Cyber security skills required by companies for 2021

According to the latest study by GetApp, British SMEs will require some cyber security skills from new employees

UK, 2nd December 2020 – UK SMEs are still facing challenges in protecting their companies from an increase in cyber security threats as result of remote work. The insights showed that 1 in 5 SMEs has been victim of cyber security attacks in the past three months. Accounting and Finance being the two sectors most prone to malware and data breach attacks.

80% of decision makers shared that they are concerned or very concerned about the risk of a malware attack. As a result, more companies are looking for employees with some knowledge in cyber security. 22% of business owners say they will require some cyber security skills from new employees that are hired in the coming year.

Companies have also increased their budget for employee training. 20% are planning on making minor increases in the training budget while 13% will significantly increase the training budget. A third of companies are using interactive web-based training such as webinars and 32% are using computer-based online training.

Sonia Navarrete, content analyst at GetApp UK, comments:

“Despite companies having adapted to the new requirements since the beginning of the pandemic adopting new software, it can be seen that there are a number of them that are still not prepared.

Companies need to invest in both employee training and the right software to protect the business. If any of these two fails, the other has little chance to succeed.

In fact, the impact of COVID-19 has also been noticeable in HR and the skills that employers will look for in the future. With the implementation of remote working in 2020, businesses will be looking for candidates that are more tech savvy in the next year, with cyber security becoming one of the vital skills for candidates to have.”

Jessica Weisman-Pitts

Jesse Pitts has been with the Global Banking & Finance Review since 2016, serving in various capacities, including Graphic Designer, Content Publisher, and Editorial Assistant. As the sole graphic designer for the company, Jesse plays a crucial role in shaping the visual identity of Global Banking & Finance Review. Additionally, Jesse manages the publishing of content across multiple platforms, including Global Banking & Finance Review, Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.