Did you know that cybersecurity is the hottest technical skill in the UK right now? Well, that’s according to new research from global talent solutions company Robert Half, who says 48% of tech leaders name cybersecurity as the top skill they are looking for in 2026. It is the single most in demand specialism across UK tech functions.

Hiring intent backs that up. Robert Half reports that 44% of companies plan to recruit for cybersecurity and IT security roles within the next 6 months. Its job posting database recorded more than 6,000 new security roles advertised across the UK in the past year, and that’s a 14% increase on the previous year. Information Security Analysts led the way with more than 3,100 new vacancies, up 29% YoY. There were also more than 1,300 postings for Information Security Managers, an 8% increase.

Pay is rising the more that these organisations compete for talent. Robert Half found that 44% of employers are paying premium salaries to attract cybersecurity professionals. The median salary for cybersecurity roles in 2024 was about £55,000, according to that Ipsos and Perspective Economics research for the Department.

Craig Freedberg, Regional Director at Robert Half, said: “Cybersecurity has become mission-critical for every business, but the demand for skilled professionals has grown far faster than the available talent pipeline. While employers are increasingly turning to premium salaries to compete, pay alone is not a sustainable long-term solution.

“To attract and retain cybersecurity specialists, businesses need to focus on comprehensive, value-rich employment packages that go beyond compensation, including career development, continuous training, meaningful work and flexible working options. This becomes even more important when considering future talent pipelines.

“Our 2026 Salary Guide research shows that when salary increases aren’t available, professionals place a high value on structured professional development opportunities. Investing in skills growth will not only strengthen retention today, but it will also help secure the cybersecurity capabilities businesses will urgently need tomorrow.”

What Does The Government Say About Cyber Skills Demand?

The government’s latest Cybersecurity skills in the UK labour market 2025 report looks at things from a deeper ‘perspective’. Ipsos and Perspective Economics’ research for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology estimates there are about 143,000 people in the UK cybersecurity workforce.

There was an average of 2,698 cybersecurity job postings per month in 2024. London salaries reached £69,800 compared with £58,800 across the regions, leaving a London premium of £11,000. Demand for entry level candidates has gone down to 17% of postings, and it was 25% in 2022. 63% of postings asked for mid level experience of 2-6 years.

Kanishka Narayan MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, wrote in the ministerial foreword:

“We also need to increase overall numbers in the sector to meet the high demand for skilled people. Organisations will be better protected and more able to grow when they have the people they need, which is why we need to attract more young people and adults into the sector.”

“Only 17% of the cybersecurity workforce is female, and the representation of ethnic minorities in senior roles is also disappointingly low. These figures are a sobering reminder that we have much work to do to create an inclusive and representative workforce which draws upon the widest range of talented people.”

Which Specific Cyber And Tech Skills Are Hottest Right Now?

This is where demand is highest, based on Robert Half data and the government labour market study:

1. Information Security Analysts:

More than 3,100 new UK vacancies in the past year, up 29%, according to Robert Half.

2. Information Security Managers.:

Over 1,300 new postings, an 8% increase YoY.

3. Incident response and basic security operations:

Nearly half, 49%, of businesses reported a basic skills gap in tasks such as setting up firewalls and detecting malware, according to the government study.

4. Advanced cyber skills such as digital forensics, audit and assurance, and cryptography:

Around 30% of businesses reported gaps in advanced skills, and 28% of cybersecurity businesses said they had technical skills gaps among employees.

5. AI skills within cybersecurity:

Just over half, 53%, of cybersecurity businesses said staff were using AI in day to day work, and 65% expected their need for AI skills to increase over the next 12 months.

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