Navigating China's Cyber Security Landscape Today

While digital transformation has been a buzzword for the longest time now, the trend of organisations adapting to modern technology has been accelerating at a startling pace. Today, many organisations are adapting to these changes to meet the changing needs of consumers and the workforce. And while disruptions are to be expected with any new technology, none are as threatening as a potential cyber security breach.

Today’s businesses are savvier with cyber security, with 77% of global leaders reporting more awareness today compared to three years ago. But while teams are committed to strengthening their cyber security profiles today, 90% of leaders found difficulties implementing their cyber security strategies due to skill gaps in their organisations.

These findings were part of our Global Cyber Security Report 2023, surveying 1,000 cyber security leaders from across 29 countries. But what of the situation locally? We sat down with Shawn Cong, to get a better grasp of the challenges facing candidates and businesses in today’s climate.

China’s cyber security field is an exciting, candidate-driven market.

 

Today, more and more organisations are looking out for the right cyber security professionals to help them achieve their goals. Many of these goals are driven by ongoing refinements by regulators to existing laws such as the Personal Information Protection Law and the Cybersecurity Law, which seek to protect consumers from cyber security threats. The search for talent is at all-time high, and cyber security professionals are uniquely positioned to take advantage of this today.

 

Although businesses are cognisant of the need to tighten their approach towards computer security, finding the right talent capable of reinforcing their front lines of defence has been difficult. These front-line skills cover critical areas such as cloud security, security architecture and security engineering.

Experience in running a Security Operations Center (SOC) and implementing a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution were also necessities for a role that has expanded in complexity these last few years. On top of everything, being able to manage cyber security from a governance, risk, and compliance angle is also essential to keep up with local regulatory needs.
 
Workers with the knowledge and experience required to fill these roles are at a premium in a field where individuals with the right credentials can demand higher salaries from prospective hiring parties. Two-thirds of leaders surveyed did not rate their ability to attract cyber security talent highly amidst fierce competition between organisations to secure these resources.
 
In a fast-moving market like tech, we understand the importance of having quick access to top talent who will make a real difference. We have spent years nurturing an ecosystem of highly engaged and unique candidates and will work with you to grow or scale your business using our unique expertise aligned to sectors and technologies. Be sure to reach out to us if you have a position that needs filling.
 

With a skills shortage having an impact across the board, leaders have acknowledged the need to fill the gap. The result we are seeing is a more relaxed approach to hiring workers who lack formal cyber security accreditations, with the aim of upskilling and retraining both new and existing employees to meet organisational needs.

 

This investment does not extend to employee retention, where many organisations prefer offering remote and hybrid working arrangements and a better work-life balance over monetary rewards to entice talents to stay.

Additionally, cyber security candidates in China shared that salary was no longer the main driver when making career decisions. Instead, there is an increasing focus on finding the right leadership team able to provide sufficient support for them to perform their tasks efficiently. This falls in line with 34% of global leaders   expressing concern that cyber security teams are not positioned strategically with the organisation, while 47% expect minimal changes to cyber security budgets despite demands for increased investment.
As recruitment experts in cyber security, we can help our candidates widen their career prospects. Reach out to us and let us find your next cyber security job for you.
 

With cyber security defense strategies taking a hit due to the myriad of factors outlined above, organisations will need to find effective solutions to fill these gaps in talent. Summarised below are some simple next steps leaders can take to solve for this:

• Consider unexplored talent 

Although they may not have the experience or complete skillset, there are people out there with the learning mindset to help your business. Broaden your search and think about the relevant skills any recruits would need and which they could build upon with the right training.

 

It’s vital that your organisation stays ahead of cyber criminals through continuous learning. Ensure that senior leadership are aware of its importance and that your cyber security team are familiar with the latest practices and technologies.

 

As a lifelong partner to businesses in China, Hays is well placed to find the right solutions to your staffing needs. From identifying existing talent to training those with potential, we’re working for your tomorrow to help your organisation succeed in the short and long term.