The Impact of Emerging Technologies on Cybersecurity Jobs In 2024

The world of technology is constantly changing and for every innovation comes a host of innovative attacks.

Just as increasing numbers of data scientists are needed to process the ever-increasing volumes of data, so more and more cybersecurity specialists are needed to protect organizations, their clients, and their data. 

Despite the rise in cyber security jobs, it is estimated that the global cost of cybercrime will be $9.5 trillion USD in 2024. That is the equivalent to $26 billion USD every day and $302,000 USD for every second.

In the time that it has taken you to read this paragraph, cybercrime will likely to have cost more than $3 million USD. Part of the problem is that as quickly as emerging technologies are launched, increasingly sophisticated cyber threats are created.

Thus, cybersecurity poses a serious threat; in March 2023, ransomware was classified as a significant security threat.  It is no wonder that cybersecurity jobs are on the rise.

According to the IT Salary Guide from Motion Recruitment, the next two years should see 6 million new cyber security jobs, making it one of the fastest growing areas of tech, beaten only by software development (98 million), cloud and data jobs (23 million) and data analytics, machine learning and AI (20 million). 

Emerging Skill Demands

Thanks to the rising need for this protection, there is rising demand for agile cybersecurity specialists. As technology and cybercrime become increasingly sophisticated, cybersecurity is, in response, becoming more and more specialized. 

Artificial Intelligence brings with it a host of its own challenges when it comes to cybersecurity. This means that cyber security specialists who have the skills to implement AI while building in defenses against threats will be in especially high demand.

Other highly valued skills are white hat hacking skills to test the strength of security measures, app development, and data analytics.  

It is possible that a large proportion of the cost of cybercrime can come from fines and penalties as a result of inadequate security.

An understanding of governance frameworks is, therefore, advantageous for cyber security specialists who are looking for a competitive new role, or who want to make themselves indispensable within their organization. 

With this rapid rise in necessary skills comes an inevitable skills gap. In fact, according to research by TechTarget, 54% of those surveyed believed that the skills shortage within their company had got worse over the last two years.

So recruiters start using sophisticated models identifying top performers for those types of roles like 9 box model. Those with most of these highly desired skills can expect high salary offers and opportunities to upskill. 

AI: a tool for the good and the bad

For every AI innovation comes countless innovative attacks crafted with AI. However, AI doesn’t just have the capacity to harm; it can protect.

From deepfakes to automated malware, the highly sophisticated nature of AI attacks will mean that they are often almost impossible to detect.

Via AI, cybersecurity specialists can utilize automated processes, smart authentication and real-time detection systems to identify, avoid and neutralize threats. When it comes to cyber security, the best AI has the advantage. 

The Future of Cybersecurity

Technology continues to evolve at an alarming rate, and there is no sign that it is going to slow down any time soon.

Savvy cybersecurity employees will consider not what they need to do their job today, but what will be required of the elite people within their role tomorrow, and the day after.

By upskilling accordingly within such a fast-paced industry, it is possible to prove your value to current and future employers, boosting job security and optimizing your opportunities for new roles.

As we look into the future, it is likely that the cyber security skills gap will continue to widen, with increasing needs for cybersecurity architects, consultants, and intelligence analysts.

In order to succeed in this fast-paced industry, strong candidates will need an outstanding understanding of the industry, a proven track record in risk management combined with strong communication, team and leadership skills. 

The future of emerging technologies is undoubtedly challenging, but for the right talent with the right mindset, it is full of opportunities to excel.

For managers, it is time to invest in existing talent and upskill them so that you have the in-house capacity to identify and counter new threats before they become a problem.