Trellix survey: According to a recent study, a lack of skilled workers endangers cyber security in 85% of all companies. Global survey of cybersecurity professionals shows ways out of the skills shortage.
Trellix, a cybersecurity expert and pioneer in innovative XDR technologies, presents the results of a recent survey looking at the shortage of cybersecurity professionals and its impact. The alarming finding: 85% of participants stated that the skills shortage is affecting their companies' ability to ensure the security of increasingly complex IT systems and networks. At the same time, almost a third (30%) of the current cybersecurity workforce is considering a career change.
3 million cybersecurity professionals wanted worldwide
“There is already a shortage of 2,72 million workers in our industry. Building and nurturing a cybersecurity workforce for our future requires expanding the potential talent fit for the job and changing our practices across the public and private sectors,” said Bryan Palma, CEO of Trellix. “Closing the cybersecurity talent gap is not only an economic imperative, but also an important component of national security and our daily lives. We must remove barriers to entry, actively work to inspire people to do meaningful work and ensure those who work in this space stay.”
Conducted by Vanson Bourne on behalf of Trellix, the study involved 1.000 cybersecurity professionals from Australia, Brazil, Germany, France, UK, India, Japan, Canada and the US, working for companies across a wide range of sectors.
Education and training must be intensified
With the increasing number and complexity of attacks by government and private sector cyber criminals, the global shortage of cyber security experts is particularly painful. While some countries, such as Russia and China, are investing enormous sums in state training programs for new cyber talent, numerous other countries are refraining from such measures. When examining the educational level and attitude of the professionals, more than half (56%) of them still believe that a successful cyber security career is possible without a technical degree.
Further results of the Trellix study at a glance
- Support for skills development (85%) and certification (80%) are considered very or even extremely important factors in attracting more cybersecurity professionals.
- 94% of respondents believe their employer could do more to e.g. B. to be more present through mentoring programs in secondary schools.
- Targeting cyber security careers (43%), encouraging STEM students to consider the profession (41%), and better financial support for students (39%) are seen as the top three levers to do more Attract cyber security talent.
Diversity leads to better results
Of the cybersecurity professionals surveyed, 78% are male, 64% are white, and 89% are straight. At the same time, the overwhelming majority (91%) believe that more effort is needed to attract other groups to the industry. When it comes to encouraging more people to consider a career in cybersecurity, respondents cited women's inclusion and equality (79%), the diversity of the cybersecurity workforce (77%), and closing the pay gap across different demographic groups (72%) as very or extremely important factors that the industry should address.
Other results of the survey are
- Most respondents (92%) assume that mentoring programs, internships and apprenticeships would increase the number of applicants from non-specialist fields.
- 85% cite a lack of knowledge of the wide range of opportunities, potential roles and advancement opportunities that the cybersecurity sector offers as a cause of the staffing shortage.
- For 94% of the participants it is clear that their employers have to be more active in order to recruit employees without a classic cybersecurity background; 45% said they used to work in other industries.
Cyber security is a fulfilling job
According to the Trellix survey, a vast majority (94%) of respondents believe cyber security is more important than ever. A similarly large percentage (92%) find their work meaningful, fulfilling and motivating. At the same time, however, the professionals wish for significantly more appreciation. 36% complain about the lack of recognition for the work they do in the interests of society. Of those looking for another job, 12% cited lack of appreciation as a reason for changing jobs.
Other results are
- More than half (52%) work in cyber security as it is a future-oriented, dynamic professional field. Enjoying working with new trends and developments also plays an important role.
- When asked why they stay in the industry, 41% replied that the importance of cyber security will continue to grow and related jobs are therefore easy to find.
- Around a fifth (19%) consider it important that their own activities benefit society as a whole.
The current poll follows the release of the Trellix report "In the Crosshairs: Organizations and Nation-State Cyber Threats". According to this, companies are observing that the biggest hurdle to protection against governmental cyber threats is the lack of competence in the field of cyber security. “Path to Cyber Readiness – Preparation, Perception and Partnership” was also recently published, according to which 48% of German authorities report a lack of internal cyber competence.
About Vanson Bourne
Vanson Bourne is an independent market research specialist in the technology sector. Its reputation for providing robust and credible research-based analysis is built on rigorous research principles and its ability to gather the views of experienced technical and business decision makers across all departments and sectors in major markets. Visit www.vansonbourne.com for more information.
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About Trellix Trellix is a global company redefining the future of cybersecurity. The company's open and native Extended Detection and Response (XDR) platform helps organizations facing today's most advanced threats gain confidence that their operations are protected and resilient. Trellix security experts, along with an extensive partner ecosystem, accelerate technology innovation through machine learning and automation to support over 40.000 business and government customers.