Cybersecurity project managers are facing these challenges. Are you prepared to handle them?

1 Scope creep

One of the biggest challenges for any project manager is scope creep, which occurs when the project requirements change or expand during the execution phase. This can cause delays, budget overruns, and quality issues. For cybersecurity projects, scope creep can also increase the risk of security breaches, compliance violations, and customer dissatisfaction. To prevent scope creep, you need to define the project scope clearly and realistically, communicate it to all parties involved, and monitor any changes or requests that may affect it. You also need to establish a change control process that defines how changes are approved, documented, and implemented.

2 Skills gap

Another challenge for cybersecurity project managers is the skills gap, which refers to the mismatch between the demand and supply of qualified cybersecurity professionals. According to a report by (ISC)2, the global cybersecurity workforce needs to grow by 89% to meet the current demand. This means that finding and retaining skilled team members can be difficult and costly. To address the skills gap, you need to invest in training and development for your existing staff, hire external experts or consultants when needed, and leverage automation and tools to streamline and simplify tasks.

3 Stakeholder engagement

A third challenge for cybersecurity project managers is stakeholder engagement, which involves establishing and maintaining positive relationships with the people who have an interest or influence on the project. Stakeholders can include clients, senior management, end users, vendors, regulators, and auditors. They may have different expectations, priorities, and perspectives on the project, which can lead to conflicts or misunderstandings. To improve stakeholder engagement, you need to identify and analyze your stakeholders, communicate with them regularly and transparently, and manage their expectations and feedback.

4 Cyber threats

A fourth challenge for cybersecurity project managers is cyber threats, which are the malicious attempts to compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the project data, systems, or networks. Cyber threats can come from various sources, such as hackers, competitors, insiders, or state actors. They can cause serious damage to the project outcomes, reputation, and trust. To mitigate cyber threats, you need to conduct a risk assessment and implement appropriate security controls and measures. You also need to monitor and respond to any incidents or alerts, and conduct a post-mortem analysis and lessons learned.

5 Project complexity

A fifth challenge for cybersecurity project managers is project complexity, which refers to the degree of uncertainty, ambiguity, interdependence, and diversity involved in the project. Cybersecurity projects can be complex due to the rapidly changing technology landscape, the evolving regulatory environment, the diverse stakeholder needs, and the high stakes involved. To manage project complexity, you need to adopt a flexible and agile approach that allows you to adapt to changes and uncertainties. You also need to break down the project into manageable chunks, use effective tools and methodologies, and collaborate with your team and stakeholders.

6 Time pressure

A sixth challenge for cybersecurity project managers is time pressure, which occurs when the project deadlines are tight, unrealistic, or changing. Time pressure can affect the quality and scope of the project, as well as the morale and productivity of the team. It can also increase the stress and burnout of the project manager and the team members. To cope with time pressure, you need to plan and schedule the project carefully, prioritize and delegate tasks, and negotiate and communicate the deadlines with your stakeholders. You also need to manage your own time and energy, and take care of your well-being and that of your team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?