According to a Microsoft Gulf official, the worldwide cyber security industry needs to cover a significant 2.5 million job deficit to keep up with an evolving digital world.
Companies face the issue of scrutinising candidates for these positions, who must have both forward thinking and up-to-date knowledge.
Mohammed Arif, Microsoft UAE’s Director of Modern Workplace and Security, said that candidates should also be prepared to undergo training on new methods cyber crooks may employ.
Arif told The National in an interview during the Gulf Information Security Expo and Conference in Dubai on Monday, “Globally, cyber security jobs are among the fastest-growing profiles; there is a shortage of 2.5 million. It is important that we educate people on the key new trends and skills they need to have to become a strong security professional,”
According to Arif, cyberattacks have evolved and become increasingly complex and difficult to detect, transforming into indiscriminate and elaborate operations.
The most recent example was the cyberattack on SolarWinds, that affected large corporations, governments, and countless individuals across various continents.
According to Microsoft research, the debacle underlined the need for increased IT vigilance and more watchful eyes within corporate ranks, and this paucity of manpower is putting a pressure on security teams and organisations.
Cybersecurity Ventures said in its recent study, the number of employment opportunities is predicted to reach 3.5 million by 2025. It also projected that cyber criminal activities would cause $6 trillion in global losses in 2021, rising to $10.5 trillion by 2025.