Page 24 - the SyI Quarterly 15

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Talent Drought in the Security

Industry: A Looming Crisis and

the Role of Technology

- By Ross Harvey MSyI

In an age when security is a critical element of every business,
the shortage of talent entering the security industry is a growing
concern that requires immediate attention. The security industry
landscape is changing, and the scarcity of skilled professionals,
the disparities in pay scale, the increase in untrained personnel,
and rapid technological changes are all factors contributing to
the situation. Let’s explore these elements in a little more detail.

The Talent Shortage in the Security Industry

The security industry, both physical and cyber, has been facing
an acute shortage of qualified professionals for some years
now. By 2021, cybersecurity ventures predicted there would
be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally, and the trend
has continued since then. The problem isn’t just confined to
cybersecurity; the physical security industry is also grappling
with a talent crunch with the BSIA announcing in November
2022 that there would be a shortfall of 60,000 security officers
over the coming year in the UK alone.

There are multiple factors behind this shortage. First, there is a high demand for security professionals
due to the rising threats in both the physical and digital realms. The increased complexity and frequency of
cyber-attacks, for instance, demand skilled cybersecurity professionals who can defend against and mitigate
such threats. On the physical security front, the need for trained and licensed personnel to handle diverse
situations such as maintaining public order, countering terrorism, and managing critical infrastructure
protection is continuously increasing.

Additionally, there are barriers to entry, such as the requirement for extensive training and licensing that
deter many potential entrants to the field and the ever-increasing associated cost in addition to personal
safety and legal liability implications in carrying out their duties, does not help this trend.

Pay Disparities and the Allure of Cybersecurity over Physical Security

One of the significant factors contributing to the talent shortage in the broader security industry is the
marked difference in compensation which I have heard several individuals discussing recently including
Alan Durnan from Bidvest Noonan, Ireland, during the recent Outstanding Security Performance Awards.

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