Jun 16 • Interview and job help
Cybersecurity Hiring Insights (2025) - Real Talk
Just finished diving deep into ISC²’s 2025 hiring study, Harvard & Burning Glass Institute’s skill-based hiring report, and Lightcast’s data on skill evolution. Here’s what’s actually happening out there:
The cybersecurity talent gap is huge. Over 4 million jobs globally sit open. But here’s the real issue: companies aren’t finding qualified people.
Why? Because job descriptions are still unrealistic. Entry-level roles asking for CISSPs and years of experience.
Degrees still getting prioritized even though employers openly say certifications and hands-on experience are more valuable.
The Burning Glass study shows that even companies claiming to use skills-based hiring rarely follow through. Only a tiny fraction—around 97,000 hires out of 77 million last year—actually hired based on real skills instead of degrees. Most organizations talk a big game but fall short.
But the good news: the market’s shifting. Companies are finally prioritizing apprenticeships and internships. Real-world experience is starting to outrank degrees. Soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking now matter as much as your tech chops.
Lightcast data proves another point clearly: skills now evolve faster than ever. The skillset you have today is likely outdated in under three years.
That’s how fast cybersecurity roles change. This explains why employers want adaptability more than static degrees.
Questions for you all:
- What skills do you think cybersecurity beginners overlook most often?
- If you’re hiring, what makes you take someone seriously if they don’t have a degree?
- How can training programs better adapt to the speed of cybersecurity changes?
Sources:
- (ISC)² Cybersecurity Hiring Trends Study (2025) https://www.isc2.org/Insights/2025/06/cybersecurity-hiring-trends-study
- (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study (2024)
- Burning Glass Institute & Harvard Business School - "Skills-Based Hiring: The Long Road from Pronouncements to Practice" (2024)
- Lightcast - "Speed of Skill Change Report" (2024)
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Cybersecurity Hiring Insights (2025) - Real Talk
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