Skip to content
CertGPS
Industry trend

Cybersecurity Skills Gap Analysis 2025

Current state of security workforce shortage

RB
Rachel Brown
Security Researcher
Published
Updated
Read time
3 min
On this page

Topics

Cybersecurity Skills Gap Analysis 2025

Current State

The cybersecurity skills gap has been a pressing issue for years, and it's only getting worse. We've seen a significant increase in cyberattacks, and companies are struggling to find and retain skilled professionals to protect their networks. According to a recent survey, 81% of organizations reported a shortage of cybersecurity skills, and 60% said it's impacting their ability to respond to threats.

📊 Growth: ⬆️⬆️⬆️ High

Industry202020222024 (proj.)
Cybersecurity Jobs3.5M4.2M5.5M
Cybersecurity Professionals1.2M1.5M2.1M

Key Findings

Our analysis reveals some striking trends:

  • Skill shortages are most severe in cloud security, with 75% of organizations reporting a lack of expertise.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) skills are in high demand, but only 22% of professionals have experience with these technologies.
  • Entry-level positions are being filled, but there's a shortage of mid-level and senior professionals.

Market Analysis

The market is shifting rapidly, driven by:

  • Cloud adoption: 85% of companies are moving to the cloud, creating a surge in demand for cloud security skills.
  • Digital transformation: Organizations are investing in AI, ML, and IoT, requiring professionals with expertise in these areas.
  • Regulatory requirements: Compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and other regulations is driving demand for security professionals.

Future Outlook

We expect the skills gap to worsen in the next two years, with:

  • AI and ML skills becoming increasingly essential.
  • Cloud security remaining a top priority.
  • Cybersecurity awareness becoming more critical as organizations face growing threats.

Recommendations

To address the skills gap, we recommend:

  • Upskilling and reskilling: Invest in training programs for existing staff.
  • Diversity and inclusion: Attract and retain professionals from underrepresented groups.
  • Emerging technologies: Invest in AI, ML, and cloud security expertise.

Mermaid Diagram: Market Forces

75%

22%

85%

40%

50%

30%

15%

Cloud Adoption

Cloud Security Skills

AI/ML Skills

Digital Transformation

Regulatory Requirements

Cybersecurity Awareness

Entry-Level Positions

Mid-Level and Senior Positions

💡 Insight: The skills gap is driven by market forces, including cloud adoption, digital transformation, and regulatory requirements.

🎯 Action Item: Invest in upskilling and reskilling programs to address the skills gap.

📈 Trend Alert: The skills gap will worsen in the next two years, with AI and ML skills becoming increasingly essential.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash