Despite millions of cybersecurity job openings worldwide, employers are struggling to fill these roles. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), there is a global shortage of nearly 4 million cybersecurity workers, creating a growing divide between cyber-resilient organizations and those that are not. In the WEF's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2024 survey, 90% of executives highlighted the urgent need for action to address cyber inequity, particularly as emerging technologies like generative AI exacerbate cybersecurity challenges. The skill gap in cybersecurity is rapidly expanding, with 71% of organizations having unfilled positions, presenting a significant hurdle in building defenses against cyberattacks. Erin Baudo Felter, vice president of social impact and sustainability at identity management company Okta, noted the continued high demand for cybersecurity professionals, but the supply is lagging. Deterring factors include unclear career paths, outdated training, and costly certifications. Filter emphasized the impact and purpose a cybersecurity career offers by protecting people and organizations from digital threats.
The cybersecurity sector is a leading area for job growth and demand in technology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 32% rise in cybersecurity jobs from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average growth rate for all U.S. jobs. Information security analysts are expected to see the fifth fastest growth among all U.S. occupations in this period. Currently, there are about 750,000 cybersecurity job vacancies in the U.S., driven by increasing cyber threats, heightened cybersecurity awareness, evolving data protection regulations, and rapid digital transformation.
Recent incidents, like the CrowdStrike outage that affected millions globally, underscore the importance of strong security measures, emphasizing the need for cybersecurity professionals in risk mitigation and resilience strategy development. There's a growing demand for experts in vendor accountability and third-party risk management, as organizations seek skilled professionals to prevent and respond to complex cyber incidents.
To bridge the cybersecurity skills gap, Okta has pledged $50 million over five years to identify and cultivate top talent, focusing on equal access to technology careers. Okta is offering $1.6 million in grants to support career opportunities in technology for women, people of color, veterans, and other underrepresented groups, alongside educational grants targeting unemployed individuals, particularly veterans and those affected by layoffs, to train in cybersecurity.
Felter emphasized the need to demystify cybersecurity careers, which require more than technical skills, including culture, communication, and change management. Entry-level roles involve tasks like monitoring security systems, conducting vulnerability assessments, and participating in incident response efforts, crucial for maintaining organizational security. Professionals in cybersecurity enjoy substantial salaries, reflecting the high demand and importance of their roles. Salaries for these professionals vary widely, with information security analysts earning a median of $120,360 and other roles offering even higher compensation depending on experience and responsibility levels.