CISO's Guide to Hiring for the Right Cybersecurity Skills
TechTarget, Wednesday, July 8th, 2026
The cyber talent shortage is a skills mismatch, so CISOs must adopt skills-based hiring over credential requirements.
The article argues the cybersecurity talent shortage stems from a mismatch between available skills and organizational needs, not just headcount.
While 87% of organizations plan to expand security teams, workers exist for only 74% of demand, and available talent often lacks required skills. Outdated practices - degree requirements, demanding full prior experience, and generic HR screening - eliminate qualified candidates.
Successful CISOs recruit beyond specialists for cyber-savvy business people, lead recruitment personally, partner with community colleges, and accept candidates meeting ~80% of technical requirements.
With 88% of organizations hit by incidents tied to staffing gaps, modern hiring must emphasize skills-based development and cultural fit over credentials.