Kathleen Pai, Chief People Officer at N-able, explains why retaining cybersecurity talent demands clear career paths, skills development, and purpose-driven workplaces.
The Competition for Talent
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the demand for cybersecurity talent is soaring. Organizations are vying to recruit skilled, experienced professionals who can safeguard their digital landscapes. This fierce competition often leads to a revolving door of staff turnover, which can be both costly and disruptive.
However, the challenge extends beyond merely attracting cybersecurity professionals; retaining them is equally critical. It is essential for companies to reframe cybersecurity roles as integral parts of long-term career trajectories rather than mere stepping stones to future opportunities elsewhere. Understanding this shift can help employers maintain a strong cybersecurity posture.
While certifications and technical expertise are fundamental for selecting the right candidates, the reality of day-to-day work in cybersecurity requires more than just technical acumen. Building loyalty and inspiring growth demand that organizations create environments where cybersecurity professionals feel integral to the broader mission of the company.
A Workplace that Fosters Long-Term Careers
In a world where long-term employee tenure is becoming increasingly rare—averaging just 3.9 years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—employers should recognize the importance of creating a workplace that not only attracts but also retains valuable talent.
To build loyalty in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, businesses must invest in their people meaningfully. This investment starts with a clear understanding of what employees need at various stages of their careers. Employers should ask: How can we provide value to our employees that will help them advance in their careers?
For early-career professionals, mentorship, structured training, and hands-on experience are often key. In contrast, mid-career employees may seek opportunities for leadership development, enhancement of communication skills, and chances to lead impactful projects. Tailoring these experiences can significantly improve retention rates.
Investing in Cybersecurity Talent
Cybersecurity professionals operate in a high-pressure environment, where their skills are in constant demand. Organizations must strategically invest in the development of their cybersecurity teams and instill a sense of purpose to foster a resilient workforce.
- Clear Career Pathways: Employees should be able to visualize their growth trajectory within the organization beyond just a job description.
- Leadership and Soft-Skills Development: Cybersecurity teams must engage in collaboration across various departments, including IT, legal, and senior leadership, making soft skills just as crucial as technical expertise.
- Purpose-Driven Culture: Professionals are motivated by a sense of mission. In cybersecurity, the goal of protecting organizations, customers, and society against threats can serve as a powerful motivator.
This holistic approach—focusing on progression, skills, and job impact—can help minimize disruptive turnover and cultivate a resilient cybersecurity workforce.
Introducing Human Skills
The future of cybersecurity hinges on the ability of organizations to integrate technological capabilities with skilled human talent to support their overall success.
Fostering a balance between technical training and the development of soft skills such as communication, empathy, leadership, and teamwork can help create a positive workplace atmosphere. While many organizations prioritize filling roles with technically proficient individuals, they often overlook the importance of equipping them with the necessary interpersonal skills to thrive in teams and lead effectively.
Retention concerns might tempt organizations to promote employees prematurely. However, by offering the right training at the right moments, organizations can demonstrate genuine investment in their employees’ growth—whether as leaders in the company or as vital subject matter experts.
A Call to Action
While technical skills remain a cornerstone of cybersecurity, employers who prioritize these abilities at the expense of comprehensive career growth risk losing valuable talent. Workplaces that nurture talent, allowing employees to deepen their expertise or pursue leadership roles, will ultimately enjoy longer-term success in retaining skilled cybersecurity specialists.
When your cybersecurity talent feels happy, engaged, and fulfilled in their careers, they’ll be well-positioned to defend against evolving threats, ensuring the safety and security of the entire organization.
