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UK Cybersecurity Workforce Nearly Tripled Since 2021, ONS-Based Study Finds

New analysis ranks security as the UK’s fastest-growing IT job, highlighting unresolved talent gaps.

Overview

  • The number of UK cybersecurity professionals rose 194% to 83,700 between December 2021 and June 2025, according to Socura’s analysis of ONS data.
  • There is now one cybersecurity professional for every 68 businesses, up from one per 196 in 2021, based on 2025 parliamentary figures.
  • Cyber ranks as the fifth fastest-growing occupation across all jobs and the fastest within IT, outpacing growth in other tech roles.
  • Women in cyber increased 163% over the period, yet they account for roughly one in five practitioners, underscoring persistent diversity gaps.
  • Industry leaders call for expanding hiring beyond London and the South East, investing in welfare to prevent burnout, and treating AI as an augmenting force that will reshape skills.