According to the results of a new survey conducted by ISC-squared, a non-profit membership body for information security professionals, the IT security job market is expected to remain strong in 2012.
The 2012 Career Impact Survey, which included more than 2,250 responses, found that only seven percent of IT security professionals were unemployed at any point during 2011. In addition, 70 percent of survey respondents reported receiving an increase in salary and 55 percent said they expected to receive an increase in 2012.
Among some of the reports other findings included:
- 34 percent of respondents reported in increase in new hires in 2011 and 51 percent said they plan to hire IT security staff in 2012.
- 27 percent of respondents said they saw an increase in layoffs in the field.
- Nearly 30 percent of respondents expect information security budgets and equipment purchases to increase in 2012.
- 72 percent said their organizations hired individuals specifically for IT security roles in 2011.
- 62 percent of respondents said that they are looking to hire additional permanent or contract information security employees in 2012.
"These results from our latest Career Impact Survey demonstrate that even in tough economic times, information security professionals are in high demand by hiring managers and organizations who understand that their skill sets are not only paramount to their organization's ability to conduct business but also give them a competitive advantage," said W. Hord Tipton, executive director of ISC-squared. "This data reflects the increase in security breaches we saw throughout 2011 and the fact that organizations, both in the public and private sector, are finally realizing the importance of implementing sound security programs that should be run by experienced and qualified professionals."
