan to identify talent gaps within the organization and relative to benchmark. The tool then addresses a full spectrum of options and provides actionable recommendations for executives to address cyber work readiness.

Core elements include:

• Application of a Work Model that defines the nature of cybersecurity work and how that work grows (within CISO, IT or other divisions covering cyber work for alignment)
• Key and emerging skills required for cybersecurity readiness and identification of critical talent gaps
• Alternatives for addressing talent deficits
• Prioritized action plan for addressing talent priorities and career enablement  

Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving threat that requires organizational readiness from an effective structure and skilled talent base. It is no longer solely the job of risk and IT departments to handle cyber exposure, but essential for human capital experts to assess organizational culture, employee engagement and identify talent and educational gaps to protect against cyber threats.

“When it comes to corporate cybersecurity needs, organizations must give more focus to the people element of cyber risk, particularly within IT functions where vulnerabilities can exist if the right skills and talent are not managing the day-to-day technology of the organization,” said Tracey Malcolm, Willis Towers Watson Future of Work Leader. 

“Willis Towers Watson is combining our deep expertise in both talent and rewards programs and cyber risk  to address these issues, as it is essential that companies have more sophisticated talent strategies in place to identify vulnerabilities, boost their resiliency and improve employee ‘cyber IQ’.”

About Willis Towers Watson

Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ:WLTW) is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 40,000 employees serving more than 140 countries. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas — the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential. Learn more at willistowerswatson.com. 

Media contact

Tom Engleback, Cognito London: +44 (0)20 7426 9431
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Diana Alickaj, Cognito New York: +1 646 395 6314
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