Cyber threats are evolving at an alarming pace, and businesses are feeling the pressure. From ransomware attacks crippling operations to data breaches exposing sensitive information, the need for strong cybersecurity defences has never been greater. According to Orange Cyberdefense, around 58% of large UK financial services firms suffered at least one third-party supply chain attack in 2024, with 23% being targeted three or more times.

Yet, organisations face a growing challenge – there simply aren’t enough skilled cybersecurity professionals to meet demand. The numbers tell a worrying story. The ISC2 estimates that there’s a workforce gap of 4,763,963 people worldwide (392,320 in Europe and the UK). Businesses, governments, and entire industries are struggling to find the talent they need to safeguard their operations, data, and customer trust.

The question is: what’s causing this shortage, and more importantly, how can organisations take proactive steps to bridge the gap?

The cybersecurity skills gap

The cybersecurity skills gap refers to the disconnect between the increasing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals and the workforce available to fill these roles. This shortage is not just a minor inconvenience – it’s a serious risk to businesses and even national security. Just recently, a national audit identified more than 200 legacy systems used by UK government services vulnerable to cyberattack.

This skills shortage puts organisations at greater risk, as they lack the personnel to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. Key areas where the gap is most critical include:

• Cloud Security – As cloud adoption rises, so does the need for security specialists who can manage cloud infrastructure and mitigate risks.
• DevSecOps – Security must be integrated into the development lifecycle, but DevSecOps professionals are in short supply.
• AI & Automation – The rise of AI-powered cyber threats demands specialists who understand how to combat them, but the talent pool remains small
• Identity & Access Management (IAM) – Controlling access to critical systems is essential, but finding IAM specialists remains a challenge.
• Penetration Testing & Red Teaming – Skilled ethical hackers are crucial for testing and strengthening defences but are highly sought-after and difficult to recruit.

The tech talent crisis

There are several reasons why the cybersecurity skills gap has become such a pressing issue. One of the biggest challenges is the rapid pace of technological advancements: technology is evolving faster than traditional education and training programmes. Universities and certification bodies often fail to update their curricula quickly enough to reflect the latest threats and tech, leaving graduates ill-prepared for the demands of the job market.

Another contributing factor is the limited availability of specialised training programmes. While general IT courses are widely available, cybersecurity is a complex field that requires deep expertise in specific areas. Unfortunately, many educational institutions don’t offer tailored programmes that equip students with the hands-on skills needed to succeed in these specialised roles.

Finally, cybersecurity is not always seen as an attractive or well-understood career path. Unlike software development or data science, which have gained mainstream popularity, cybersecurity often flies under the radar. As a result, fewer students and career changers consider entering the field, further exacerbating the talent shortage. 

There’s also fierce competition for top talent, which means that even when skilled professionals are available, organisations must compete aggressively to attract and retain them. Large corporations with bigger budgets often poach the best talent, leaving smaller businesses struggling to secure qualified professionals.

Impact of the cybersecurity workforce shortage

The consequences of the cybersecurity talent shortage extend beyond unfilled job roles. One of the most immediate and concerning impacts is the increased vulnerability of organisations to cyberattacks. Without the right security professionals in place, businesses are more likely to become easy targets for cybercriminals who can cause significant financial and operational damage.

Another major impact is the delay in critical security projects. Many organisations have ambitious plans to improve their cybersecurity posture, but without the expertise to implement these initiatives, progress is stalled. This can leave businesses exposed to known vulnerabilities for extended periods, increasing their risk of an attack.

With demand outstripping supply, cybersecurity salaries are rising, making it harder for some businesses to compete. Companies that lack the budget to offer competitive salaries may struggle to attract and retain the talent they need, widening the gap even further. Certain industries, such as finance, healthcare, and government, are particularly affected, as they rely heavily on robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and comply with regulatory requirements.

Strategies to stay ahead of the skills gap

To address the cybersecurity talent shortage, organisations must take a multi-pronged approach…

1. Upskilling and reskilling existing employees

Rather than relying solely on external hires, businesses should invest in continuous training to help existing employees develop cybersecurity expertise. Encourage employees to pursue industry-recognised certifications such as:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Training current staff not only fills skill gaps but also boosts retention by providing career growth opportunities.

2. Partnering with educational institutions

Businesses can work closely with universities, technical colleges, and government initiatives to develop cybersecurity curriculums that align with industry needs. Sponsoring cybersecurity apprenticeships, internships, and work-study programmes can also help attract fresh talent and provide hands-on experience to aspiring professionals.

3. Embracing diversity and inclusion

Tapping into underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, and career changers, can help widen the pool of available professionals. Inclusive hiring initiatives and mentorship programmes can make cybersecurity a more accessible career path for underrepresented groups.

4. Leveraging automation & AI

AI-driven security tools can automate threat detection, analysis, and response, reducing the manual workload for human analysts. By integrating automation into security operations, businesses can potentially make better use of existing talent, allowing teams to focus on more complex security challenges.

5. Working with recruitment specialists

Partnering with cybersecurity recruitment specialists like 83zero can streamline the hiring process. Specialised recruiters understand the nuances of cybersecurity roles, from CISOs and Heads of Information Security to SOC Analysts, Penetration Testers, and DevOps specialists. With the right industry connections and expertise, companies tend to secure top talent faster when working with a recruitment partner.

Future trends in cybersecurity talent

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving. The rise of AI-powered defence systems will require professionals who can manage and optimise these advanced tools. DevSecOps will also continue to gain traction, making it essential for companies to integrate security into their development processes. 

The concept of zero-trust architecture, which assumes that no user or system can be trusted by default, is also becoming a critical security strategy, driving demand for specialists in this area. And as more businesses outsource their security operations, the demand for professionals in Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs) and consultancy firms will continue to grow.

Prioritising cybersecurity hiring in 2025

The cybersecurity skills gap is not a problem that will solve itself. Organisations that take proactive steps to invest in training, industry partnerships, hiring initiatives, and recruitment will be in a far better position to protect their assets, customers, and reputation. 

If your organisation needs expert support in hiring cybersecurity professionals, 83zero can help you find the right talent to secure your business for the future. Contact 83zero today to explore outsourcing solutions tailored to your business needs.