INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Enterprise Security

ISC )², one of the world ’ s largest nonprofit associations of certified cybersecurity professionals , has highlighted a stark increase in the shortage of cybersecurity professionals as it announced the findings of its 2022 ( ISC )² Cybersecurity Workforce Study .

The study reveals the global cybersecurity workforce is at an all-time high , with an estimated 4.7 million professionals . Despite adding 464,000 more cybersecurity professionals this year , the data revealed that 3.4 million more cybersecurity workers are needed to secure assets effectively .

A large percentage ( 70 %) of respondents report their organisation does not have enough cybersecurity employees . And more than half of respondents with workforce shortages feel that staff deficits put their organisation at a ‘ moderate ’ or ‘ extreme ’ risk of a cyberattack .

For organisations looking to mitigate staff shortages , the research suggests that initiatives to train internal talent , rotating job assignments , mentorship programmes and encouraging employees outside of IT or the security team to join the field were the most effective . that retaining and attracting strong talent is more important than ever . Professionals are saying loud and clear that corporate culture , experience , training and education investment and mentorship are paramount to keeping your team motivated , engaged and effective .”

The study takes a closer look at cultural and demographic shifts over the last year . In addition to an analysis of the changing workforce , the study also highlights the top issues with retention , concerning workplace conditions such as burnout , the shift of racial , gender and ethnic diversity among younger cybersecurity professionals , the changing perception of certifications in the field , as well as the impacts from current events and future predictions of the cybersecurity workforce . Key findings include :

Corporate culture

• 75 % of respondents report strong job satisfaction and the same percentage feel passionate about cybersecurity work , yet 70 % of respondents still feel overworked .

• 68 % of employees with low employee experience ratings indicate workplace culture impacts their effectiveness in responding to security incidents .

• Over half of workers say they would consider switching jobs if they are no longer allowed to work remotely .

• Just 28 % of study participants report their organisation actively listens and values the input of all staff .

Diversity , equity and inclusion

• 55 % of employees believe diversity will increase among their teams within two years .

• Nearly 25 % of respondents below age 30 consider gatekeeping and generational tensions as top-five challenges for the next two years , compared to 6 % of workers 60 or older .

• 30 % of female and 18 % of non-white employees feel discriminated against at work and only 40 % of respondents state their organisation offers employee DEI training . p

At the same time , the report finds that 72 % of respondents expect their cybersecurity staff to increase somewhat or significantly within the next 12 months – the highest predicted growth rate when compared to the last two years ( 53 % in 2021 and 41 % in 2020 ).

“ As a result of geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic instability , alongside highprofile data breaches and growing physical security challenges , there is a greater focus on cybersecurity and increasing demand for professionals within the field ,” said Clar Rosso , CEO , ( ISC )². “ The study shows us

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