DHS Announces Launch of Cybersecurity Talent Management System

On Nov. 15, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced via a press release announced that it has launched the Cybersecurity Talent Management System (CTMS). CMTS is a new personnel system that aims to enable DHS to recruit, develop, and retain top cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. more effectively.

The release states that “CTMS will enable DHS to fill mission-critical cybersecurity positions by screening applicants based on demonstrated competencies, competitively compensating employees, and reducing the time it takes to be hired into the Department. Employees hired through this system will join the new DHS Cybersecurity Service, the Nation’s preeminent federal cybersecurity team working to protect U.S. critical infrastructure and the American people from cybersecurity threats, and increase nationwide resilience.”

Further, “Federal hiring practices need to meet mission and market demands in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. CTMS is one tool that will help DHS overcome challenges related to recruiting, developing, and retaining top-tier cybersecurity talent.”

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas was quoted in the release saying that “The DHS Cybersecurity Talent Management System fundamentally re-imagines how the Department hires, develops, and retains top-tier and diverse cybersecurity talent. As our Nation continues to face an evolving threat landscape, we cannot rely only on traditional hiring tools to fill mission-critical vacancies. This new system will enable our Department to better compete for cybersecurity professionals and remain agile enough to meet the demands of our critical cybersecurity mission.”

DHS will first leverage CTMS to fill high-priority positions at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and DHS Office of the Chief Information Officer. Then, beginning in 2022, DHS Cybersecurity Service jobs will be offered across a number of DHS agencies with a cybersecurity mission.

CTMS builds on the Department’s efforts to create a robust, diverse cybersecurity workforce and fill critical positions. Earlier this year, Secretary Mayorkas announced the most successful cyber hiring initiative in the Department’s history and established the Secretary’s Honors Program to recruit talented recent graduates.

The release concludes that “CTMS builds on the Department’s efforts to create a robust, diverse cybersecurity workforce and fill critical positions. Earlier this year, Secretary Mayorkas announced the most successful cyber hiring initiative in the Department’s history and established the Secretary’s Honors Program to recruit talented recent graduates.”