A new report by Harvey Nash highlights a growing sense of dissatisfaction among cybersecurity professionals, with over three-quarters not receiving a pay raise last year. This lack of financial recognition has led to feelings of being undervalued, with many considering a job change in the near future. The report, published on April 27, underscores the challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals in an industry where their skills are in high demand but often not adequately rewarded.
The Harvey Nash Global Tech Talent & Salary Report surveyed over 3,646 technology professionals worldwide, revealing that only 45% of cybersecurity employees expect a pay increase in the next year. This is significantly lower than the three-quarters of AI and machine learning professionals who anticipate a raise. Cybersecurity professionals are among the most dissatisfied in the tech sector, with 23% describing themselves as unhappy, trailing only behind quality assurance and infrastructure staff.
Despite several high-profile cybersecurity incidents in 2025, such as the ransomware attack on Jaguar Land Rover and a massive data breach at Change Healthcare, only 22% of organizations have increased their cybersecurity resources. This lack of response has contributed to the perception that cybersecurity roles are undervalued, despite their critical importance in managing business risk.
Ankur Anand, CIO of Harvey Nash, emphasized the need for organizations to better recognize and reward cybersecurity talent. He noted that the current trend of rising workloads and stagnant pay is unsustainable and could lead to increased attrition as professionals seek better opportunities elsewhere.
To mitigate the risk of losing key cybersecurity staff, companies should prioritize making their employees feel valued and supported. This involves treating cybersecurity as a strategic capability, ensuring that these professionals are visible and backed by leadership. By doing so, organizations can enhance their ability to respond to incidents and maintain a strong security posture.
Source: https://www.harveynash.co.uk/latest-news/tech-talent-and-salary-report-2026