A recent Kaspersky study shows that companies around the globe are mulling over plans to enhance their IT security domain, with 75% of organizations revealing such an intent for the upcoming year. The trend highlights rising demand in seasoned cybersecurity talent, creating new opportunities for professionals, while suggesting that the industry’s skills shortage may intensify.
As cyberthreats continue to grow in scale and complexity, strengthening IT security service has become an important priority worldwide, with 99% of companies viewing this department as a core business function. Yet this rising demand is unfolding against a persistent shortage of experienced cybersecurity experts: with findings showing that some companies might spent more than six months hiring qualified security professional. For finding a candidate whose skill set would exactly match a role's requirements, it might take even more time and efforts.
The study, conducted by Kaspersky’s internal market research center[1], reveals a widespread intent to strengthen IT security function across the board in the next 12 months. This trend is especially pronounced among mid-market[2] and high-enterprise[3] organizations, where 78% and 83% of companies, respectively, plan to enhance their security function in the upcoming year.
Industry-wise, IT (79%) and telecommunications (76%) show the strongest intent to invest in cybersecurity. The picture shifts somewhat when looking at organizations by size: in the high-enterprises group, manufacturing tops the list at 84%, followed by IT (82%), and banking, financial services and insurance (79%). In the mid-market, IT stands out with 84% of companies prioritizing further security function development.
As for the regional breakdown, the intention to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities is especially strong in Latin America (79%) and the Asia-Pacific region (78%).
This overall trend signals that cybersecurity appears to be one of the most attractive fields for professional development, both for young professionals entering the industry and for established experts seeking to enhance their competencies. Organizations today prioritize team growth, professional development and practical experience to keep up with modern threats.
“With three in four companies planning to reinforce their IT security function, the talent shortage in cybersecurity becomes even more acute in the coming years. While upskilling today’s information security specialists will partially ease the pressure, addressing the gap requires a more comprehensive approach: wider access for education and learning opportunities, encouraging more inclusive participation, and strengthening industry collaboration with universities,” comments Evgeniya Russkikh, Head of Academic Affairs at Kaspersky.
To help individuals navigate career opportunities in cybersecurity and build the skills the industry demands, Kaspersky experts recommend the following:
- If you are a student considering a career in cybersecurity, start with Cybersecurity. Entry Level training program that provides a solid foundation in key security concepts and hands-on practice, giving the competences needed to take the first steps in the field.
- If you are an established IT professional looking to deepen your expertise or transition into cybersecurity, explore Kaspersky Cybersecurity Training and specialized courses for IT experts. From specific technical training to advanced programs, Kaspersky Academy offers a wide range of options tailored to different experience levels and career goals.
- If you struggle with choosing a cybersecurity direction that best fits your strengths and ambitions, explore Kaspersky's Cyber Pathways. It offers a comprehensive look into the six essential cybersecurity roles, skills, and tools to empower professionals to chart their career paths with confidence. Featuring an interactive guidance test and personalized learning recommendations, the resource helps users to discover their ideal cybersecurity role.
[1] To provide insights into the current cybersecurity trends and risks facing businesses today, Kaspersky surveyed 1,800 IT security specialists and cybersecurity decision-makers across 18 countries, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam.
[2] Mid-market enterprise: 1,500-2,499 employees
[3] High enterprise: 2,500 or more employees
