A European outlook from the ISACA 2024 State of Cybersecurity Report
2024 has been a challenging year for Europe in cybersecurity, with cyber-attacks growing in number, intensity and complexity and emerging technological and digital challenges to be addressed by companies and public administrations (Artificial Intelligence, Cloud computing, Quantum, etc. At the core of these issues lies a significant cybersecurity skills gap, leading to a shortage of professionals, increased stress for cybersecurity teams, limited funding, and difficulties in hiring and retaining skilled staff.
Based on the feedback of nearly 39,000 cybersecurity professionals, ISACA's 2024 State of Cybersecurity analyzes these issues and trends and sheds light on the state of cybersecurity across Europe. Amid economic pressures, escalating threats, and rapid technological advancements, the survey underscores the critical need for increased investment in resources, workforce development, and emerging technologies.
Key Findings from Europe
Rising Stress Levels: Over two-thirds (68%) of cybersecurity professionals report that their roles are significantly more stressful than five years ago. This increase in stress is attributed to the complexity of today’s threat environment, with professionals grappling with advanced persistent threats and insider risks.
Underfunded Teams: A substantial 52% of respondents believe their organizations’ budgets are inadequate to meet current cybersecurity demands, with the consequence that their ability to deploy effective defences against rising threats is significantly affected.
Staffing Challenges: 61% of professionals state their teams are understaffed, leading to increased workloads and burnout. Furthermore, 48% of respondents report difficulties in recruiting candidates with the required qualifications and experience. While this represents a slight improvement from the previous year, it continues to highlight persistent recruitment challenges in the industry.
Growing Threat Awareness: A majority of 58% of respondents anticipate that their organizations are likely to experience a cyberattack in the coming year. This marks a 6-percentage-point increase from 2023, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced staffing and skills to address these threats effectively.
Strategic Importance of Soft-Skills and Diversity: Communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking are increasingly viewed as essential skills for being ready to address cybersecurity threats and challenges. At the same time, diversifying the cybersecurity talent pool is seen as a strategic imperative.
Check out the key findings of the study.
“The European society and economy need skilled professionals to tackle the increasing cyber threats and seize the positive potential of digital transformation,” says ISACA’s Chief Global Strategy Officer, Chris Dimitriadis. “Investing in training, certification, and professional growth opportunities is critical to building resilient teams capable of managing today’s threats while preparing for future challenges”.
Addressing Future Challenges
ISACA’s research highlights the urgent need for strategic action to address the challenges facing Europe’s cybersecurity teams. The immediate priorities include:
Increased Investment: Adequate funding is essential to support modern security tools, advanced training programs, and workforce expansion.
Workforce Development: Bridging the skills gap through comprehensive training, certifications, and professional development initiatives will enhance team capabilities.
Diversity and Inclusion: Broadening the talent pool with diverse perspectives and skill sets will strengthen team resilience and innovation.
With the likelihood of cyberattacks rising, industry leaders, policymakers, and educational institutions must collaborate to establish a robust cybersecurity framework. A proactive approach—investing in both talent and technology—is essential to securing Europe’s digital infrastructure and ensuring the resilience of individual organizations.
Want to know more? Explore the full 2024 ISACA State of Cybersecurity.
About ISACA
ISACA is a pledger of the Cyber Skills Academy, working to close the cybersecurity skills gap in the European Union by providing professionals with the expertise to address evolving threats and comply with EU regulations. ISACA supports over 20,000 European students with free membership and resources, collaborates with training organizations and academic institutions, and leads events and awareness initiatives across the EU.
