Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
The demand for cyber workers kept steady in recent months as the broader tech industry suffered from a wave of cost-cutting layoffs, according to data published today.
Why it matters: Cybersecurity job openings present a bright spot in an otherwise grim hiring outlook for the tech sector.
By the numbers: The total number of employed cybersecurity workers in 2022 remained relatively unchanged from previous estimates at around 1.1 million, according to new data from the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, trade group CompTIA and data firm Lightcast.
The big picture: Will Markow, vice president of applied research at Lightcast, told Axios that although demand for new cyber hires didn't skyrocket, it "definitely still remains as strong as it has ever been."
Zoom out: Employers have been struggling for years to fill open cybersecurity roles.
Between the lines: The scarcity of workers puts cybersecurity employees in a better position to survive layoffs across the tech industry, Markow said.
Yes, but: Some cyber workers have still been victims of layoffs. Last week, TechCrunch reported that Sophos plans to lay off 450 employees, or roughly 10% of its workforce.
The intrigue: An economic downturn could inspire more employers to prioritize entry-level cybersecurity hires, who often have lower salaries and have traditionally had difficulties breaking into the industry.
The bottom line: As hacks and breaches increase, cybersecurity isn't seeing the same devastating round of layoffs as other tech industries.
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Cyber job openings remains steady amid tech industry layoffs – Axios
