Cybersecurity jobs are paying better than ever right now — but there are still some major issues
Cybersecurity wages are growing more than inflation, report claims
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Britain’s cybersecurity workers are earning more than ever after significant wage growth in recent years, even outpacing inflation, a new report has claimed.
Figures from theChartered Institute of Information Securitypaint a positive picture for cybersecurity professionals given the tough current financial landscape, however they’re also facing higher stress levels and job pressures than before.
UK cybersecurity professionals are now earning an average of £87,204 a year – more than double the national average of £34,900.
Cybersecurity pays well
Since the Chartered Institute of Information Security’s first report in 2016/17, the industry’s salaries have risen by 29%, which is more than inflation in the same period. Accounting for inflation, salaries have risen a healthy 7% since then.
Top-tier earners also saw greater potential for economic boosts, with nearly one in five (18%) taking home more than £150,000, compared with 7% when the study first started.
However, the financial gain comes at a significant personal cost, with more than half (55%) admitting that job-related stress keeps them awake at night, a climb of five percentage points fromlast year’s study. Four in five (39%) also shared fears about serious health impacts, like a heart attack.
Around one in five (21%) cybersecurity professionals confirmed that they felt overworked, with the ongoing skills shortage adding to their pressure. In fact, people issues like staffing and skills were raised by 72% of respondents – far more than those who mentioned operational (17%) and technological (11%) concerns.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Besides the lack of people, cybersecurity workers noted a lack of diversity, highlighting that only one in ten are women.
“If the cybersecurity industry wants to attract and keep its talent, it must diversify recruitment practices, hiring based on skills rather than experience or qualifications," noted CIISEC CEO Amanda Finch.
Moreover, the study detailed a mixed response toAI’s role in the industry – 89% see it as benefiting adversaries, while 71% acknowledge its potential for defending networks. However, this is just one of many studies to highlight the lack of policies to manage AI-related risks, with 44% stating that their company needs one.
Finch added: “The security industry needs to build knowledge of the threats posed by AI – particularly GenAI – while it’s still in its relative infancy.”
You might also like
With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!
WatchGuard Firebox M390 review
TP-Link Omada EAP783 review
Thousands of employees could be falling victim to obvious phishing scams every month
