Growing Pay Gap Between Private and Public Sector Cybersecurity Jobs Threatens UK National Security

A widening salary gap between the private and public sectors for cybersecurity professionals is posing a growing risk to the UK’s national security, according to new research from Naoris Protocol, a blockchain-based cybersecurity firm.

The firm warns that lower pay in government roles is driving skilled cybersecurity experts away from public sector positions, just as emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and the metaverse are intensifying the cyber threats targeting the UK’s critical national infrastructure.

The analysis by Naoris Protocol reveals a stark contrast in salaries for cybersecurity roles between the private and public sectors. In London, mid-tier positions in the private sector, such as Cyber Security Analysts and Penetration Testers, offer annual salaries ranging from £50,000 to £70,000. Senior roles, including Security Managers and Cyber Security Architects, can exceed £120,000 per year. In comparison, a recent Cyber Security Adviser role at the Ministry of Defence offered a starting salary of just £36,530, while a Head of Cyber Governance, Risk, and Compliance position started at £67,820.

The research also references a Spotlight on Corruption report, which reveals that low salaries have led to unfilled cybersecurity roles within the National Crime Agency (NCA). Skilled professionals are increasingly leaving for better-paying positions with the police or the private sector. Further concerns are raised by the National Audit Office (NAO), which found “significant gaps” in the cyber resilience of 58 government IT systems, as well as a high vacancy rate for cybersecurity posts. In fact, one in three cybersecurity positions were unfilled or occupied by temporary staff in 2023/24.

David Carvalho, Chief Executive and Founder of Naoris Protocol, emphasized the urgency of addressing the pay gap to protect the UK’s digital infrastructure. “The risks to UK national security from cybercrime are real, and the potential damage to critical national infrastructure is staggering,” he said. “Competitive pay is essential to attract the talent needed to combat these evolving threats.”

Experts warn that the UK’s economic and security interests depend on closing the pay gap to ensure that government agencies can compete with the private sector for top-tier cybersecurity talent. With the growing complexity of cyber threats and the increasing importance of safeguarding digital assets, experts stress the need for better compensation to secure the nation’s cybersecurity defenses.