The Global Cyber Workforce shortage deepens

The Global Cybersecurity Forum and BCG published a report in early November 2024 highlighting the global cybersecurity workforce shortage. According to the two institutions, 7.1 million people are currently employed in the sector, while 2.8 million open positions remain unfilled. This results in a global vacancy rate of 28%, a highly significant and increasing figure.

The Asia-Pacific region faces the most critical challenge, with a vacancy rate of 56%, equivalent to 1.65 million unfilled positions out of a total workforce of just under 3 million. Europe accounts for 460,000 unfilled positions out of 1.4 million employees, with a vacancy rate of 32%. The Americas fare better, with 570,000 unfilled positions out of 2.4 million employees, reflecting a 23% vacancy rate—the same as in Africa, which has 69,000 unfilled positions.

A pressing concern for cybersecurity leaders

According to the report, 59% of cybersecurity leaders cite the workforce shortage as the primary obstacle to their organization’s security. The lack of expertise among candidates is identified as the leading cause of the hiring challenges, mentioned by 64% of respondents.

Proposed solutions to address the shortage

To tackle this issue, the report’s authors recommend prioritizing enhanced training capabilities, both initial and ongoing. They also stress the importance of making cybersecurity careers more attractive and fostering the inclusion of underrepresented groups, particularly women and minorities.