The demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing as industries worldwide face economic challenges. According to recent data from CyberSeek, a company specializing in cybersecurity workforce insights, over 514,000 cybersecurity jobs were advertised in the U.S. in the past year, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. This trend highlights the need for cybersecurity talent across various sectors, including businesses and government entities. \n\nThe rising demand comes amid ongoing global economic instability. A report from the World Economic Forum indicates that 87% of chief economists expect businesses to delay strategic decisions, increasing the risk of recession. Despite this uncertainty, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals remains strong. Matthew Walsh, Research Director at Lightcast, emphasized that the workforce gap continues to challenge both public and private sectors. \n\nThe issue of a skills gap in cybersecurity has persisted for years. The World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 revealed that only 14% of organizations possess the necessary talent to meet their cybersecurity goals. Additionally, two-thirds of organizations remain vulnerable to cyber threats due to a lack of critical expertise. \n\nThe integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) is further shaping the cybersecurity job market. Many job postings now require AI-related skills, reflecting the industry’s evolving demands. Experts stress that collaboration between public and private sectors is crucial to addressing the skills shortage. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are highlighted as a key strategy to enhance workforce development and create sustainable talent pipelines. \n\nFor instance, initiatives like Banco Santander’s partnership with Europol in Spain and Cisco’s collaboration with the South African government demonstrate how PPPs can drive innovation and skills development. \n— new from The World Economic Forum
