Bridging The Cybersecurity Talent Shortage With Consultants

Government research has found that 32% of UK businesses experienced a cyberattack last year and the results of these attacks, especially for smaller organisations can be devastating. The same study estimated that the direct cost of a single attack on a small business is around £1,100. However, that figure doesn’t consider the indirect costs a data breach or similar attack can have on your business. When you experience a cyberattack, you don’t just have to pay for the repairs to your security. You may also have to cover the costs of extra customer service staff, reimburse customers and clients for their losses, and pay regulatory fines and charges amongst other challenges. Most importantly you’ll need to hire new IT security staff to improve your digital security and prevent future attacks. Something that is especially challenging right now thanks to the UK’s ongoing cybersecurity talent shortage.

3 Cybersecurity hiring challenges affecting your business

There are three major challenges for businesses looking to hire skilled cybersecurity staff right now:

1. Increased demand for skilled applicants

A lack of skilled applicants for cybersecurity roles is one of the biggest challenges facing CSO’s this year. Not only is there a distinct scarcity of cyber talent around, but the shortfall is accelerating. The ISC² found that the number of unfilled cybersecurity positions globally had risen by 26% in 2022, to 3.4million.

The complexity of modern cyber threats, including sophisticated hacking techniques, ransomware attacks, and data breaches, requires professionals with deep knowledge and experience in identifying, mitigating, and responding to these evolving risks. With more and more businesses implementing new technologies and recognising the importance digital security alongside an increasing number of difficult to detect threats there simply aren’t enough professionals entering the marketplace to satisfy demand.

But increased demand isn’t the only factor affecting the availability of cybersecurity professionals.

2. The growing digital skills gap

The government estimates that while 33% of UK businesses are experiencing a shortage of skilled talent with the needed advanced cybersecurity skills, over 50% have difficulty finding applicants for a multitude of roles with basic digital security skills.

Basic digital literacy is becoming increasingly essential for a wide range of job roles, not just those directly related to cybersecurity. With the rapid digitisation of various industries and the integration of technology into daily operations, all your employees need to understand digital security practices to prevent potential vulnerabilities and breaches.

This situation is making the competition for talent even harder, as organisations across sectors compete for individuals with the digital literacy and skills needed for security and growth.

Check out Hubbado’s list of the most in-demand tech skills of 2023 to see if your business has the digital skills it needs for growth.

3. Increasing attrition of skilled professionals
45% of cybersecurity professionals are considering leaving their current role or the profession all together. This growing attrition of cybersecurity professionals is making it significantly harder for businesses to fill essential roles, particularly mid-career positions. This trend is caused by several factors alongside the highly competitive job market.

Firstly, the lack of professional development opportunities offered to cybersecurity professionals. The rapidly evolving nature of the cybersecurity landscape demands continuous learning and skill updates. Professionals will look for opportunities to keep pace with industry developments and enhance their expertise, leading to higher turnover rates.

Secondly, the lack of clear career advancement paths and growth opportunities within businesses also drives mid-career professionals to seek new challenges elsewhere. And finally, the intense and high-pressure nature of cybersecurity work can lead to burnout, prompting talented individuals to seek roles with better work-life balance.

How can you overcome the cybersecurity skills gap and access the expertise you need?

When you need to scale up your cybersecurity team, overcoming the talent shortage can seem impossible. But it doesn’t need to be. Many businesses are turning to consultants and contract staff to help bridge the cybersecurity talent shortage. Consultancy has several advantages that can help address your cybersecurity needs effectively without the need to hire permanent staff:

It’s flexible and can meet your unique needs
Hiring consultants and contract staff provides a flexible workforce solution. In a rapidly evolving field like cybersecurity, where specific skillsets may be required for short-term projects or specialised tasks, engaging experts on a temporary basis allows businesses to tailor their workforce to the exact demands of the moment. This flexibility enables companies to swiftly adapt to changing threat landscapes and emerging vulnerabilities.
It can bring new perspectives and insights
Consultants and contract staff often bring a wealth of diverse experiences to the table. Their exposure to various industries, technologies, and cybersecurity challenges equips them with a broad perspective and innovative strategies that can enhance your security. Consultants can offer fresh insights and unique solutions that may not be readily available within your internal talent pool.
It helps you use your resources more effectively
Hiring on a contractual basis can alleviate the pressure of long-term retention, which can be particularly challenging in a field characterised by high attrition rates. Your business can tap into the expertise of seasoned professionals without the commitment and resources required for full-time employment. This approach also enables you to be more strategic with your budget by engaging specialised talent only when necessary, increasing the cost-effectiveness of consultancy as a solution.

By making the most of the skills and insights of cybersecurity consultants, you can effectively address the cybersecurity talent shortage while remaining agile and adaptive in the face of evolving digital threats.

Find reliable and skilled cybersecurity contractors with Hubbado

Hubbado connects businesses with a curated pool of highly qualified contractors with a variety of cybersecurity skills and experience. Our platform ensures you can find contractors with the right expertise for your cybersecurity needs.

Hubbado is a resource management platform that gives you access to a pre-vetted community of highly skilled consultants, so you always have access to the skills and expertise you need to take your business forward.

Members of our exclusive community are vetted by an expert in their job sector for their industry knowledge, certifications, communication skills & more. Meaning that whatever the technical scope of your project you can always find a consultant who understands your needs.

Connect a consultant today or book a call with one of our friendly sales team.