We are currently facing a global cybersecurity shortage, according to a recent report from Indeed. Job postings in the cybersecurity field have gone up 74% over the past five years, and a Cisco report estimates that there are currently 1 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide. Symantec predicts that this shortage will only grow, and that we will see 1.5 million unfilled jobs in the field by 2019.
In the report, Indeed examined demand for cybersecurity professionals across 10 countries. Israel, Ireland, the UK, the US, and Germany were the top five nations with the largest shortages.
The US faces a 33% skills shortage for crucial security roles, the report found. However, the gap appears to be slowly closing: Job seeker interest in cybersecurity roles rose from meeting 60% of employer demand in 2014 to 67% today, based on comparing the number of open cybersecurity roles to the clicks they received from job seekers.
“Part of the reason these roles are so hard to fill is because there simply are not enough job seekers looking to work in these positions,” said Indeed economist Daniel Culbertson. “Indeed research has shown that the most in-demand cybersecurity titles consistently do not receive interest from job seekers that is comparable to the number of job postings in the field.”
SEE: 10 programs to help you break into a cybersecurity career
This imbalance between supply and demand means cybersecurity professionals have their choice of strong job prospects and high salaries, the Indeed report noted. “One potential solution for employers could be increased investment, either in current employees or future hires, in education and training to equip workers to fill these roles,” Culbertson said.
On Wednesday, Indeed released a list of the best US enterprises with security job openings. The businesses that made the list were the most highly rated on overall employee experience among companies that had at least 20 job postings for cybersecurity roles from October 2016 to December 2016.
Here are Indeed’s top 10 US companies hiring cybersecurity professionals.
1. Apple
At the top of the list, Apple has seen several high-profile battles around the privacy and security implications of encryption and iOS–most recently, the New York district attorney’s request for the company to return to operating systems that make it easier for law enforcement officials to extract data. It’s possible that the company is hiring more cyber professionals to continue bolstering that work in these areas and protecting user data.
2. Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Financial organizations tend to be targeted less than institutions with more vulnerable systems, such as schools and hospitals. However, it’s important to remain vigilant to protect money and financial data, of course.
3. Patient First
At number three, Patient First medical centers are located across the country. Healthcare organizations are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks such as ransomware, so it makes sense that they would be adding staff in this area.
4. Lockheed Martin
Global security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin employs approximately 97,000 people worldwide. Since it is involved in the research, development, manufacturing and integration of advanced technology systems and products, the company is likely adding more positions in cybersecurity to protect those offerings.
5. General Motors
Auto giant General Motors has made several moves into the connected cars and autonomous cars space in the past year. It invested $500 million into Lyft, in part to work on the company’s plans for a driverless car fleet, and purchased Cruise Automation as part of its Autonomous Vehicle Development Team. Connected and autonomous cars pose large security risks to users, so the is probably increasing their staff in that area to address those issues.
SEE: Report: Despite growing security threats, CXOs struggle to find cybersecurity professionals
6. Capital One
In recent years, Capital One has made major investments in emerging technology, including software and big data projects, which require cyber professionals to keep secure. It also holds large amounts of customer financial data.
7. Cisco
Cisco has reported that cyber attacks are getting stronger, and has a number of cybersecurity efforts and products in place. As they continue researching the issue, it makes sense that they would add more of their own staff to bolster their products and research initiatives.
8. Intel
As Intel moves further into the Internet of Things (IoT) space with new chips and other devices, it seems that it is looking to bolster security staff to keep those devices from being hacked.
9. Northrop Grumman
Global security company Northrop Grumman provides systems and products to government and commercial customers. The company invests in research on identity management, cloud security, and supply chain, and is likely adding more staff to ensure high-profile systems are kept secure.
10. Boeing
Airplane manufacturer Boeing is experimenting with using next-generation technology: It recently partnered with Microsoft to use the company’s AI and big data analytics tools to improve operational efficiency. Boeing is also working with APX Labs and using its Skylight platform to interface with its manufacturing system and work instructions with wearable devices. Therefore, the company will need upgraded security capabilities to keep these tools functioning.
