ISACA research shows retention difficulties in cybersecurity

SCHAUMBURG - The Great Resignation is plaguing industries across the board - but it's especially challenging within in-demand fields like cybersecurity, according to a new ISACA report.

ISACA's "State of Cybersecurity 2022: Global Update on Workforce Efforts, Resources and Cyberoperations," found businesses and organizations are struggling more than ever with hiring and retaining qualified cybersecurity professionals and managing skills gaps.

ISACA surveyed more than 2,000 security professionals across the globe for the eighth year in a row for its report.

As in past years, filling cybersecurity roles and retaining talent continues to be a challenge for many enterprises. Sixty-three percent of respondents indicate they have unfilled cybersecurity positions, up eight percentage points from 2021. Sixty-two percent report that their cybersecurity teams are understaffed. One in five say it takes more than six months to find qualified cybersecurity candidates for open positions.

Sixty percent of respondents report difficulties retaining qualified cybersecurity professionals, up seven percentage points from 2021.

"The Great Resignation is compounding the long-standing hiring and retention challenges the cybersecurity community has been facing for years, and systemic changes are critical," said Jonathan Brandt, ISACA director, Professional Practices and Innovation.