Top 5 industries hiring for cyber security skills right now
Discover 5 of the most exciting industries urgently hiring cyber security professionals in 2024. Explore career opportunities in tech, finance, healthcare, government, and retail. Learn how cyber security training can kickstart your career in this booming field.
Cyber security has become a top priority for businesses across industries. As cyber threats become more complex and sophisticated, companies are looking for skilled professionals to safeguard their systems and brand reputation. If you’re considering a career in the field, investing in a cyber security analyst course could be your first step towards your new career. In fact, a recent survey found 90% of respondents who gained a cyber security certification before their first job in cyber security found it valuable or very valuable for their career.
Let’s explore the five exciting industries hiring for cyber security skills right now, and why they’re so invested.
Written by
Polly is a Marketing Executive at Learning People, bringing extensive expertise in professional training and career development, including in-demand fields like data, tech, cyber security, cloud computing, project management, and business skills.
1. Tech and IT services
Unsurprisingly, the tech industry leads the charge in hiring cyber security professionals. Companies in software development, cloud computing, and IT support demand robust security measures to protect their infrastructure and clients.
Key roles like Penetration Testers and Cyber Security Analysts are critical in this sector. As tech companies drive innovation, they’re also prime targets for cyber-attacks, making cyber security expertise indispensable.
For aspiring professionals, enrolling in a Cyber Security Analyst course can prepare you to meet the specific challenges of this fast-moving industry, including understanding malware, ethical hacking, and real-time threat response.
2. Financial services
Banks and fintech startups are some of the biggest employers of cyber security talent. The financial sector handles massive amounts of sensitive customer data, making it a prime target for cyber criminals. In fact, a recent report by Sophos revealed that, in 2024, 65% of financial services organisations have been hit by ransomware.
Regulatory compliance further increases the need for cyber security specialists in this industry. Data breaches not only result in financial loss but can also break customer trust.
A full, in-depth understanding of risk management and fraud detection techniques is essential for anyone considering this field, which is why cyber security training is important. In choosing the right training, you can focus on areas specific to your field and ensure you’ll have come into the industry with an airtight skillset.
3. Healthcare and life sciences
The healthcare industry is undergoing a mass transformation, with tech like electronic health records (EHRs) and IoT-enabled medical devices becoming standard. While these advancements improve patient care, they also increase vulnerability to cyber-attacks.
Cyber security professionals are critical in protecting patient data and safeguarding operational systems in hospitals and research labs. Sophos’ report indicates that two thirds of healthcare organisations were hit by ransomware in 2024 – a four-year high; this rise highlights the urgent need for skilled specialists in this sector.
Cyber security in the healthcare industry could be a great opportunity for anyone looking to start a career in cyber, because there’s currently a huge skills gap. According to the 2022 HIMSS Healthcare Cybersecurity Survey, 84% of respondents said recruiting qualified staff is their biggest challenge.
4. Government
Governments worldwide are prioritising cyber security as part of their national security strategies. From protecting critical infrastructure to preventing foreign cyber threats, public sector organisations need skilled professionals to secure their networks.
Local and national government agencies regularly hire Cyber Security Analysts, incident response teams, and Ethical Hackers. These roles often involve defending against state-sponsored cyber-attacks, making them critical for maintaining public trust and safety.
For individuals exploring cyber security learning, public sector opportunities often provide unique experiences, such as working on classified projects or participating in cutting-edge research.
5. Retail and e-commerce
The explosion of online shopping has made cyber security a priority for the retail sector. From protecting customer payment details to securing supply chain systems, retailers face various challenges in maintaining trust and operational integrity.
Data breaches in retail not only result in financial loss but can also lead to reputational damage that’s hard to recover from. Retailers need cyber security experts to manage secure payment systems and protect customer data.
Pursuing a Cyber Security Analyst course can help you gain the expertise required to protect the retail industry from these challenges, ensuring secure shopping experiences for consumers.
Why cyber security skills are more important than ever
Across these industries, one thing is clear: cyber security is no longer just ‘desirable’, but an absolute business must.
For career changers or those entering the workforce, investing in cyber certifications and practical training can open doors to new opportunities. The job market for cyber security professionals continues to grow, with roles like cyber security analysts, ethical hackers, and cloud security specialists offering competitive salaries and long-term growth potential.
Getting started in cyber security
If you’re interested in building a cyber career, here are some actionable steps:
- Enrol in a training course
Look for a programme that offers industry insights and industry-recognised certifications. - Gain practical experience
Seek internships, entry-level positions, or freelance projects to build your skills and gain real-world exposure. - Stay updated
Stay ahead of the curve by keeping up with industry news. - Build a professional network
Attend industry conferences and connect with experts in the field. A strong network can open doors to job opportunities and mentorships. - Specialise
Whether you’re interested in cloud security, ethical hacking, or regulatory compliance, developing expertise in a niche area can set you apart from other candidates.