Lack of cybersecurity professionals raising alarm in the industry

Cyber-attacks are getting more serious and issues are becoming a day-to-day struggle for businesses. The industry clearly has a problem with supply and demand – and it is affecting companies large and small. Recent trends, side effects of a global pandemic and cybersecurity statistics reveal a huge increase in hacked and breached data from sources that are increasingly common in the workplace, like mobile and IoT devices.

Additionally, recent security research suggests most companies have unprotected data and poor cybersecurity practices in place, making them vulnerable to data loss. To successfully fight against malicious intent, it’s imperative that companies make cybersecurity awareness, prevention and security best practices a part of their culture.

The worldwide information security market is forecast to reach $170.4 billion in 2022, according to Gartner. This is due in large part to organizations evolving their defenses against cyber threats — and a rise in such threats, including in their own companies.

According to Cybint, 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error. The increase in ransomware was linked to the rise in remote work and company employees working outside their office networks, as per the report, individual companies that pay ransomware demands could also be perpetuating that behaviour.

The cost of cybercrime has risen 10% in the past year. Cybersecurity Workforce it's estimated that there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by the end of 2025. New research suggests nearly a third of cybersecurity professionals are planning to quit the industry, at a time when companies in a troubling position as the threat landscape evolves "at an alarming rate", where they are struggling to protect their networks from attacks.

As per Cybersecurity firm Trellix commissioned a survey of 1,000 cybersecurity professionals globally and found that 30% are planning to change professions within two or more years. Organizations are already facing cybersecurity skills shortages, with not enough people having the skills and qualifications required to keep IT systems secure from breaches and other security threats. The survey found that 85% of organizations report that a workforce shortage is impacting their ability to secure their IT systems and networks.

Nearly all (94%) of professionals surveyed by Trellix felt their employers could be doing more to consider employees from non-traditional cybersecurity backgrounds. Most respondents (92%) believe greater mentorship, internships, and apprenticeships would support the participation of workers from diverse backgrounds in cybersecurity roles.

The future lies on how we inspire employees daily, supporting their progression and increasing awareness of a career in cyber amongst talented individuals from different backgrounds. This cannot be achieved by one organisation and requires a collective effort across organisations and bodies within public and private sectors.