PRESS RELEASES

Hightech Partners Releases Results of European Cybersecurity Survey 2024

Brussels, June 12, 2024 – Hightech Partners has released the 2024 European Cybersecurity State of the Profession Survey, developed in cooperation with the European Cyber Security Organization, Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, and Ataya & Partners.

With the rapid adoption of Generative AI, the importance of cybersecurity has grown, due to the expanded range of tools available to hackers. For this reason, it remains crucial to monitor the evolution of the profession in Europe. Thus, Hightech Partners has reinforced their commitment to this survey, in partnership with ECSO and Solvay School of Economics Management, for the second edition.

Key Insights and Trends

Demographics

• Gender Dynamics: The gender distribution in cybersecurity has shifted significantly in 2024. While men still dominate, the representation of women has increased, although female CISOs remain underrepresented.
• Geographic Trends: Belgium has overtaken Italy as the leading country for cybersecurity professionals. This shift highlights the growing prominence of Brussels and Madrid as key cybersecurity hubs in Europe.

Education and Expertise

• Educational Attainment: Master’s degrees are most common among cybersecurity professionals, with an increase in PhDs. This trend suggests a rising emphasis on advanced theoretical knowledge in the field.
• Self-Reported Expertise: Risk management remains the most reported field of expertise. The growing focus on Identity and Access Management indicates shifting priorities within cybersecurity roles.

Soft & Hard Skills

• Soft Skills: In 2023, CISOs (59%) indicated that communication was the most important skill, while professionals (47%) valued assertiveness. This year, communication is deemed essential by 95% of CISOs, followed by confidence and resilience.
• Hard Skills: The importance of business risk management has been overtaken by management, leadership, and influence. This indicates a demand for adequate programs to develop these skills in Europe.

Career Dynamics

• Seniority and Mobility: Most professionals have been in their current roles for fewer than four years, indicating high mobility. This trend is even more pronounced among CISOs, many of whom have recently transitioned into their roles.
• Career Pathways: An increasing number of professionals are contemplating leaving the field due to insufficient compensation and slow career progression. Conversely, many seek to advance within the hierarchy or transition into business services.

Compensation and Stress

• Salary Insights: Salaries vary widely, with many earning below €50k, while a select group earns over €200k. Although the gender pay gap is less pronounced, women are still underrepresented in the highest salary brackets.
• Stress Levels: High stress remains prevalent, influencing career aspirations. Those experiencing higher stress are more inclined to pursue executive roles.

Conclusion

The report highlights the dynamic nature of the cybersecurity profession in Europe, emphasizing the need for continuous skill development and strategic workforce planning. For a comprehensive analysis, download the full survey report.

Explore More

In the report, you would be able to gather some interesting evidence, for example, related to the career development patterns, to compensation levels and ranges, training related plans, and the level of stress associated to the role that appears to be among the hightest in the IT sector. For a comprehensive analysis and detailed insights into the evolving cybersecurity landscape, download the full survey report.

About Hightech Partners

Hightech Partners is a leading executive search and transformation consulting firm in Europe specialized in assisting companies in their digital transformations. The team at HTP leverages forward-looking methods such as big data analysis and artificial intelligence to inject the executive search process with smart and fast-paced techniques. This technology, combined with the seasoned leadership of the firm, helps HTP ensure accurate candidate matches that help companies embrace new ways of working.

Hightech Partners has offices in Brussels, Geneva, Paris, London, Frankfurt, Oslo, Rotterdam and local partners situated across the major regions of Europe. Hightech Partners is founder of ITP Worldwide, an alliance of specialized search and consulting firms in the Technology industry in the US and Asia.

Hightech Partners is a proud member of AESC and commits to the AESC Code of Professional Practice and Standards of Excellence