Navigating the Cyber Security Job Landscape in 2025
The cybersecurity recruitment market is poised for positive growth this year, according to industry expert and recruitment specialist George Lin from Allura Partners. After a challenging year in 2024, George said he’s “quietly optimistic” about the upcoming opportunities for employers and cybersecurity professionals in Australia.
The Market Challenges of 2024
“The past year has been particularly tough for the cybersecurity recruitment sector,” said George. “And that’s led to significant challenges.”
“Many businesses have been hesitant to invest in security, resulting in redundancies across a number of businesses and delayed security projects.”
He said the market dynamics have been particularly challenging for large enterprises and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) alike. “Traditionally, big enterprises like government and big banks scoop up a lot of the security talent, which has created significant barriers for smaller organisations trying to access top cybersecurity professionals.”
A Turning Point in 2025
However, there’s renewed hope on the horizon, with indicators suggesting “that the market will start to pick up from the first quarter of 2025”.
"A lot of projects that were delayed in 2024 seem to have been pushed into the new calendar year,” he said. “I think we are going to see a resurgence in cybersecurity investments and, with that, some pretty exciting opportunities for candidates.”
With this in mind, George is advising candidates to "keep their eyes peeled" as the market begins to stabilise.
He expects the most in-demand skills to be:
Cloud security: With many companies moving to cloud-based environments, experts in DevSecOps automation and cloud security are highly sought after.
Identity access management: Professionals skilled in implementing two-factor authentication and robust identity management systems are crucial.
Risk and compliance specialists: Those who can develop and maintain cybersecurity frameworks are increasingly valuable.
Flexible Recruitment Strategies for SMEs
George said it's a good time for small and medium enterprises to take a strategic approach as they struggle to compete with larger organisations for top talent. “Fractional and interim options are becoming increasingly attractive, with contractors able to support critical projects and help upskill existing teams,” he explained.
“With interims coming on for maybe three or six months, this is a good opportunity to see how well they can fit into the business before potentially transitioning them to a full-time role. It’s also an effective way for SMEs to access high-quality talent while managing their budgetary constraints.”
Advice for Employers
George has some sound advice for businesses looking to retain and attract top cybersecurity talent in 2025. Companies should:
Foster a flexible work environment,
Provide ongoing training and development,
Regularly review salaries to ensure they’re competitive and
Demonstrate a serious commitment to security.
“If you have a good flexible environment, continue to foster that," George said. “Ensure that you’re reviewing salaries on a yearly basis and that your employees are in a comfortable place so they won’t look to actively make that next move.”
The Broader Tech Landscape
Looking beyond traditional cybersecurity roles, George said he’s excited about emerging areas of opportunity. “Technology has come such a long way in a short space of time, and I think we’re going to see new roles emerge in sectors like healthcare, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.”
Particularly noteworthy is the growing importance of AI and privacy, which he predicts will be significant focus areas in 2025, demanding new skill sets and rapid role development.
Navigating Career Moves
While optimistic, George said candidates should remain cautious in their approach to career transitions. “Keep an eye on the market but remember to explore opportunities strategically, put your feelers out for the right opportunity before you look to make that change,” he recommended. “The key is to be prepared but not reckless in a still-recovering market.”
Additionally, he said, “Don’t rely solely on job postings”. His recommendation? “Reach out directly to recruitment specialists to discuss potential opportunities”.
If you're a cybersecurity professional looking for a new role this year or a business in need of top cyber talent, contact us to discover how we can connect you with the right opportunities.