Cyber Security: The Fastest Growing IT Work In The UK

A British cyber security services business that protects many of the nation’s biggest NHS trusts, councils, and private companies, Socura, has released its UK Cyber Security Careers 2024 Report ‘Their next job was in cyber’.

Based on Office of National Statistics (ONS) data, it reveals that cyber security is now the fastest growing tech occupation in the UK, with the number of people in cyber roles more than doubling (128%) between 2021 and 2024. 

Despite this growth rate, there are not yet enough cyber security professionals to tackle the growing threat to UK businesses, with only one security pro for every 86 companies. 

Other key findings of Socura’s Report include:   

  • There are 4,600 more women in cyber security roles in 2024 compared to 2021. However, the percentage of women in cyber security roles has decreased and now stands at 17%, down from 24%.
  • London is less of a hub for cyber security professionals than it is for other IT professionals. 25% of all IT workers are based in London, compared to 17% of cyber workers.
  • Northern Ireland and Wales are the countries in the UK with the fewest cybersecurity professionals. 

“Cyber security may be the fastest growing IT occupation in the UK but the skills shortage in the industry remains a concern,” said Andy Kays, CEO at Socura.  “Many businesses simply do not have the specialists they need to defend against cyber attacks.  “To fix this problem at a national level, we need more initiatives like the NCSC-backed Academic Centres of Excellence and ways to reach even younger people so that they can discover technology in schools" Kays said.

Dr Kathryn Jones, Head of School, Computer Science and Informatics at Cardiff University commented, “For organisations struggling to recruit cyber security experts, finding a trusted managed services partner to bolster capabilities and ease the load remains vital to bridging the gap... Attracting more workers, particularly women, into cyber remains a key challenge for the industry,”

“However, gender imbalance and the low representation of women is a wider issue in the tech sector, not only cyber security. The number of women enroled on computer science and software engineering courses, for example, is typically also low... Cyber security is an exciting and varied career choice but more initiatives like the NCSC’s Cyber First Girls competition are needed to raise awareness.”  Dr Jones added.

Image: Unsplash

You Might Also Read:

Gender Diversity In The Technology Sector:   


If you like this website and use the comprehensive 7,000-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.

  • Individual £5 per month or £50 per year. Sign Up
  • Multi-User, Corporate & Library Accounts Available on Request

Cyber Security Intelligence: Captured Organised & Accessible


 

« Ai-Da - The Robot Artist
The Human Impact Of Ransomware In Healthcare »

Infosecurity Europe
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North IT (North Infosec Testing) are an award-winning provider of web, software, and application penetration testing.

LockLizard

LockLizard

Locklizard provides PDF DRM software that protects PDF documents from unauthorized access and misuse. Share and sell documents securely - prevent document leakage, sharing and piracy.

CYRIN

CYRIN

CYRIN® Cyber Range. Real Tools, Real Attacks, Real Scenarios. See why leading educational institutions and companies in the U.S. have begun to adopt the CYRIN® system.

Resecurity

Resecurity

Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence.

CSI Consulting Services

CSI Consulting Services

Get Advice From The Experts: * Training * Penetration Testing * Data Governance * GDPR Compliance. Connecting you to the best in the business.

Onapsis

Onapsis

Onapsis is a pioneer in cybersecurity and compliance solutions for cloud and on-premise ERP and business-critical applications.

Khipu Networks

Khipu Networks

Khipu Networks is an award winning Cyber Security Company delivering a wide range of network, wireless and security solutions, technologies and services across multiple sectors.

Seltek Technology Solutions

Seltek Technology Solutions

Seltek provides Digital Forensics, eDiscovery, Cybersecurity Assessments and IT Support services.

Salt Security

Salt Security

Salt Security protects the APIs that are the core of every SaaS, web, mobile, microservices and IoT application.

ENAC

ENAC

ENAC is the national accreditation body for Spain. The directory of members provides details of organisations offering certification services for ISO 27001.

IT Career Switch

IT Career Switch

An IT Career Switch Traineeship is the easiest way to start a new career in IT or Cybersecurity with fantastic career prospects.

Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII)

Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII)

CyManII was established to create economically viable, pervasive, and inconspicuous cybersecurity in American manufacturing to secure the digital supply chain and energy automation.

CYBAVO

CYBAVO

CYBAVO is a cryptocurrency security company founded by experts from the cryptocurrency and security industries.

Cyber Polygon

Cyber Polygon

Cyber Polygon is an annual online exercise which connects various global organisations to train their competencies and exchange best practices.

Ankura Consulting Group

Ankura Consulting Group

Ankura is a global expert services and advisory firm that delivers services and end-to-end solutions in a wide range of areas including cybersecurity and digital transformation.

Europol - European Cybercrime Centre (EC3)

Europol - European Cybercrime Centre (EC3)

The European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) was set up by Europol to strengthen the law enforcement response to cybercrime in the EU.

Acclaim Technical Services (ATS)

Acclaim Technical Services (ATS)

ATS provide operational products, services and solutions to the defense and intelligence communities for all types of critical mission needs.

Walacor

Walacor

Walacor’s secure data platform represents the next generation of secure data and blockchain storage with a trust-first approach that revolutionizes enterprise data, and database management systems.

Merlin Ventures

Merlin Ventures

Merlin Ventures is a strategic investor focused on driving growth and value for cybersecurity software companies with market-leading potential.

Canary Technology Solutions (Canary IT)

Canary Technology Solutions (Canary IT)

A Cloud, Cyber Security, Retail Solutions and Managed IT Services provider for over 25 years, we safeguard and revolutionise business through technology and foresight.

Heritage Cyber World

Heritage Cyber World

Heritage Cyber World is a one stop solution for all your security needs that brings together a team of security experts and analysts to deliver high-class security services.