Torq is trying to do its part to empower the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and ... [+]
One issue that has remained stubbornly prevalent for cybersecurity in recent years is the industry's persistent struggle with a growing skills gap. There is plenty of debate about the reality of the situation—especially as tens of thousands of laid off cybersecurity professionals struggle to find jobs, but the demand for cybersecurity professionals with specific skills exceeds the supply, leaving organizations vulnerable to the increasing complexity and volume of cyber threats.
In this challenging environment, Torq has stepped up to make meaningful contributions to bridge this skills gap by empowering the next generation of cyber talent. At the recent Black Hat conference, Torq’s initiatives highlighted a compelling combination of innovation and social responsibility.
Empowering Future Cyber Talent
At Black Hat, Torq took center stage with its commitment to giving back to the community while raising awareness of the cybersecurity skills shortage. Recognizing the need to inspire and equip the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, Torq pledged a $10 donation to the Tech Queen Elite Training Institute for every person who visited their booth. This non-profit organization is dedicated to training students in coding, business communication, and digital marketing technologies, with a focus on breaking down barriers and helping students earn globally-recognized credentials in fields like cybersecurity and AI.
I had an opportunity to speak to Don Jeter, Torq's CMO, to find out how the effort went. He told me the goal was to crush their $10,000 donation target—and they did just that. He noted that the funds will make a significant difference, particularly for underrepresented students pursuing STEM careers.
Jeter emphasized that Torq's investment isn't just about financial contributions but also about making cyber education engaging through creative approaches such as gamification, Minecraft coding lessons, and business skills development.
Giving Back To The Community
In addition to their partnership with Tech Queen Elite Training Institute, Torq also partnered with Communities In Schools of Southern Nevada, the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization. Torq donated pairs of premium socks for every visitor to their booth, contributing 1,000 pairs to local children in need as part of a back-to-school initiative. This donation effort had a dual purpose: helping students with essential school supplies while also introducing them to the value of a career in Security Operations Centers.
Jeter highlighted how Torq has built a tradition of giving back, rooted in the belief that businesses have a responsibility to make positive impacts in the communities they serve. He explained that while some companies might view philanthropic efforts as marketing strategies, Torq's approach comes from a genuine place of investing in future talent and addressing pressing community needs.
The reality is that efforts like these are both altruistic and self-serving. By investing in the communities where businesses operate, companies are, in fact, contributing to their own long-term success because they have to exist in the broader context of the industries they serve and the communities they exist in.
Addressing The Cybersecurity Skills Gap With Innovation
At Black Hat, Torq also showcased its Torq HyperSOC, an AI-driven solution designed to automate, manage, and monitor critical SOC responses at machine speed. This innovation ostensibly alleviates the pressure on SOC teams, helping to reduce burnout and allowing security professionals to focus on high-priority tasks rather than getting bogged down by alert fatigue.
As Jeter explained, automation and AI are pivotal to the future of cybersecurity. The ever-expanding attack surface and evolving threat landscape have made it virtually impossible for human teams alone to keep up. Torq’s HyperSOC leverages AI to automate repetitive tasks, but it doesn’t aim to replace human analysts. Instead, it augments their capabilities, allowing them to focus on more complex, high-value activities while reducing the volume of alerts that can lead to burnout.
However, there’s a growing fatigue around the buzzword "AI" in the cybersecurity industry. While AI-powered solutions are essential, it’s important to communicate their value clearly and avoid contributing to the noise.
The Role Of The Industry
While Torq’s efforts are commendable, the industry as a whole must take more significant steps to enable and support the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. By supporting STEM education, mentoring young talent, and promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce, companies can ensure a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity landscape for the future.
Some companies already strive to invest more meaningfully by shifting their focus from handing out swag at industry events to making direct contributions to charitable causes. This shift reflects a broader understanding that investing in the community is not just good marketing—it’s good business.
Investing In The Future
Torq’s initiatives at Black Hat demonstrate a powerful combination of technological innovation and social responsibility. By addressing both the immediate challenge of cybersecurity workforce shortages and the long-term need for more diverse talent, Torq is leading by example.
Their commitment to empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals through both donations and innovative educational methods is a step toward closing the skills gap that plagues the industry. As companies continue to navigate the evolving threat landscape, investments like these will be crucial to ensuring a secure and sustainable future for all.
