Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field in the UK, with a significant increase in the number of security professionals since 2021.
Description
Cybersecurity is the fastest-growing IT role in the UK [4] [5], with a 128% increase in security professionals since 2021. In 2024 [1] [5], the number of cybersecurity professionals in the UK has risen to 65,000 [3], up from 28,500 in December 2021 [3]. There are now 11,400 women in cybersecurity roles [1], making up 17.5% of the workforce, compared to 53,600 men. The gender gap in cybersecurity has widened [5], with women previously making up nearly a quarter of the workforce in December 2021 [5]. London has only 17% of cyber workers, while Northern Ireland and Wales have the fewest cybersecurity professionals in the UK [1]. The UK’s cyber workforce is around 349,000 [4], but there is a shortfall of over 93,300 workers [4]. Initiatives like the NCSC’s Cyber First Girls competition are needed to attract more workers [4], especially women [4], into the cybersecurity sector [4]. Demand for cybersecurity professionals still exceeds supply [2], with just one security professional for every 86 companies [2] [5]. There are nearly 10 times more software programmers in the UK than cybersecurity professionals [2].
Conclusion
The increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals in the UK highlights the importance of attracting more workers, particularly women, to the sector [3]. Initiatives like the Cyber First Girls competition are crucial in addressing the gender gap and filling the shortfall of workers. As the field continues to grow, efforts to recruit and retain cybersecurity professionals will be essential in ensuring the security of businesses and organizations in the future.
References
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cybersecurity-fastest-growing-occupation-uk-102700662.html
[2] https://socura.co.uk/analysis-of-cyber-employment-trends-uk/
[3] https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366612636/Cyber-UKs-quickest-growing-tech-field-but-skills-gap-remains
[4] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/share-women-uk-cyber-roles-17/
[5] https://www.digit.fyi/women-make-up-just-17-of-cybersecurity-roles/
