New research from ISACA has revealed concerning statistics about the state of cybersecurity teams worldwide. According to ISACA’s annual report, “State of Cybersecurity 2023, Global Update on Workforce Efforts, Resources and Cyberoperations,” 59% of cybersecurity leaders report that their teams are understaffed. This alarming figure is based on insights from over 2,000 security leaders globally. The study also found that 50% of respondents have job openings for nonentry level roles, while only 21% have openings for entry-level positions.
The research highlights significant skills gaps in today’s cybersecurity professionals. Soft skills, cloud computing, and security controls are identified as the most significant areas of concern. When hiring, employers prioritize technical skills like identity and access management (49%), cloud computing (48%), data protection (44%), incident response (44%), and DevSecOps (36%). In terms of soft skills, communication (58%), critical thinking (54%), problem-solving (49%), teamwork (45%), and attention to detail (36%) are highly sought after.
Despite the challenges in hiring and retention, there are some silver linings. The research indicates improvements in employee retention, with 56% of cybersecurity leaders finding it challenging to retain qualified professionals, a decrease from previous years. However, benefits offered to cybersecurity professionals have been declining, potentially due to economic uncertainties.
The cybersecurity threat landscape remains challenging. Nearly 48% of respondents reported an increase in cyberattacks compared to the previous year. The top concerns include enterprise reputation (79%), data breaches (69%), and supply chain disruptions (55%). Social engineering remains the primary type of cyberattack experienced by organizations.
ISACA’s findings underscore the urgent need for organizations to address the staffing and skills gaps in cybersecurity. As cyber threats continue to evolve, having a well-equipped and adequately staffed cybersecurity team is crucial for safeguarding organizational assets and data.
Source: Business Wire
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