UAE: Cyber security job market soars amid surge in cyber threats
Demand for network security engineers and data protection officers explodes as public and private sectors face rising cyber attacks
Dubai: The United Arab Emirates is experiencing a surge in demand for cybersecurity professionals. A recent study by Qrator Labs revealed a staggering 51.3% increase in Google searches for cybersecurity roles between July 2023 and June 2024. This growth is fueled by Dubai’s emergence as a global tech hub, driving a diverse range of cybersecurity job opportunities.
Cybersecurity is a critical component of contemporary organizational risk management. As cyber threats evolve in sophistication, employing tactics such as social engineering and artificial intelligence, organizations face an increasingly complex challenge in protecting their digital assets. A robust cybersecurity framework is essential to mitigate risks, safeguard sensitive information, and maintain operational continuity.
Market situation
However, the industry is grappling with a severe talent shortage. A significant 77% of Asia-Pacific companies, including those in the UAE, lack essential tools to detect cyber threats. Moreover, nearly 90% of these companies report a deficiency in skilled cybersecurity personnel. As the digital landscape expands, roles such as Cybersecurity Analysts, Network Security Engineers, Information Security Managers, and CISOs are becoming increasingly critical.
Network security engineers
Among the various cyber security roles, network security engineers have seen the most dramatic rise, with a 40% increase in searches. This surge highlights the urgent need to safeguard network infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Data protection officers
Searches for data protection officers have also surged by 25%, reflecting a heightened emphasis on continuous monitoring and adherence to data protection regulations.
Ethical hackers and cryptographers
Ethical hackers and cryptographers are increasingly sought after, with searches for these roles up by 22%. This trend illustrates the UAE’s proactive stance on identifying and countering cyber threats. Additionally, chief information security officers (CISOs) have seen a 22.9% rise in searches, highlighting the need for robust leadership in cyber security.
Security consultants
The role of security consultants has also gained traction, with a 22.2% increase in searches over the past year. This growing interest points to a greater reliance on expert advice to enhance security measures.
Government insights on cyber threats
Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, the head of cyber security for the UAE government, revealed in January 2024 that the public sector alone faces approximately 50,000 cyber attacks daily. These attacks range from port scanning and phishing emails to DDoS attacks and ransomware. The private sector is estimated to experience even higher levels of cyber threats, with the financial sector being particularly vulnerable.
FinTech sector at risk
Data from Qrator Labs confirms this trend. In June 2024, the company reported that the FinTech sector accounted for half of all recorded cyber incidents in the first quarter of 2024. This high incidence rate is partly due to inadequate protection measures.
Skills requried
To excel in this field, candidates need a robust skill set combining technical prowess and soft skills.
Essential technical skills include proficiency in security across various platforms (Linux, Windows), understanding network configurations, familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, and the ability to identify and mitigate threats.
On the flip side, invaluable soft skills such as problem-solving, effective communication, and teamwork are indispensable for fostering a secure digital environment.
Future outlook
Damir Sultanov, Chief Marketing Officer at Qrator Labs, remains optimistic about the future. “As both public and private sectors in the UAE continue to face cyber threats and invest in cybersecurity, the job market is poised to offer even more opportunities for skilled professionals in the coming years,” he stated.
The growing demand for cybersecurity expertise reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its defenses against evolving digital threats, making it a dynamic and promising field for job seekers.