In response to the growing threat of cyber crime and a number of high profile data breaches, employers are planning significant increases in salaries for IT security specialists this year. Head of Cyber Security and Security Analyst roles will both see salaries increase by 18%, while salaries for more junior security support positions will increase by 7%.
Steve Corbett, Associate Director, IT recruitment, Robert Walters, comments:
“Over the last year we’ve seen a massive increase in both permanent and interim cyber security roles due largely to the ongoing threat around IT and cyber crime. The challenges facing companies continue to grow in volume and complexity as cyber security threats constantly evolve.”
“The impact of high profile IT security breaches involving attacks on major companies has served to bring this emerging threat into the public eye, increasing pressure from regulators and legislators on companies to have a dedicated cyber security representative and to meet specific standards of security.”
“Our ability to understand the risks, and know what role the best security talent plays in defending against them, has never been more important. Senior managers and board members will have to defend cyber security policies in court if a cyber attack results in stolen data, financial losses or damages corporate image.”
In the North West employers are preparing to invest in 3rd Line infrastructure professionals, with salaries for permanent roles increasing by 19% while rates for contract workers are rising by 38%. These professionals, with responsibility for ensuring effective firewalls and digital check point systems are in place, are being particularly highly sought after by major corporations, particularly those in financial services and banking.
Wayne Bennett, Manager, IT Recruitment, Robert Walters Manchester, comments:
“The drive to secure top talent in cyber security roles is becoming increasingly noticeable in the IT sector, as employer priorities shift under pressure from regulators and public scrutiny.”
“This trend is being lead by banks and other financial institutions where data security is, by nature, an extremely high priority, with government intelligence services such as GCHQ also looking to secure top professionals into these roles.”
“While other public and private sector bodies are slower to raise salaries for cyber security professionals, we can still expect these employers to eventually increase wages in line with the market.”
