IT security has long been a pressing issue, and recent high profile data breaches (such as the NSA scandal and phone hacking) have given the problem further publicity. In the first of a two part series CWJobs.co.uk explores how organisations are reacting to an enhanced need for data security, and what impact this could have for professionals working in the industry.
Despite an increasing focus on the importance of keeping data and systems safe, 56% of professionals surveyed by CWJobs felt that businesses aren’t currently taking IT security seriously enough, leaving IT systems under increasing threat from hacking and security breaches. It is apparent professionals are concerned about the impact this could have on the overall IT industry, as 84% believe businesses should be recruiting more heavily for IT professionals with skills in security.
Online security is essential to the sustained economic growth of the UK, reassuring businesses from further afield that the UK is a secure nation to trade with. With large national banks, stores, and businesses arguably at the greatest risk of breaches, 95% of professionals believe that large organisations are in the greatest need of skilled up professionals.
With cyber threats growing and evolving on an almost daily basis, having skilled candidates who understand and can navigate this environment to protect businesses is now crucial. The opportunities available are clear, and have been recognised by IT professionals; in order to make the most of these, 66% of those surveyed stated that they would consider re-skilling in order to take on a role in IT security.
According to figures from industry recruiters Acumin, the benefits for professionals breaking into the lucrative information security industry can be great. Skilled professionals can expect to benefit from high salaries, as employers offer generous incentives to attract the right talent, with permanent salaries in the region of £85,000.
Part Two of CWJobs look into IT security explores how recruiters could soon consider hackers for security roles.
Richard Nott | @CwJobsUk | CwJobs
Richard Nott is Website Director at CWJobs.co.uk and has worked with the company for 14 years.
CWJobs.co.uk is the leading specialist IT recruitment website serving contract and permanent IT jobseekers throughout the UK and Ireland. The site draws over 509,000 unique users each month, attracted by the opportunity to search an average of more than 10,000 IT job opportunities at any one time.
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[1] http://www.acumin.co.uk/main/news/view/information-security-wages-soar-due-to-skills-shortage/3854
