10 Tips to Recruit and Retain Cyber Security Specialists
How to recruit and retain Cyber Security Specialists within your business - Top 10 strategies from Cyber Recruitment Experts
Recruiting and retaining quality cyber security experts can be challenging due to the high demand for their skills and the competitive job market. We've put some strategies together than will help you attract, and keep, the Cyber Security talent you need.
Firstly, what exactly is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is the practice of protecting devices, networks, and data from unauthorised access, theft, damage, or other malicious activities. It involves using various technologies, processes, and strategies to prevent or minimise the risks of cyber attacks, which are malicious actions carried out by individuals or groups to gain unauthorized access to systems, steal or destroy data, or disrupt normal operations.
Cyber security is important for individuals, organizations, and governments to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and technology resources. Some common cyber security measures include using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, avoiding suspicious emails and websites, and using antivirus software and firewalls to protect against malware and other threats.
How can Cyber Security Specialists support your business?
Cyber security specialists offer expertise and services related to protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats. They are skilled professionals who specialise in designing, implementing, and maintaining security measures to prevent cyber attacks, as well as detecting and responding to incidents if they occur. Some specific services that cyber security specialists may offer include:
Implementing cyber security measures within your business is essential to protect your organization's digital assets and minimize the risks of cyber attacks.
Some specific services that cyber security specialists may offer to improve the cyber security of your business include:
Conduct a risk assessment: Identify the types of data and systems that are critical to your business and assess the risks associated with them.
Develop a security plan: Based on your risk assessment, develop a security plan that includes policies and procedures for access control, data protection, incident response, and employee training.
Secure your network: Use firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and other security technologies to protect your network from external threats.
Incident response: Providing emergency response services in the event of a cyber attack, including investigating and remedying any damage or loss of data.
Keep software and systems up to date: Regularly apply security updates and patches to software and operating systems to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.
Implement strong authentication: Use multi-factor authentication and other strong authentication methods to protect user accounts from being compromised.
Educate employees: Provide regular training to employees on how to identify and respond to cyber threats and encourage them to report any suspicious activity, including education on best practices for cyber security and promoting awareness of potential risks and threats.
Conduct regular audits and assessments: Regularly conduct testing such as controlled simulations of cyber attacks to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in a system's defences, allowing evaluation of your security measures to ensure they are effective and up to date.
By hiring a Cyber Security expert to take these steps, alongside ongoing management and maintenance, you can improve the cyber security posture of your business and help protect your organization's digital assets from cyber threats.
So, how can you successfully recruit and retain quality Cyber Security Experts?
In the current recruitment market, the Talent really do have a lot of power, whether that's through high expectations surrounding flexibility, hybrid working, or competing with counter offers and drop outs along the way.
However, we have put together our top 10 key recruitment strategies that will help your business attract, hire and retain the Cyber Security Talent required:
Offer competitive compensation: Cyber security experts are in high demand, so offering competitive compensation packages can help attract top talent. This may include not just salary, but also benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.
Provide opportunities for professional development: Cyber security experts need to stay up to date on the latest threats and technologies, so providing opportunities for training, conferences, and certifications can help keep them engaged and motivated.
Create a positive work culture: A positive work environment can help retain cyber security experts by providing a sense of belonging and purpose. This may include opportunities for collaboration, recognition for achievements, and a focus on work-life balance.
Invest in technology and tools: Provide cyber security experts with the latest technology and tools to help them do their job effectively and efficiently.
Focus on diversity and inclusion: Cyber security experts come from diverse backgrounds, so focusing on diversity and inclusion in recruitment and retention efforts can help attract and retain a wider pool of talent.
Offer flexible work arrangements: Cyber security experts often have flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible schedules, can help attract and retain top talent by providing a better work-life balance.
Provide meaningful work: Offer challenging and meaningful projects that allow cyber security experts to apply their skills and expertise.
Recognise and reward performance: Recognise and reward exceptional performance to show cyber security experts that their contributions are valued.
Emphasise the importance of the mission: Cyber security experts are often motivated by a desire to protect organizations and individuals from cyber threats. Emphasising the importance of the organisation's mission and the impact of their work can help keep them engaged and motivated.
Foster a collaborative culture: Encourage collaboration and communication across teams and departments to foster a sense of community and shared purpose.
By implementing these strategies, organisations can attract and retain quality cyber security experts, building a strong, skilled team which is essential for protecting your organisation's digital assets from cyber threats.
What are the Salary & Benefits expectations of Cyber Security Experts?
Cyber Security Experts are in high demand and typically expect a competitive salary and benefits package that reflects their skills and experience. Salary expectations also vary based on industry and location, although at Hewett Recruitment we're seeing a large demand for remote working.
Chris, our Cyber Recruitment Specialist, further emphasises the importance of offering remote working and a strong salary and benefits package:
“Flexibility, remote working and compensation is really important when attracting Cyber Talent. I’m speaking with Cyber Security Candidates who have certifications and only a small amount - sometimes zero - commercial experience who are looking to start on £35k - £40k, while more experienced Candidates are looking for £50k+.
This is evidence of the importance of offering a competitive and appealing package to meet Candidate expectations and position yourself as an employer of choice.”
Our latest Salary & Benefits Report, covering the Herefordshire & Worcestershire area, indicates there’s a big salary range depending on seniority. Cyber Security Analysts could be receiving £30,000 - £50,000 per annum, while Senior Cyber Security Analysts and Cyber Security Managers are position to receive more like £55,000 - £75,000 per annum.
If you are seeking further guidance about what salary to pay Cyber Security and IT Specialists, download our free Salary & Benefits report, a benchmarking tool offering local insight into salary averages for key roles, using data sourced from 300 Herefordshire & Worcestershire based businesses.
If you need additional support with your recruitment strategies, whether that be a one off hire, an on-going attraction piece or just some confidential advice, our IT and Cyber Security Recruitment Specialists are here to help.
