In an industry evolving at lightning speed, it’s surprising that many cybersecurity hiring practices still feel stuck in the past. A new report by Expel reveals a telling insight: Only 8% of cybersecurity roles in Fortune 100 companies offer remote or hybrid work options, despite ongoing skills shortages and the rising demand for cyber talent.
This disconnect is creating a bottleneck in recruitment. Cyber roles are projected to grow faster than most other IT functions, yet, globally, the sector can only fill about 74% of current openings. The result? Organisations are competing for a shrinking pool of top talent while relying on outdated, rigid job frameworks that turn candidates away.
What’s going wrong?
Too many roles are still advertised with:
- restrictive location requirements
- overly narrow job titles
- generic or outdated responsibilities
- compensation that doesn’t reflect market demand
- a lack of meaningful benefits such as mental health support.
Candidates today – particularly cyber professionals – are highly informed. They want to work for companies that prioritise flexibility, foster continuous learning and create psychologically safe environments.
What can employers do differently?
This is where modern recruitment agencies like Needus help make a difference. We’re actively working with clients to:
- reframe job descriptions to appeal to emerging talent
- advise on remote-friendly role structures
- benchmark salaries and benefits against industry expectations
- head-hunt diverse candidates who bring both technical skill and strategic mindset.
Rethinking recruitment isn’t just about filling seats.
It’s about attracting professionals who will stay, thrive and grow with your organisation – and in a high-risk field like cybersecurity, that continuity can be the most competitive advantage.
