The growing demand for cyber security professionals in 2022

Over the past year, the demand for cyber security professionals has increased by 60%. As a result of the pandemic in 2020 many industries saw an acceleration in digital transformation and remote working, resulting in an increased risk of cyber-attacks.

In 2021 IT Governance discovered 1,243 security incidents, which accounted for 5,126,930,507 breached records. That represents an 11% increase in security incidents compared to 2020 when there were only 1,120 incidents. The increased risk for cyber-attacks has meant organisations are putting cyber security at the top of their priorities, to build secure digital infrastructures to protect company and client data.

What steps are being taken to help prevent cyber-attacks?

In 2016 the UK Government set out a strategy to make Britain secure and resilient in cyberspace. Part of the strategy was to create an independent governing body that would be responsible for creating  “ a framework that speaks across the different specialisms, setting out a comprehensive alignment of career pathways”. In March 2021 the UK Cyber Security Council was launched, it runs as an umbrella body that provides broad representation for the industry, accelerating awareness and promoting excellence in the profession.

One of the key aims of the Council is to work closely with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to make the UK the safest place to live and work online. The council work on identifying what essential skills are needed for the profession as well as helping to define career pathways for those who aspire to work in cyber security. 

On Friday 18^th March 2022 UK Cyber Security Council is hosting an online event, the ‘England Council Cyber Pathways and Standards Presentation Roadshow’. As well as offering advice to individuals and organisations on the standards and ethics by which cyber security professionals will need to follow, the council aims to offer insight into what qualification products and services will be needed to support career pathways. 

The UK Cyber Security Council’s CEO, Simon Hepburn, said: “With record levels of investment last year, the UK’s £10 billion cyber security sector has the potential to create thousands of highly skilled and rewarding careers for people across England.” 

According to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, more than 6,000 new jobs were added to the UK’s 50,000-strong cyber workforce.

Why choose a career in cyber security?

There are lots of positives to consider when thinking about a role in cyber security, not only the high demand but also the salary can be very rewarding. Over the past year, the average salary for a job in cyber security has increased by 12%. With particular roles showing a greater increase:

• The average salary for a cyber security engineer has gone from £58,000 to £75,750
• The average salary for a cyber security architect has gone from £70,525 to £89,320
• The average salary for a cyber security specialist has gone from £52,670 to £63,890

If you are looking to start your cyber security career, or you are looking to take the next step, there are a range of certifications that will provide you with greater career choices and opportunities. Click here to view some of our recommended IT Security and training courses

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