As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, new labour market data from Adzuna Intelligence highlights a nuanced picture of the UK’s cybersecurity sector. While the demand for cybersecurity professionals has recently decreased due to global economic conditions and technology layoffs, employment in the cyber workforce has continued to grow. This presents a key opportunity for educators and training providers to equip the next generation of cybersecurity specialists with the skills needed to succeed in a fast-changing industry.
Looking at the year 2022/23, key findings from our data include:
- Cybersecurity job postings have fallen by 31%, from 128,524 in 2022 to 88,185 in 2023, reflecting a broader trend across the tech sector due to challenging macroeconomic conditions.
- Despite the decline in job postings, employment in the UK’s cybersecurity workforce has increased by 5% in the past year, as new entrants fill sustained demand for critical roles.
- According to data from the Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) and Jisc, student enrollment in cybersecurity courses has grown by 14%, from 18,270 to 20,890, while graduates in cybersecurity programs have risen by 34%, from 4,330 to 5,790.
- In England alone, 580 new cybersecurity apprenticeship starts were recorded in 2022/23, an increase of 18% year-on-year.
Cybersecurity roles in high demand across areas of the UK
Overall, the number of cybersecurity job postings in the UK has fallen 46% between October 2021 and October 2024. This is to an extent reflective of the overall tech sector, although cybersecurity roles have seen less impact than the sector overall, where job postings dropped 64% over the same period.
While the overall number of cybersecurity job postings has decreased, certain regions of the UK continue to experience high demand for cybersecurity talent. Regions such as London, the West Country, and Greater Manchester are among the top areas where employers are seeking cybersecurity professionals. These regions are home to a concentration of businesses that rely heavily on digital infrastructure, driving the demand for skilled workers to protect critical systems from cyber threats.
Top certifications and skills in demand
In addition to regional demand, specific qualifications remain crucial for those looking to enter or advance in the cybersecurity sector. Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) are among the most sought-after by employers, as they demonstrate a candidate’s proficiency in core cybersecurity competencies.
Challenges in filling mid-level roles
The data also highlights that positions requiring 3 to 5 years of experience remain the hardest to fill, with 61% of job postings in the sector requiring 2 to 6 years of experience. Cyber sector firms have reported ongoing challenges in filling these mid-level roles, despite progress in addressing the work experience gap.
Between 2021 and 2024, the percentage of cyber firms reporting that lack of experience was a barrier to hiring has decreased from 35% in 2021 to just 16% in 2024. This suggests that while educational and apprenticeship programs are successfully preparing entry-level candidates, more must be done to develop mid-level talent through continued learning and professional development initiatives.
Competitive salaries drive demand
The cybersecurity sector continues to offer competitive salaries, making it an attractive field for students and jobseekers alike. The median salary for cybersecurity professionals in the UK is £49,000, significantly higher than the national median salary, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available in the field.
Salaries tend to be highest in regions such as London, the West Country, and Eastern Scotland, where demand for cybersecurity talent is greatest, offering additional incentives for skilled professionals to seek opportunities in these areas.
Opportunities for educators and training providers
With the cybersecurity workforce still growing and new students and graduates entering the field at record rates, now is the time for educators and training providers to adapt their programs to ensure they are aligned with industry needs.
To meet the evolving demands of employers, training programs should focus on:
- Advanced technical skills: Employers continue to need candidates with in-depth knowledge of areas such as cloud security, threat detection, and risk management.
- Mid-level career development: With mid-level roles the hardest to fill, courses should emphasise ongoing career progression and professional development, helping early-stage professionals build the experience they need to fill these in-demand positions.
- Apprenticeships and hands-on training: The growth in cybersecurity apprenticeship starts is promising, and expanding these opportunities will be crucial in giving students practical experience while addressing gaps in the labour market.
The path forward
The data underscores the importance of developing a robust pipeline of cybersecurity talent to address the industry’s immediate needs and to plan for future challenges. Despite the decline in vacancies, the cybersecurity sector remains a vital part of the UK economy, and ensuring that skilled professionals are available to protect digital infrastructure is more important than ever.
Educators and training providers play a key role in this effort by equipping students with both the foundational and advanced skills needed to succeed in this dynamic field. Collaboration between educational institutions, apprenticeship programs, and industry leaders will be essential to preparing the cybersecurity workforce of tomorrow.
Partnering to build the cybersecurity workforce of tomorrow
This analysis highlights both the challenges and opportunities within the UK cybersecurity sector, underscoring the essential role of training providers and educators in preparing the next generation of professionals. At Adzuna, we’re committed to supporting educational institutions, training providers, and industry partners as they navigate this evolving landscape. For more insights or to discuss how our labour market data can help you align your programs with real-world demands, get in touch. Together, we can bridge the skills gap, foster new talent, and build a resilient cybersecurity workforce for the future.