Key Takeaways
- The number of cyber security professionals in the UK has increased by 194% since 2021, with 83,700 professionals currently working in the industry.
- Cyber security is the fifth fastest-growing profession in the UK, with one cyber security professional for every 68 businesses.
- The industry still faces challenges, including a persistent gender imbalance, with only one in five cyber security professionals being female.
- The growth of the cyber security sector is expected to continue, with artificial intelligence creating new specialisms and driving continuous learning.
- Initiatives such as the CyberFirst Girls’ competition and Women in Cyber networks are important in addressing the gender imbalance and promoting diversity in the sector.
Introduction to the Cyber Security Industry
The cyber security industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the number of professionals working in the sector increasing by 194% since 2021. According to a report by Socura, a cyber security services provider, there are now 83,700 cyber security professionals in the UK, up from 28,500 in 2021. This growth has led to cyber security becoming the fifth fastest-growing profession in the UK, with the industry now boasting more professionals than traditional staples of the British workforce, such as bricklayers, architects, and vets.
The Growth of the Cyber Security Sector
The report, based on an analysis of 400+ occupations tracked by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Population Survey, reveals that cyber security is not only the UK’s fastest-growing IT profession but also the fifth fastest-growing role in any industry. The number of cyber security professionals has risen significantly, with one cyber security professional for every 68 businesses in the UK, down from one per 196 businesses in 2021. This growth is expected to continue, with artificial intelligence creating new specialisms and driving continuous learning. According to Dr Yulia Cherdantseva, Director, Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education at Cardiff University, "Artificial Intelligence is transforming the profession, yet the outlook for the cyber security workforce remains positive. Practitioners increasingly view AI as a way to augment rather than replace human expertise."
Challenges Facing the Cyber Security Industry
Despite the growth of the cyber security sector, the industry still faces challenges, including a persistent gender imbalance. According to the report, only one in five cyber security professionals is female, with the number of women working in the UK cyber security industry increasing by 163% since 2021. Commenting on the challenges of attracting more women into the sector, Dr Clare Johnson, Founder, Women in Cyber Unlimited, said "It is disappointing that gender diversity in the sector remains fairly static, with women making up just over twenty per cent of the cyber security workforce." Initiatives such as the CyberFirst Girls’ competition and Women in Cyber networks are important in addressing this imbalance and promoting diversity in the sector.
The Importance of Developing Talent
The growth of the cyber security sector highlights the importance of developing talent with the skills needed to keep pace with modern threats. According to Andrew Kays, CEO at Socura, "The latest ONS employment figures prove that cyber security is no longer a niche industry—it is a cornerstone of the UK economy. For the UK to remain a global leader in online safety, we must ensure that we continue to develop talent with the skills needed to keep pace with modern threats and that a career in cyber is accessible to everyone." This requires a concerted effort from industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to promote the sector and provide opportunities for individuals to develop the skills needed to succeed.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the cyber security industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the number of professionals working in the sector increasing by 194% since 2021. While the industry still faces challenges, including a persistent gender imbalance, the growth of the sector is expected to continue, with artificial intelligence creating new specialisms and driving continuous learning. By developing talent with the skills needed to keep pace with modern threats and promoting diversity in the sector, the UK can remain a global leader in online safety and ensure that the cyber security industry continues to thrive. As Dr Yulia Cherdantseva noted, "By embracing cross-sector collaboration, international cooperation, and globally shared skills and knowledge frameworks and standards, we can build a workforce that is not only skilled but resilient, adaptable, and prepared for the evolving threat landscape."
