Navigating the Cybersecurity Job Market in 2024: Complex Systems Demand Traditional and Non-traditional IT Skills for the Cybersecurity Workforce

In Chamber Blog by DC

My work in the IT industry gives me a front-row seat in the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity. The year 2024 promises both rewards and challenges for professionals and organizations alike. While there is tremendous opportunity and growth within cybersecurity, budget constraints and a shortage of qualified professionals leave our complex IT systems exposed to constant threats. The costs of these threats extend far beyond dollars, impacting national security, reputations, and industry infrastructures.

Trends Shaping 2024

Cybersecurity Ventures projects a continued disparity between global demand and the number of professionals available, with millions of positions remaining unfilled. The term “cybersecurity” itself encompasses a holistic practice that protects the digital universe of systems, networks, and programs. As employers look to fill positions for cybersecurity practitioners, we need to examine gaps in qualifications and consider how we can engage and redirect knowledgeable IT professionals toward the cybersecurity practice.

According to the ISC2 Global Workforce Study, the profession is on track to nearly double in size by 2032. We must be intentional and strategic in addressing the complexities of our IT environments and in cultivating a future workforce that meets the demands of today and tomorrow.

Meeting the Demand

In response to the need for sophisticated cybersecurity talent, companies are increasingly seeking individuals with experience in Cloud and AI systems, as well as those well-versed in frameworks like RMF, Zero Trust, and CSF 2. Employees proficient in these areas will be in high demand because these skills are critical for today’s security environments.

Embracing New Frontiers

The changing threat landscape necessitates a focus on Cloud security, AI, and automation to combat cybercrime effectively. AI-assisted tools support the human workforce by providing 24/7 vigilance, refined data outputs for analysts, and automation of tasks with speed and efficiency. A dynamic cybersecurity environment requires key employees to understand and apply AI tools to enhance and automate protection against ever-increasing cybercrime.

Expanding the Talent Pool

One direct way organizations are addressing the cybersecurity workforce shortage is through upskilling existing staff. Upskilling not only increases the ability to field more contract opportunities, but also cultivates talent and improves staff retention. IT administrators and developers, due to their parallel and transferable skills, make strong candidates for roles in cybersecurity. Organizations have become more creative in increasing the cybersecurity talent pool, upskilling or retraining current employees to fill these critical roles. Areas of expertise that promise cybersecurity relevance include automation and AI for Compliance and SOC SMEs. These services require cybersecurity automation, creating a natural bridge for proficient workers in these systems to move into cybersecurity.

Strategies for Success

Employers are becoming more receptive to candidates with transferable skills, prioritizing a willingness to learn over rigid qualifications. To address immediate cybersecurity needs, organizations are becoming increasingly flexible. Redefining requirements, investing in upskilling programs, and forging strategic partnerships with managed security service providers (MSSPs) are among the strategies organizations are employing to fill cybersecurity roles.

Strategic Agendas

Initiatives like the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy (NCWES) program aim to bridge the gap between supply and demand by prioritizing training and education. Additionally, the cybersecurity business has developed “as a service” models, offering flexibility and scalability to organizations that need to rapidly acquire these capabilities. Cybersecurity services are changing to an “as a service” model, enabling ISSO, SOC, and Compliance to be seen as services.

Looking Ahead

As cybercrime continues to evolve in government and private sectors, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals promises to grow even more. Equipping oneself with knowledge of current trends and in-demand skills will be essential to navigate the mercurial landscape of cybersecurity in 2024 and beyond. In this dynamic landscape, knowledge of current and future career trends will enable students, job seekers, and realigning employees to be poised to work on the most employable certifications and to join and flourish in this promising and integral industry.

Laks Prabhala is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Alpha Omega in McLean, Virginia. He leads several high profile Zero Trust initiatives supporting several Federal CIOs/CISOs, with over three decades of Technology and management expertise in Cybersecurity, Application Development and Cloud Computing in industry verticals like Government, Banking, Finance, and Insurance.


This blog post provided by member Laks Prabhala, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Alpha Omega