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Cybersecurity's Critical Talent Shortage

The rise in cyber threats, new attackers and attack vectors has the field in need of 4 million+ cybersecurity professionals.

May 30, 2024

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In this week’s newsletter:

  • 📉 Layoff Report: Foursquare, Lucid, Toshiba, & others 

  • 🔐 Career CoPilot: Cybersecurity's Critical Talent Shortage

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🔐 Cybersecurity's Critical Talent Shortage

Overview

The cybersecurity workforce is facing a ton of pressure because of economic uncertainty, skills gaps, and rapid technological changes. Despite these challenges, the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow.

The number of people in cybersecurity jobs has reached its highest number ever at 5.5 million, according to the 2023 ISC2 Global Workforce Study. On the other hand, it’s estimated that there is a shortage of more than 4,000,000 cybersecurity professionals as AI has ramped up the capabilities of bad actors and complicated the overall efforts to remain safe online.

Key skills in demand include cloud security, AI/ML, and threat analysis. Organizations are shifting hiring practices to include more diverse and non-traditional backgrounds.

Key takeaways:

  • High Demand: Cybersecurity roles require a 12.6% growth annually, but only saw a 8.7% growth

  • Critical Skills: Cloud security, AI/ML, and Zero Trust among the top areas of focus.

  • Economic Impact: Layoffs and budget cuts are impacting workforce morale and productivity.

  • Technological Changes - AI has given hackers even more superpowers and the cyber war for online security is reaching new levels, requiring more techies fighting the good fight

  • Diverse Pathways: Increasing entry from non-traditional backgrounds and technical fields outside of cybersecurity.

What does this mean for jobseekers?

The shortage of cybersecurity professionals means it's a great time to enter the field. Companies are desperately looking for people with skills in scripting, cloud security, and risk management. If you have these skills or are willing to learn, you're in high demand. Good communication skills will also give you an edge.

Where should I look?

  • Finance and Healthcare: These industries need strong cybersecurity due to sensitive data.

  • Energy: Protecting critical infrastructure is a top priority.

  • Cloud Security: As more businesses move to the cloud, expertise here is crucial.

  • Digital Assets and E-sports: These newer sectors also have significant needs.

What are some cybersecurity roles?

  • Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Highest-paying role, with salaries ranging from $174,000 to $242,000, excluding bonuses​ (Infosec Institute)​.

  • Cybersecurity Architects: Senior-level professionals earning between $127,000 and $153,000. Responsibilities include designing and maintaining security systems​ (Cybercrime Magazine)​​ (Augusta University)​.

  • Penetration Testers (Ethical Hackers): Mid-level role with salaries from $80,000 to $130,000. These experts test systems for vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them​ (Online Tech Bootcamps | UMass Global)​.

  • Cloud Security Engineers: Growing demand due to increased cloud adoption, with salaries between $103,000 and $136,000​ (Infosec Institute)​.

  • Information Security Managers: Oversee data security with earnings ranging from $125,000 to $215,000​ (FL Tech Bootcamps)​.

  • Other roles:

    • Security Awareness and Training Coordinator: Develops and delivers training programs to educate employees about security policies and best practices.

    • Compliance Manager: Ensures that the organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and standards related to cybersecurity.

    • Risk Analyst: Identifies and assesses potential security risks to the organization and helps develop strategies to mitigate them.

    • Incident Response Manager: Coordinates the response to security incidents, managing communication and remediation efforts.

    • Cybersecurity Sales and Marketing: Promotes and sells cybersecurity products and services, understanding customer needs and how to address them with security solutions.

    • Policy and Governance Specialist: Develops and enforces security policies and procedures, ensuring they align with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

    • Privacy Officer: Manages data protection and privacy policies, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

How do I get started?

In conclusion

The world needs you. You have the opportunity to be a digital Tom Cruise fighting continuous invisible threats, have job security, and get paid a pretty penny for it.

🔧 Jobseeker Tools

Hyperaide - Simple, AI First Task Manager

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Other Jobseeker Tools:

  • Polywork - Discover opportunities to collaborate

  • Carrus - Ace the interview & land your dream job

  • Plato - Connect and Learn with the Best Engineering Leaders

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