A new report has revealed that nearly 40% of European firms are looking to grow their cyber security teams by at least 15% over the next 12 months.
Commissioned by security certification body (ISC)2, The 2017 Global Information Security Workforce Study was based on a survey of 19,000 global cyber security professionals, including 3,700 European security professionals.
The report also goes on to say that while European companies have the most ambitious plans for hiring security professionals, two-thirds say they have too few cyber security professionals, with Europe facing a shortage of 350,000 security professionals by 2022.
92% of the respondents admitted that they looked for previous cyber security experience when choosing candidates, with most recruitment coming from their own professional networks. Social and professional networks are preferred (48%) followed by the company’s HR department (47%).
The report calls for employers to be more proactive when it comes to embracing newcomers and a changing workforce.
Globally, the report revealed that 70% of employers are looking to increase the size of their cyber security staff by the end of 2017. However strong recruitment targets, a shortage of talent and lack of training have all contributed to the skills shortages.
“The combination of virtually non-existent unemployment, a shortage of workers, the expectation of high salaries, and high staff turnover that only increases among younger generations, creates both a disincentive to invest in training and development and a conundrum for prospective employers of how to hire and retain talent in such an environment,” the report says.
Adrian Davis, managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at (ISC)2 said: “There are real structural concerns hampering the development of the job market today that must be addressed.
“It is particularly concerning that employers appear reluctant to invest in their workforce and are unwilling to hire less-experienced candidates. If we cannot be prepared to develop new talent, we will lose our ability to protect the economy and society.”
The 2017 Global Information Security Workforce Study can be viewed here.
