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Rogue threats see cybersecurity talent gap peak
Salary inflation is accelerating across risk and security roles, with 48% of employers citing that cybersecurity is now such a strategic priority that over 40% of organizations plan to hire IT security experts according to new research from international recruitment firm Robert Half.
Recent cyberattacks on major UK brands such as Marks & Spencer (which has lost £300 million plus in revenue to date), Co-op, and Jaguar Land Rover have exposed vulnerabilities even among well-resourced organizations. The financial and reputational fallout from these breaches has pushed operational resilience to the top of boardroom agendas.
With cybersecurity critical as brands seek to protect critical infrastructure, Robert Half’s data shows 42% of employers intend to hire additional IT security professionals in the near future, while 26% plan to expand permanent roles within legal, risk, and compliance teams. Additionally, 23% report that they will increase contract resources to enhance resilience and regulatory preparedness.
To attract talent almost two-thirds (63%) of employers indicate that they would be inclined to offer premium salaries to fill gaps in compliance, governance, security architecture and threat intelligence to stay competitive. “In today’s climate, a breach isn’t just an operational failure – it’s a financial and reputational catastrophe. With rogue state threats, increasingly sophisticated hacking groups and rising regulation, firms that fail to invest in risk, compliance and security talent will be exposed. We’re seeing salary outlays rise, roles expand in scope and expectations from boards at an all-time high,” says Matt Weston, Senior Managing Director, Robert Half UK & Ireland.
“The remuneration expectation in the London region, for example, tells the story. Senior Operational Risk Managers are set to move from a 2025 average pay of £94,625 to £103,625 in 2026 – a rise of 9.5%. Operational Risk Managers, meanwhile, will see an increase from £75,375 to £83,750, an 11.1% jump. In cybersecurity the escalation is even starker – Chief Information Security Officers climb from a 2025 average of £150,250 to £171,625 in 2026 representing a 14.2% rise,” continues Weston.
London’s sharp upward trajectory is no accident. Global financial institutions headquartered there face relentless scrutiny from regulators, ever-present geopolitical risks and boardrooms that now see cyber resilience as central to maintaining trust. “The talent pool is not keeping pace with demand – particularly for senior leaders who can blend technical depth with strategic oversight with competition for top performers driving rapid pay inflation. Salaries in London City are even higher, reflecting the premium placed on attracting and retaining talent at the very centre of the UK’s financial system. Organizations that build resilience into their DNA – from systems to culture – will be those that survive and thrive in 2026,” comments Weston.