A recent report has highlighted the significant challenge concerning the major shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. The report published by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, found that half of all UK businesses employ people in cyber security positions without the necessary skills. The issue was more pronounced in about 30% of all UK businesses. 

Cyber services professionals believe the cyber security skills gap creates a major pain point for organisations. Employers are now competing for talent and experiencing increasing salaries as they battle for the best candidates.

The new pay scales are proving disruptive to other roles and specialisms, and sometimes, candidates fill positions to support roles. With rising cyber security threats, this trend is a significant challenge for the industry. 

Along with the skills gap, the UK is also facing a challenge with the cyber skills shortage, with a lack of talent available to work in cyber security job roles. Based on the report, there were over 160,000 cyber security job postings in the last year, an increase of 30% compared to the previous year. Employers reported that over a third of these job roles were difficult to fill. The report forecasted that the UK currently has a shortfall of over 11,000 people unable to meet the demands of the cyber workforce.

Cyber industry professionals believe diversity in cybersecurity is becoming more challenging. Current figures indicate that 17% of the cyber industry workforce is female, declining from 22% in 2022. At present, only 14% of senior positions are filled by women. Industry experts believe businesses must adopt a broader focus on diversity and inclusion across their organisations if these figures can improve.

The government said it is working to increase the number and diversity of skilled professionals in the cybersecurity industry. The government added that the £2.6 billion National Cyber Strategy includes plans to encourage young people to build cyber and tech skills and take relevant courses like computer science, which can strengthen the skills required for cyber and tech careers.

‍