The ongoing shortage of cybersecurity professionals is part of a broader issue facing the tech industry today. As Deloitte Insights highlighted in their recent survey, almost 90% of tech companies struggle with hiring the right talent, with professionals skilled in cybersecurity, cloud services, data analytics, and machine learning in particularly high demand. This shortage of critical talent has only deepened in light of last year’s tech layoffs, which selectively impacted roles based on the sector’s evolving needs.
One notable challenge, as identified by a leader in Deloitte’s cybersecurity study, is the shortage of “system and security architects.” These individuals, described as “unicorns,” possess the rare ability to design and implement comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks that integrate seamlessly within complex systems. This gap underscores a shift toward talent with a more robust, multi-disciplinary skillset, critical for cybersecurity’s future.
In the last five years, the global cybersecurity talent shortage has remained alarmingly stable, with an estimated 3.5 million unfilled positions globally—a figure that hasn’t budged since 2021. This persistent challenge highlights the complexity of the cybersecurity landscape and the demands placed on industries worldwide.
At Voltera Group, we are acutely aware of this challenge and are actively working to address it through several targeted strategies. As a consultancy at the forefront of digital transformation and security, we have positioned ourselves as leaders in helping companies bridge the cybersecurity talent gap while ensuring the resilience of their systems.
Factors Driving the Cybersecurity Talent Shortage
The cybersecurity talent shortage can be traced to several evolving factors:
Rapid Industry Growth Versus Educational Output: From 2013 to 2021, cybersecurity job vacancies grew by 350%, significantly outpacing the number of qualified professionals entering the field. This gap is expected to persist until 2025.
Pandemic-Induced Shifts: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation, increasing the demand for cybersecurity experts while reshaping how recruitment, retention, and cybersecurity work are conducted.
High Certification Expectations for Entry-Level Roles: Entry-level opportunities in cybersecurity are rare, with many companies requiring high-level certifications like CISSP, which often take years to achieve. This creates a barrier for new entrants, slowing the industry’s ability to bring in fresh talent.
Technological Advancements and Evolving Threats: Cybersecurity professionals must constantly reskill to keep pace with rapid technological advances and new threats. The specialized knowledge required puts additional strain on the talent pool.
Workplace Stress and Retention Challenges: Cybersecurity is a high-stress field, contributing to high turnover rates. Many professionals move on to other roles in tech that offer more lucrative or less demanding opportunities.
Diversity and Inclusion: The industry continues to face challenges in attracting a diverse workforce, particularly women, minorities, and neurodiverse individuals. These gaps limit the innovation potential within cybersecurity teams.
At Voltera Group, we see the cybersecurity talent gap as both a challenge and an opportunity. We are committed to closing this gap by implementing targeted, long-term strategies:
Upskilling and Training Programs: We recognize the need for continuous learning in cybersecurity, so we invest in upskilling our workforce through specialized training programs and certifications. Our professionals are well-versed in the latest cybersecurity technologies, frameworks, and best practices.
Annual Company-Wide Cybersecurity Training: Cybersecurity is not just the responsibility of the IT department—it’s a company-wide priority. Each year, Voltera Group conducts cybersecurity training for all employees, from executives to support staff. This ensures that everyone has a baseline understanding of cybersecurity threats and the role they play in protecting company assets.
Fostering Innovation in Security Architecture: Voltera Group focuses on developing talent with the ability to architect secure systems. We mentor professionals who can design, build, and manage complex, secure digital infrastructures that anticipate evolving threats.
Promoting Diversity in Cybersecurity: We actively work to foster diversity within our workforce by creating opportunities for underrepresented groups to join the cybersecurity field. Our efforts include internships, mentorship programs, and partnerships with organizations that promote diversity in tech.
Partnerships with Educational Institutions: Voltera Group partners with universities and training institutes to bridge the gap between educational output and industry needs. By engaging with academic programs, we help shape curricula that better prepare students for real-world cybersecurity challenges.
