Data protection is vital, especially in a digitalised world where almost everyone uses online channels for various purposes, whether e-commerce transactions or simple communications. With the increased need for data protection also comes the rise in demand for cyber security jobs.
The Importance of Cyber Security Jobs
Advances in technology have made some areas in life more convenient for people, such as paying for online products and services or catching up with family members in another continent. Unfortunately, advances in technology also mean that threat actors are evolving and coming up with more sophisticated attacks.
As threat actors innovate their TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures), finding ways to mitigate cyber security threats becomes all the more essential. This is where the importance of cyber security jobs comes in. Cyber security professionals are trained to mitigate and manage risks as well as prevent breaches, cyber attacks, malicious hacks, and identity theft.
Are Cyber Security Jobs in Demand in 2022?
There are a couple of reasons why there’s a demand for cyber security jobs and why every organisation needs cyber security experts. This includes the following:
To Protect Against Cyber Crime
As threat actors are non-discriminatory in carrying out attacks, organisations, regardless of size, must implement cyber security measures. In the UK, nearly half of businesses experienced cyber attacks or breaches.
To Minimise the risk of lost revenue
According to gov.uk, the average cost of cyber security breaches across all businesses is £3,230. As the business grows, this figure also increases. For medium and large businesses, the average cost of breaches is £5,220.
To Maintain Customer Satisfaction
A cyber attack can result in a company losing not only its revenue, but also its customers. 33% of UK businesses reported in an online survey that they lost customers due to a security breach.
Skills Shortage
While there’s an increasing need for cyber security professionals, there are still millions of unfulfilled cyber security jobs, worldwide. In 2021 alone, it’s estimated that there were 3.5 million unfilled cyber security positions. This creates a dearth in the workforce and talent front, leading to increased workload and burnout among members of cyber security teams.
This highlights the need to fill in the workforce and talent gap by recruiting more and investing in cyber security training. By bridging this gap, organisations can more effectively conduct risk assessments and mitigation, leading them to better prevent breaches and attacks.
Are Cyber Security Jobs in Demand in the UK?
According to gov.uk, there’s an estimated total of 134,500 professionals that make up the UK cyber security workforce. Every year, approximately 7,500 new professionals are joining that workforce. But even with this increasing number, there’s still a demand for more cyber security jobs. Per year, it’s estimated that the industry needs 10,000 more recruits.
Meanwhile, it’s revealed that half of UK businesses are seeing a technical skills gap. This refers to the confidence of businesses to implement basic security measures, such as detecting malware and effectively storing private data. This further emphasises the growing demand for appropriately skilled professionals in the cyber security sector.
Most In-Demand Cyber Security Jobs
Based on a poll by Ipsos MORI that’s commissioned by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the most common in-demand cyber security role is that of a security engineer. This is followed by cyber security analysts, security managers, security architects and security consultants.
As the digital world expands and evolves, it will continue to shape many industries—and cyber security is no exception. Mitigate Cyber offers a range of solutions that can help improve your cyber security plan, making you better equipped in the digital world. To learn more about our services, contact one of our experts now.
