Prague, 26 May 2022 – The evolving security landscape in Europe has further intensified the already significant interest of companies and organizations in safeguarding their information and data. Ness Czech, a leading Czech system integrator, reports a 50% year-on-year increase in demand for security solutions. Cybersecurity professionals now rank alongside Java developers, cloud architects, and data scientists as some of the most in-demand IT specialists, with salaries rising at an unprecedented rate.
A Surge in Demand for Cybersecurity
The heightened focus on IT security started years ago in the US and other developed markets, driven by major global security breaches. This trend accelerated during the pandemic with the rise of remote work and has been further compounded by Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Cybersecurity specialists play a critical role in protecting organizations against hacker attacks and safeguarding customer information. Their responsibilities include designing and implementing security solutions, identifying vulnerabilities, and preparing for potential risks. Without skilled cybersecurity teams, companies risk financial losses, reputational damage, and diminished brand credibility.
“Organizations are focusing on securing cloud services, endpoint devices, and critical corporate infrastructure. Many are implementing user-level protections like multi-factor authentication. However, the human factor remains a weak link, with over-reliance on users who may unintentionally create significant vulnerabilities,” says Martin Šafránek, Director of Information Security at Ness Czech.
A Market-Wide Shortage of Experts
The cybersecurity talent shortage affects all sectors, but smaller organizations—such as local authorities, law firms, hospitals, and small businesses—struggle the most to offer competitive salaries.
“Becoming a cybersecurity expert requires years of experience. One training course or theoretical study is not sufficient,” explains Šafránek. “This is why these specialists are in such high demand, and their salaries are growing faster than those of other IT roles. Unlike some programming positions, you can’t close the gap by sending employees to a training course.”
Key skills for cybersecurity professionals include:
- Problem-solving and knowledge of platform security.
- Expertise in computer forensics.
- Technical and analytical skills to design and implement IT security systems.
- Practical experience in areas such as penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, patch management, firewalls, anti-virus systems, and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDPS).
- Strong communication skills, including documentation and fluency in English.
Competitive Salaries for Cybersecurity Professionals
In the US, cybersecurity positions command some of the highest salaries in IT. Examples include:
- Chief Security Officer (CSO): $176,000/year
- Ethical Hacker: $199,000/year
- Application Security Engineer: $112,000/year
- Penetration Tester: $102,000/year
- Information Security Analyst: $99,000/year
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for information security analysts in 2020 was $107,580—nearly double the average salary across all occupations.
In the Czech Republic, data from Grafton Recruitment shows IT security professionals earning between CZK 45,000 and CZK 180,000 gross per month, with most professionals earning CZK 70,000–130,000. Roles such as IT security manager, infrastructure security architect, and cybersecurity specialist can earn salaries at the higher end of this range, especially in Prague, where rates are significantly above regional averages.
Outsourcing: A Solution to the Talent Shortage?
According to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by 2025. In the Czech market alone, there is an estimated shortage of 1,000 cybersecurity experts across both private and public sectors.
“The demand for cybersecurity expertise will continue to grow as IT infrastructures become more complex and companies place greater emphasis on data and system security,” says Martin Silvička, CEO of Ness Czech.
He suggests outsourcing may become a viable solution to address the talent gap. While outsourcing cybersecurity services is not yet a widespread practice, the increasing labor market constraints may drive companies to adopt this approach.
About Ness Czech and Ness Digital Engineering
Ness Czech, a leading Czech system integrator and part of the global Ness Digital Engineering group, is one of the largest IT service providers in the Czech Republic. Since 1993, it has pioneered the adoption of new technologies and software solutions. Its key clients include O2 Czech Republic, Komerční Banka, and ČÚZK.
Ness Digital Engineering is a global leader in delivering comprehensive IT solutions and services.
Media Contact
Kamil Pittner
Media Consultant, PRCOM
📞 +420 604 241 482