Cybersecurity is the fastest growing tech occupation in the UK – but it’s still not enough to dent the growing industry skills shortage

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing tech occupations in the UK, with a recent report by Tech Nation revealing a 24% increase in demand for cybersecurity professionals over the past year. This surge in demand is not surprising, given the increasing reliance on technology and the internet across all industries, and the corresponding rise in cyber threats. However, despite this growth, the industry is facing a significant skills shortage, with a lack of qualified professionals to fill the growing number of job openings.

One of the main factors contributing to the skills shortage is the relatively low proportion of women in the cybersecurity profession. According to a recent survey by the Women’s Business Council, only 16% of the UK’s cybersecurity workforce are women, which is significantly lower than the average proportion of women in the tech industry as a whole. This underrepresentation of women in cybersecurity is particularly concerning given that research has shown that diversity and inclusion are critical to effective cybersecurity, with diverse teams being better equipped to identify and mitigate threats.

Another factor contributing to the skills shortage is the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new tactics and techniques, which means that cybersecurity professionals must constantly update their skills to keep pace with the latest threats. This requires ongoing investment in training and professional development, which can be a challenge for many organizations, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources.

The skills shortage is not only affecting the number of cybersecurity professionals available but also their level of expertise. Many organizations are struggling to find candidates with the necessary advanced skills to deal with the increasing complexity of cyber threats. This has led to a situation where many cybersecurity roles remain unfilled, or are filled by underqualified candidates, which can compromise the security of sensitive data and systems.

The root cause of the skills shortage in cybersecurity is a lack of investment in training and education. While there has been an increase in the number of cybersecurity courses and training programs available, many of these programs are not tailored to the specific needs of the industry, and there is a lack of coordination between training providers and employers. This means that many graduates of these programs do not have the skills and knowledge required by employers, leading to a mismatch between supply and demand.

To address the skills shortage in cybersecurity, it is essential to invest in training and education that is tailored to the specific needs of the industry. This requires collaboration between training providers, employers, and industry bodies to ensure that courses and training programs are aligned with the latest threats and technologies. Additionally, organizations must be willing to invest in the ongoing professional development of their cybersecurity staff, providing them with the resources and support they need to stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Another solution is to increase diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity profession. This requires a concerted effort to attract more women and underrepresented groups into the industry, through targeted recruitment campaigns, mentorship programs, and scholarships. By increasing diversity and inclusion, cybersecurity teams can benefit from a wider range of perspectives and skills, leading to better threat detection and mitigation.

In conclusion, while the growth in demand for cybersecurity professionals is positive, the industry faces significant challenges in addressing the skills shortage. By investing in tailored training and education, collaborating with industry bodies, and increasing diversity and inclusion, organizations can better equip themselves to deal with the evolving threat landscape and ensure the security of their sensitive data and systems.