A recent study by Kaspersky found that 61% of Egyptian companies plan to enhance their information technology security systems in the coming year, despite a global average of 75%. The study, which surveyed 1,800 specialists in 18 countries, including Egypt, revealed that 99% of participating companies consider the information security department a vital function. However, hiring qualified specialists can take over six months.
The study highlighted that companies with 1,500 to 2,499 employees are more likely to invest in cybersecurity, with 78% planning to do so, while 83% of large companies with over 2,500 employees share this intention. The study also found that the demand for cybersecurity professionals is higher in certain sectors, including information technology and communications.
Globally, the information technology sector leads the way in investing in cybersecurity, with 79% of companies planning to do so, followed by the communications sector at 76%. In Egypt, the manufacturing sector tops the list among large companies, with 84% planning to invest in cybersecurity, followed by information technology at 82%, and banking and insurance at 79%.
Evgenia Roskikh, head of academic affairs at Kaspersky, warned that the shortage of cybersecurity professionals will worsen in the coming years, with three out of four companies seeking to enhance their security jobs. She emphasized that addressing this shortage requires expanding education opportunities and strengthening cooperation between companies and universities.
The study's findings come as Egypt's education sector is taking steps to address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals. The Egyptian government has launched initiatives to provide students with international certifications in cybersecurity, including a program offering 600 scholarships for students to study network engineering and cybersecurity.
The government's efforts aim to equip students with the necessary skills to meet the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. The program, which is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Egyptian government, seeks to provide students with hands-on experience and international certifications in cybersecurity.
As the demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to surge, Egyptian companies are facing significant challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled personnel. With the shortage of cybersecurity professionals expected to worsen, companies and educational institutions must work together to address this gap and ensure the country's digital security.
Key points
- 61% of Egyptian companies plan to boost cybersecurity jobs in the coming year
- The shortage of cybersecurity professionals is expected to worsen in the coming years
- The Egyptian government has launched initiatives to provide students with international certifications in cybersecurity
