The need for cybersecurity professionals has been growing rapidly, even faster than companies can hire and that demand is expected to continue. The industry researcher also predicts that in five years, the same number of jobs will still be open. The cybersecurity industry is and will continue to remain the most dynamic and vital industry in the world today. However, given the nature of today’s hostile cyberspace and uncertain job markets, business organizations are facing a myriad of challenges.

Cyber security is the science of securing systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks, whether they are computers, mobile or digital devices, or operating systems. Information security or electronic information security are other terms for it. Cybersecurity aims to help you defend and recover your networks, devices, and programmes from all types of cyber-attacks. Due to increased internet exposure both commercial and personal data is at risk. Cyber attacks can target incorporations, individuals and even governments. Implementing layers of security for your data sealed with encryption is part of establishing effective cyber security. 

 As cybercrimes continue to increase, they are investing heavily to improve and secure their digital infrastructures. Hence, driving the market growth. Other factors that drive the expansion of the global cybersecurity market include:

• Rise in cyber crimes and data breaches
• Growth of Ransomware.
• Discovery of new security threats and attack methods
• Rise in the number of companies investing in cyber security
• Growing global demand for cybersecurity experts.
• Digital Transformation.
• Regulations for data protection and compliance
• The Emergence of Disruptive Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
• Increasing sophistication in cyber threats.

Future of the Cybersecurity Job Market 2023

As we enter 2022, the global cybersecurity market landscape will get even more hostile and unstable. Businesses will struggle to keep up with the continuously shifting cybersecurity and digital transformation requirements.

The global cybersecurity job market is a growing market with a huge demand for cybersecurity experts. As companies work to modernize, they are also hiring a greater number of cybersecurity experts to design, engineer, and maintain their cybersecurity solutions and digital infrastructures. Hence, the rising demand for cybersecurity professionals. In today’s digital world, cybersecurity has become a critical component of every organization’s sustainability, security and growth strategy. As companies continue to evolve, the demand for cybersecurity talent will only continue to grow in 2022 and beyond.

However, there are many challenges that need to be addressed in order to tackle the ever-widening talent gap in the global cybersecurity job market. High expectations for prior training, lack of diversity and inclusion, and toxic work culture are top barriers preventing adults from pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Recognizing both the barriers and motivators to a career in cybersecurity helps employers meet hiring needs and close the existing skills gap.

Barrier 1: High Expectations of Prior Training

The majority of cyber hiring managers concurred that even entry-level candidates are expected to have extensive prior expertise in the field. Both potential and current cyber professionals will benefit from more opportunities for individuals without prior cyber experience. Employers should present entry-level employees with opportunities to train and learn on the job. This responsibility falls on the organization, especially those with large IT departments.

Within an organization, hiring managers should recognize the value of non-experienced individuals who bring varied skill sets and demonstrate they can learn on the job by creating hiring quotas for non-experienced, future cybersecurity professionals. Individuals who lack cyber experience bring other valuable work experience that can be crucial for management, creativity, leadership, and other aspects of a healthy workforce.

Barrier 2: Lack of Diversity and Inclusion

Majority of hiring executives and job candidates believe it is important to increase diversity in the cyber workforce. Yet, employers and managers don’t often know how to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) challenges, including discrimination. Additionally, employees may hesitate discussing DEI issues for fear that doing so may negatively affect their career.

Not only does an increase in diversity increase productivity, but it also helps organizations to identify internal problems from a variety of viewpoints and come up with creative, cost-effective solutions.

Barrier 3: Toxic Work Environment and Culture

For those considering a career in cybersecurity, 44% reported toxic work environments would discourage them from exploring the industry. Toxic workplaces often feature constant finger-pointing when things go wrong, leading to vulnerable, pressured teams and high turnover. In this culture, employees are generally afraid to express their concerns, causing additional issues. To address the industry-wide toxic work culture, organizations should encourage open communication in the workplace, promote strong HR programs, and encourage work-life balance with leaders setting the example. Cybersecurity is one of the most critical aspects of an organization. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, so every business must plan to protect their company from cyber-crime. Cyberattacks can come from various sources, such as inside or outside your company’s network. Cyber attacks are i