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Key Cybersecurity Skills Gap Statistics You Should Be Aware Of
- The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is high as cyber threats increase in sophistication and frequency.
- The skills gap in cybersecurity represents a significant vulnerability in the defense mechanisms of businesses and institutions.
In this article, we will discuss key statistics related to the cybersecurity skills gap, which can help organizations improve their cybersecurity hiring strategy.
The Cloud Skills Gap
- 87% of IT decision-makers believe that the cloud skills gap within their organization will improve in the next five years.
Rethinking Degree Requirements
- Cybersecurity professionals consider hands-on experience in a cybersecurity role (97%), credentials held (88%), and completion of hands-on cybersecurity training courses (83%) important when determining a candidate’s qualifications.
Impact of Skills Shortage
- 71% of organizations report that the cybersecurity skills shortage has impacted them, resulting in increased workload for the cybersecurity team (61%), unfilled open job requisitions (49%), and high burnout among staff (43%).
- 51% of organizations that have had cybersecurity layoffs have experienced significant skills gaps compared to organizations that haven’t had layoffs.
Importance of Soft Skills
- The top five soft skills employers seek in cybersecurity job candidates are communication (58%), critical thinking (54%), problem-solving (49%), teamwork (45%), and attention to detail (36%).
Unrealistic Expectations
- 72% of consumers believe that limited exposure to the profession at a younger age, the belief that cybersecurity candidates need a 4-year college degree, and the lack of cybersecurity education and training in schools contribute to the cybersecurity talent shortage.
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Demand for STEM Training
- STEM course enrollments from US learners increased by 22% from the previous year, with 41% of enrollments from women.
- Enrollments in entry-level STEM Professional Certificates grew by 47% in the same timeframe.
Investment in Tech Skill Development
- 72% of tech team leaders plan to increase their investment in tech skill development in 2023, despite being asked to cut costs.
- 97% of learning and development and HR directors prioritize upskilling existing talent over hiring for open positions.
Lack of Cybersecurity Experts
- 61% of mid-sized businesses do not have dedicated cybersecurity experts, and only 9% say their workers adhere to security best practices.
Delays in Filling Security Positions
- 70% of companies report that it takes longer to fill a cybersecurity role now compared to two years ago.
- 82% of organizations say it takes three months or longer to fill a cybersecurity role, with 34% reporting it takes seven months or more.
The cybersecurity skills gap is a significant challenge for organizations. It is essential to address this gap by reevaluating hiring requirements, investing in training and development, and promoting cybersecurity education.
