(ISC)² Cybersecurity Hiring Managers Guide: Asia-Pacific Edition

One of the most often cited statistics from the COVID-19 pandemic is the unprecedented rate of digitalization across all industries and organization sizes.

This momentum is showing no sign of slowing. According to market research firm IDC, global digital transformation spending is forecast to hit a record high of U.S. $1.8 trillion in 2022, an increase of 17.6% over 2021.

In the midst of this digital gold rush, the role of cybersecurity has never been more important. Every new digital tool and employee added to an organization’s arsenal can be compromised, creating a buffet spread of attack surfaces and vectors.

Threat actors are sitting up and taking notice. Not a week goes by without cyberattacks, data breaches, and the like hitting the airwaves. While major incidents affecting large global corporations dominate the headlines, small and midsize businesses with regional and local operations are equally if not more vulnerable.

Such is the backdrop against which cybersecurity professionals today operate. As organizations work to shore up their defenses, they continue to run into a common challenge: insufficient talent to join the ranks of their frontliners.

Hiring managers in the region have often looked towards entry- and junior-level candidates to fill vacancies. This report confirms the strategy continues. Additionally, the study explores how candidate sourcing, attributes and skills, and development practices are evolving.

The key takeaway is clear: all organizations in the industry have a role to play in expanding the cybersecurity talent pool across Asia-Pacific. Like the proverbial tide that raises all boats, it is only through everyone’s involvement that we can create a safer and more secure digital world for all.