NI's superpower? The Cyber-security talent cluster

In recent years we have witnessed Northern Ireland establish itself as a global cyber security hub. Supported by world-class Academia, the award-winning Centre for Secure Information Technologies and innovative start-ups, NI is fast becoming one of the top destinations of international investment for US cyber security firms.

There is a cyber-security workforce of close to 2300 IT professionals employed by over 100 different cyber security organisations and major international players including Rapid7, Proofpoint, Microsoft and Anomali have established operations in Northern Ireland. Additionally, there is no shortage of homegrown companies such as Uleska and Metacompliance who are flourishing and growing rapidly.

Why Northern Ireland?

• Access to top talent

The Cyber Security Framework for Northern Ireland described the NI tech sector as: “a thriving knowledge economy”, “with exemplary talent” and “pioneering research and development”. Much of this praise can be accredited to the fact NI is home to two world-class Universities, Queens’ University and Ulster University, offering PhD and MSc courses in Cyber Security. Moreover, Belfast Metropolitan College run cyber academies which produce highly skilled and talented cyber graduates.

• Lower cost for companies

According to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sports’ May 2022 Cyber Security in the UK Labour Market 2022 report, the average advertised salary for a cyber security employee in the UK was an average of £60,100, whilst in London it was even higher at £69,7 00.  In comparison to these figures, NI’s average cyber salary of £49,100  is a huge plus for any prospective cyber security organisation.  This has undoubtedly made NI an attractive site for companies stablishing a new site or office  as they have access to a high calibre of talent but at a cheaper cost. cheaper talent of a high calibre.

• Growing sector on a global scale

Cybersecurity has been identified by the Department of Economy is their 10x economic vision as one of their 5 priority clusters and the NI Executive have voiced ambitious growth goals of achieving 5000 cyber security job roles by 2030, averaging 300 per year. If achieved it will deliver c. £437m in GVA, which in turn will result in cumulative GVA of £2.bn generated by the cyber security sector.

 MCS Solutions

The growth of the cyber-sector is undeniable. However, there is a talent shortage and cyber security organisations need to be able to identify, source, recruit, and onboard new talent if they are to succeed in the rapidly growing sphere. Therefore, it is crucial to have a right recruitment partner who understand the market and your needs to help you attract and recruit the right talent.  

Over the past 14 years, we have developed a proven track record in successfully building and scaling cyber security teams from Start-ups to major global organisations through to FDIs coming to Northern Ireland as they establish their operations.

MCS Group has developed and optimised a powerful suite of purpose-built solutions that empower organisations to build and retain world-class teams throughout the UK, Ireland, and the US operating from Graduate to Director level opportunities, focussing on cultural and behavioural fit creating connections that last.

We can identify, engage and source the best fit and talent for your organisation, culture and growth as fast as possible while delivering an outstanding client and candidate experience. We can do this because we have developed expert knowledge and built deep networks of highly qualified professionals across the cyber ecosystem combined with the best tech stack in recruitment and unrivalled passion for service.

If you want to find out how our technology and people can make your recruitment faster, easier and more effective, get in touch with Sean Devlin, Director of MCS Solutions  to find out how we will transform how you recruit.

Or if you are a cyber security professional and want to find out more about current opportunities in the sector reach out to Andrew McKnight, Senior Recruitment Consultant for a confidential discussion.