ISC2 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study: Key Findings

Global Cybersecurity Workforce Prepares for an AI-Driven World

As the cybersecurity industry evolves, it faces a dynamic blend of opportunities and challenges. The ISC2 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study provides critical insights into the skills, trends, and strategies shaping the field, particularly as organizations integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations.

Key Findings from the ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 2024

?? Top 5 Non-Technical Skills in Demand

The importance of soft skills in cybersecurity continues to grow, reflecting the industry's need for adaptable and collaborative professionals:

1?? Strong problem-solving abilities (31%)

2?? Teamwork and collaboration skills (28%)

3?? Curiosity/eagerness to learn (26%)

4?? Strong communication skills (25%)

5?? Strategic thinking skills (17%)

?? Top 5 Technical Skills in Demand

While non-technical skills are essential, technical expertise remains a cornerstone of the profession. The most sought-after technical skills include:

1?? Cloud computing security (19%)

2?? Risk assessment, analysis, and management (14%)

3?? Security engineering (14%)

4?? Governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) (13%)

5?? Artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) (12%)

#### ?? Workforce Insights: A Shift in Demographics

The cybersecurity profession is seeing a growing influx of mid-career professionals. In fact, the percentage of 39- to 49-year-olds entering the field has nearly doubled in recent years, rising from 18% in 2022 to 35% in 2024. This trend highlights cybersecurity’s appeal as a second or third career path and underscores the value of diverse experiences in addressing talent gaps.

AI’s Role in Cybersecurity: Opportunities and Challenges

AI and Skills Transformation

The integration of AI is expected to automate certain technical tasks, but the uncertainty about which skills will be replaced has led organizations to prioritize non-technical capabilities. Skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability are seen as critical in navigating the changes AI will bring.

Confidence in the Future

Despite the rise of generative AI (Gen AI), two-thirds of cybersecurity professionals remain confident that their expertise will complement AI rather than be replaced. This optimism reflects the understanding that human insight and creativity are indispensable in the fight against cyber threats.

Gen AI Adoption: Benefits and Risks

• Benefits: 45% of cybersecurity teams have implemented Gen AI to bridge skills gaps, enhance threat detection, and increase efficiency.
• Challenges: 64% of organizations adopting Gen AI in other departments have inadvertently created additional workloads for cybersecurity teams. Over half of respondents report data privacy and security concerns stemming from organizational use of Gen AI.

The Need for a Gen AI Strategy

Although 90% of organizations have some policies in place for Gen AI use, nearly half lack a formal strategy, and 65% recognize the need for more robust regulations. A clear roadmap is essential to ensure the responsible and effective use of AI technologies.

Diversity: A Key to Closing the Talent Gap

As the global cybersecurity workforce gap reaches 4,762,963 (a 19.1% YoY increase), organizations are increasingly embracing diverse pathways into cybersecurity. Entrants from non-IT backgrounds bring unique problem-solving approaches and fresh perspectives, proving invaluable in addressing the skills shortage.

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What Does This Mean for Cybersecurity’s Future?

The industry stands at a critical juncture where human expertise, AI advancements, and diverse talent converge. To thrive in this environment, organizations must:

• Invest in continuous education to upskill professionals for an AI-driven world.
• Leverage diverse talent pipelines to address the skills shortage.
• Develop comprehensive Gen AI strategies for safe and effective implementation.

The cybersecurity workforce is not only adapting to an AI-driven world but also leading its responsible adoption. By balancing technology with human ingenuity, the field is poised for sustained growth and innovation.

?? What’s your perspective on the future of cybersecurity in an AI-driven world? Share your thoughts below!

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Julia Costin Gurvirender Tejay, PhD Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Colorado Cyber Qubits @cyber