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The Cyber Security Talent Market in 2026
New research for CISOs and security leaders based on a survey of 50+ cyber security professionals.
85% of UK organisations are increasing cyber budgets for 2026. Demand for cyber and IT security roles surged by 20% in Q4 2025 alone.
Yet nearly half of cyber professionals expect to move roles within the next six months.
You’re not just competing on salary. You’re competing on flexibility, progression, reputation, speed and leadership credibility.
Is your hiring strategy aligned with what cyber professionals actually want?
What This Research Reveals
Based on insights from 50+ permanent and contract cyber security professionals, this report uncovers:
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Why hybrid working has become a baseline expectation, not a benefit
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Why career progression outweighs salary for many professionals
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How lengthy hiring processes are costing organisations top talent
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The growing importance of employer reputation in a tightly networked cyber community
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The generational divide in AI adoption and confidence
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What’s driving nearly 1 in 2 professionals to consider moving roles in 2026
Fill out the form to access the report
Why it matters for cyber leaders
The organisations that secure scarce cyber expertise in 2026 will be those that align workforce strategy with real candidate motivations.
Time to hire is increasing
Offer rejections are rising
Retention is growing
Operational and reputational risk
From Insight to Action
For over 45 years, Lorien has supported organisations insecuring hard-to-find technology expertise. Today, we partner directly withCISOs and security leaders to:
- Secure high-impact permanent and contract cyberspecialists
- Deliver project-based and outcome-led securitysolutions
- Reduce hiring friction and shorten recruitmentcycles
- Strengthen workforce planning in volatilemarkets
Whether you're scaling a SOC, enhancing GRC capability,securing cloud environments or preparing for regulatory scrutiny, we help youbuild resilient, future-ready security teams.
“Lorien has been an invaluable partner in building our cybersecurity team. Their ability to source cleared, accredited specialists quickly meant we could strengthen our defenses without slowing down critical projects. The process was seamless, and the quality of candidates exceeded our expectations.”
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