As an entry-level CC professional, it was a rewarding moment to read ISC2’s 2025 Insight-workforce study report, because the research was not only thorough, it also provides insights into developments in the past that shaped the present and a glimpse into the immediate future. What progress has been made, what challenges have confronted the industry, and what opportunities and prospects are on the horizon. (thanks to the Author /researcher).
In this professional report that looks like an all-seasons ware for the entire industry stakeholders, (The public, employers, employees, cybersecurity professionals and experts, Policy makers, the regulatory authorities, aspiring career enthusiasts, other operators, and distant observers)
The following are brief takeaways (Note: the different supporting data are available in the report, which is on the ISC2 website and LinkedIn page:
The growth of cybersecurity and emerging challenges
AI: Issues on the cusp of AI prominently appear in the report’s line items. AI’s challenges and opportunities: “Defense against AI, defense for AI.”
AI-related security incidents: attacks, data breaches, data theft, poisoning, etc., were highlighted.
Opportunities in the next frontiers of AI skills that would be required in cybersecurity were covered.
Economic challenges also featured conspicuously in the research report. The southern movement of budget figures or the curve, which consequently impacted recruitment, tools, infrastructure acquisition, retainership, and scaling.
Different cybersecurity domains with associated levels of anticipated skills and labor requirements
Skill sets: Skill shortages and areas of shortage. hard and soft (technical and non-technical), their prospects within the cybersecurity employment equation. This explains how the hiring managers value each of these skill categories
Pathways to a cybersecurity career: the different roads that lead to the market.
Research methodology- the methodology for this beautiful research work was detailed, considering the sample size of 16,029 respondents, which extensively covered a wide array of demographics: Industry, country, employment status, Role, job level, Age group, Gender, Education, and country
This report is a must-read for all stakeholders and the general public. It is a veritable source of information and a roadmap for decisions required to secure both individual and corporate cyberspace as we edge towards 2026.
Credits: Author-ISC2 INSIGHT 2025 Workforce study
