Given the increase in digital risks and the growing dependence of life on the Internet, Both public and private organizations in Chile urgently require cybersecurity specialists. This phenomenon is driven not only by the new Cybersecurity Framework Law, which imposes new regulatory obligations, but also by the need to protect critical data and systems.
Cristian Bravo Lillo, director of the Government CSIRT, presented an alarming estimate to the Interministerial Committee on Cybersecurity: In Chile there is a gap of approximately 28,000 professionals in the area of cybersecurity. According to Bravo, this gap could be closed in a decade, but to accelerate the process it is crucial encourage the participation of women in technology and cybersecurity careersgiven that there is currently a notable gender disparity in this field.
Another key factor to reduce this gap is the investment in academic programs. Currently, only four percent of students in technical training centers and career colleges enroll in technology-related careers. Increasing this proportion could be decisive in increasing the number of cybersecurity specialists in the Chilean labor market.
Supply and demand for cybersecurity professionals in Chile
The Government CSIRT analysis projects that By 2024, approximately 22,000 professionals in cybersecurity and related careers will graduate. This figure will increase to 25,000 by 2026, 30,000 by 2029 and 41,300 by 2035. To these numbers are added some 10,000 already qualified experts.
Regarding demand, it is estimated that various entities will require a large number of experts: 310 managers for secondary health centers, 1,340 for public schools (one expert for every five schools) and 3,500 for private schools (one expert for every two schools). ). In addition, specialists will be needed in each medium and large company (55,693 in total) and for central public organizations (580).
In short, these figures indicate a need for approximately 57,500 cybersecurity experts by 2024which will increase to 63,500 by 2026, 68,000 by 2029 and 76,800 by 2035.
Measures to close the gap
To bridge this gap, it is essential not only increase enrollment in technological careersbut also promote greater female participation in the sector. Currently, the proportion of women in cybersecurity is low and, if measures are not taken, the gender gap could increase, according to data from the Ministry of Education.
In summary, Chile faces a significant challenge regarding the training and availability of cybersecurity experts. The combination of increased investment in technical education and promoting the inclusion of women in the sector are crucial steps to address this gap and strengthen the country’s digital security.
