Data from CyberSeek indicates a need for over 200,000 additional cybersecurity workers in the United States to bridge the talent gap. As a joint initiative of NIST’s NICE program, CompTIA, and Lightcast, CyberSeek offers detailed insights into the cybersecurity job market, highlighting the demand for skilled professionals in various roles. Despite the presence of more than 1.2 million cybersecurity workers in the US, the workforce currently fills only 85% of available positions, leaving a significant gap that needs to be addressed.
The cybersecurity job market remains robust, with nearly 470,000 job postings recorded between May 2023 and April 2024. Roles such as network and system engineers, system administrators, cybersecurity engineers, analysts, and information systems security officers are particularly sought after. While the overall tech sector experienced a decline in job postings, cybersecurity remained relatively resilient, with a 29% decrease in postings, indicating its importance amidst broader economic shifts.
On a global scale, ISC2’s report highlights a growing cybersecurity workforce, reaching a record 5.5 million in the previous year. However, despite this expansion, the workforce gap stands at nearly 4 million, with over 500,000 positions unfilled in the United States alone. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this shortage, the US government has taken steps to invest in cybersecurity education and training. Initiatives such as NIST’s $3.6 million in grants and the introduction of legislation like the Diverse Cybersecurity Workforce Act aim to promote inclusivity and expand opportunities in cybersecurity, ensuring a diverse and skilled workforce for the future.
