Shift in Priorities Cause IT Security Professionals to Move On

As the I.T. sector undergoes a metamorphosis with the emergence of new technologies such as blockchain, cloud computing, big data, AI, and IoT, the cyber security requirements of companies are changing too.

IT security pros must stay one step ahead of the hackers and other potential system infiltrators at all times in order to keep precious business data secure.

However, a noteworthy new trend, which has come to the surface with the recent survey by Mondo, is that a large number of IT security professionals are looking to change or quit their current jobs.

Reasons for Seeking a Shift: Insights for Employers

Mondo surveyed more than 9,000 cyber security pros, and the data shows that nearly 60 percent of these professionals wish to quit their present jobs.

Lack of career growth and job dissatisfaction were cited as the two key reasons by the IT pros who seek a change. Other major reasons for these employees looking to quit are as follows:

  • Unhealthy work environment – 53%
  • Lack of priority to IT security by executives and top management – 46%
  • Poorly defined job expectations – 37%
  • Lack of mentorship – 30%

Managements Must Recognize the Need for Data Security

Only about 38 percent of the CEOs at present are truly engaged in the process of cyber security at their companies. This rather low level of engagement indicates that senior management and executives do not prioritize the issues of data security as much as other business factors.

When the senior management recognizes the important of IT security, it will create a more satisfying work environment for data security professionals and make efforts to hire and retain top talent much easier. Throughout 2017 and 2018, cyber security has been one of the most in-demand job segments for IT pros.

With demand outstripping supply due to a heightened risk of cyber attacks and data theft, IT security has become a candidate-driven market.

Even as talent shortage prevails in this extremely sensitive job market, many employers continue to be less cognizant of the needs of these skilled professionals and do not take enough steps to attract and retain them.

How to Retain Talent in Cyber Security?

The Mondo survey cites a number of examples of benefits or incentives that companies can provide to their IT employees in order to retain them. The survey respondents pointed out the following examples:

  • Greater work-life balance – 67%
  • Addressing the corporate IT security concerns more effectively – 55%
  • Offering courses and certifications for career advancement – 48%
  • Higher investment in cyber security technologies – 34%
  • Defined CISO leadership and ownership of security needs – 31%

The highest IT security priorities for 2019 among cyber security professionals include: Information or Data Security (InfoSecurity), Network and IT infrastructure Security, Cloud Security, and Application Security.

The Mondo survey revealed that as many as 84% of cyber security decision makers believe that their company has greater scope in becoming secure.

Employers can use the valuable insights provided by this survey to bolster their IT security programs, allocate better budgets to this segment, and work to develop new performance incentives, create career growth opportunities, and lay the framework for an improved work-life balance for IT security professionals.