A Thematic Content Analysis of the Cybersecurity Skills Demand in South Africa

Abstract

AbstractThe cybersecurity skills demand is a growing concern both globally and in South Africa, creating what is known as the cybersecurity skills gap. This means that there is a shortage of Information Technology (IT) and cybersecurity professionals that have the required knowledge, skills and abilities, to effectively fill this gap. This study aims to provide a better understanding of the cybersecurity skills demand in South Africa having analysed job postings in South Africa over a 4-month period from 1st October 2020 to 31st January 2021. This was done by conducting a thematic content analysis of the 280 job postings identified during this period. Results indicate a condensed set of knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) categorised according to five main job categories, namely: Cybersecurity, Operations and Support, Data and Artificial Intelligence, Strategy and Governance, and Software and Application Development. These results can assist universities, training institutions and organisations to address the cybersecurity skills gap in South Africa.KeywordsCybersecuritySkills demandThematic content analysis