Layoffs Do Not Define You. How To Keep Moving Forward
Why Are Cybersecurity Professionals Losing Their Jobs In 2025
Why Are Cybersecurity Professionals Losing Their Jobs In 2025
The tech industry, once an unstoppable force of innovation and rapid hiring, has now faced a reality check.
Rapid waves of layoffs have affected even the most seemingly recession-proof sectors.
Cybersecurity, long thought to be safe from economic downturns due to the ever-present threat of cybercrime, has not been spared either.
Criminals do not care about budget cuts and hiring freezes so we thought Cybersecurity would not be affected
But the reality is way different
The era of the “Great Resignation” is now a distant memory, replaced by a job market that is more ruthless than ever.
In this article I list down some of the reasons this is happening and provide a roadmap for professionals looking to navigate this new landscape.
Why Is This Happening ??
Although cybersecurity remains a mission-critical function for businesses, economic pressures and industry shifts have forced companies to rethink how they allocate security resources.
Here are the key reasons why cybersecurity professionals are facing layoffs:
1 - Overhiring and Budget Realignments
Between 2020 and 2022, cybersecurity teams grew rapidly in response to escalating cyber threats and regulatory pressures.
Organizations rushed to build security teams to handle cloud migration, remote work risks, and ransomware defenses.
However, as economic realities set in, many companies have realized that their cybersecurity expenditures are unsustainable.
Security teams that once seemed essential are now being trimmed as CFOs push for cost optimization.
The same overhiring trends that affected software engineers and data scientists are now catching up with cybersecurity.
2 - The Shift to Managed Security Services
Many CISOs are now under pressure to reduce costs while maintaining security effectiveness.
One of the quickest ways to achieve this is by outsourcing security functions to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs).
This trend has led to:
Downsizing in-house Security Operations Centers (SOCs).
Increased reliance on AI-driven security automation.
The elimination of internal security roles that can be performed externally at a lower cost.
If an MSSP can provide round-the-clock security monitoring at a fraction of the cost of an in-house team, executives will not hesitate to make the switch.
3 - AI and Automation Reducing the Need for Certain Roles
The cybersecurity landscape has seen a rapid adoption of AI and automation tools, such as:
AI-driven security analytics.
Automated threat intelligence platforms.
Self-healing cloud security solutions.
While AI creates opportunities for new roles, it also eliminates traditional ones.
Security analysts performing repetitive tasks - such as log monitoring and basic threat detection — are increasingly being replaced by AI-driven solutions.
What’s Next for Cybersecurity Professionals?
If you have affected by layoffs then it seems like the end of the world but it really is not.
While layoffs are painful, they also present an opportunity for professionals to reposition themselves in the market.
Here’s how you can stay ahead:
1. Take Time to Process It
Losing a job in cybersecurity - an already stressful industry - can be mentally exhausting.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
Before rushing to update your CV and apply for hundreds of jobs, take a moment to breathe.
Engage in activities that help clear your mind - watch a movie, exercise, or spend time with friends.
Acknowledge that layoffs are often business decisions, not reflections of your skills or performance.
2. Benchmark Yourself Against the Industry
Feeling like you’re not “good enough” after a layoff is common. Combat these feelings with a structured approach:
List your achievements, successful projects, and areas where you received positive feedback.
Find job descriptions that match your ideal role and conduct a gap analysis.
Identify skills or certifications that you may need to remain competitive.
This assessment will provide a clear roadmap for upskilling and career planning.
3. Find a Mentor to Guide You
Having a mentor during uncertain times can be a game-changer. A seasoned cybersecurity professional can:
Help refine your job search strategy.
Provide insights on which skills are in demand.
Offer guidance on navigating industry shifts.
Many cybersecurity leaders are willing to help - reach out on LinkedIn or professional groups.
Editor's Note: You can get career coaching from Taimur here. Taimur has over 20 years of cybersecurity experience and is someone who I (Tyler) turn to for advice. We also condone reaching out and becoming a part of Sean Mitchell's free Cyber Dojo community (UK Based), and Reanna Shultz (female) Cyberspeak Labs. They also might be interested in taking you on for Career Coaching. The difference between Career Coaching and Mentoring is the expectation of results. With mentoring, there is no expectation of results.
4. Take (or Create) a Course
If your self-assessment revealed skill gaps, use this time to upskill. Focus on high-demand areas like:
Cloud Security (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Offensive Security (PenTesting, Red Teaming)
Cyber Risk and Compliance (NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2)
Better yet, why not create your own cybersecurity course?
Teaching a course can boost your credibility and make your CV stand out. We're always on the lookout for great courses to add to our collection.
Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity may not be entirely recession-proof, but it remains a resilient industry.
Layoffs are challenging, but they also provide an opportunity to pivot, upskill, and explore new career paths
Good luck in the awesome career ahead of you !
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