managers responsible for IT, or someone with decision-making responsibilities in the company.
Method of interview
Telephone interview
Supplementary notes
Original survey question: "How many positions in cybersecurity, in full-time equivalents, currently need to be filled in your company if there would be appropriate candidates?"
Citation formats
Number of cybersecurity roles that need to be filled in companies in the EU 2024
The cybersecurity job market in the European Union appears to be relatively stable, with a majority of companies reporting no immediate hiring needs. A 2024 survey revealed that ** percent of EU companies had no open cybersecurity positions to fill. However, the landscape shifts when looking at larger organizations, where ** percent reported having *** vacant cybersecurity role, indicating a potential growing demand for skilled professionals in bigger firms.
Challenges in cybersecurity recruitment
Despite the apparent stability in job openings, companies face significant hurdles when trying to fill cybersecurity positions. A 2024 survey found that ** percent of respondents considered finding qualified candidates the biggest challenge in hiring skilled cybersecurity staff. Close behind, ** percent cited a lack of applicants as the main obstacle. Additionally, over ** percent of respondents highlighted a lack of awareness about cybersecurity roles as a key issue, suggesting a need for better promotion and education about career opportunities in this field.
Critical roles and skills in demand
When it comes to specific roles and skills, the position of Chief Security/Information Officer (CISO) emerges as the most critical cybersecurity role, with ** percent of respondents among companies in the EU emphasizing its importance. This role's significance lies in its responsibility for developing security policies, managing risks, and responding to cyber incidents. On the skills front, one-fourth of respondents identified carrying out working-life practices of data protection and privacy issues as the most important cybersecurity skill for their company. Over ** percent also highlighted the importance of analyzing, assessing, and reviewing software or hardware security, indicating a strong demand for technical expertise in addition to policy and privacy knowledge.Â
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European Commission. (July 22, 2024). Number of cybersecurity roles that need to be filled in companies in the European Union (EU) in 2024 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved August 03, 2026, from /statistics/1497752/eu-number-of-vacant-cybersecurity-roles-in-firms/
European Commission. "Number of cybersecurity roles that need to be filled in companies in the European Union (EU) in 2024." Chart. July 22, 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed August 03, 2026. /statistics/1497752/eu-number-of-vacant-cybersecurity-roles-in-firms/
European Commission. (2024). Number of cybersecurity roles that need to be filled in companies in the European Union (EU) in 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: August 03, 2026. /statistics/1497752/eu-number-of-vacant-cybersecurity-roles-in-firms/
European Commission. "Number of Cybersecurity Roles That Need to Be Filled in Companies in The European Union (Eu) in 2024." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 22 Jul 2024, /statistics/1497752/eu-number-of-vacant-cybersecurity-roles-in-firms/
European Commission, Number of cybersecurity roles that need to be filled in companies in the European Union (EU) in 2024 ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/1497752/eu-number-of-vacant-cybersecurity-roles-in-firms/ (last visited August 03, 2026)
Number of cybersecurity roles that need to be filled in companies in the European Union (EU) in 2024 [Graph], European Commission, July 22, 2024. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1497752/eu-number-of-vacant-cybersecurity-roles-in-firms/