A Core Focus at Next IT Security | Stockholm 2026

Introduction

As digital transformation accelerates and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, organisations face a growing challenge that extends beyond technology: the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. While investments in security tools and platforms continue to rise, many organisations struggle to find, develop, and retain the talent needed to effectively manage today’s complex threat landscape.

Recognising the strategic importance of this challenge, Talent & Skills Shortage has been identified as one of the core focus areas at Next IT Security | Stockholm 2026. The topic reflects a growing industry need to address workforce gaps, build sustainable talent pipelines, and ensure organisations have the skills required to maintain resilience in an increasingly digital world.

Why This Matters Now

The demand for cybersecurity expertise continues to outpace the supply of qualified professionals. Organisations across all sectors are competing for a limited pool of talent, creating challenges in recruitment, retention, succession planning, and capability development.

At the same time, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, automation, and digital identity management are expanding the skills required within modern security teams. Security professionals are expected to possess not only technical expertise but also knowledge of risk management, governance, compliance, and business operations.

For these reasons, Next IT Security | Stockholm 2026 will explore how organisations can develop long-term workforce strategies that support both security objectives and business resilience.

The Growing Cybersecurity Skills Gap

The cybersecurity skills shortage is no longer simply an HR challenge. It has become a strategic business risk that affects an organisation’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats effectively.

Many organisations face difficulties filling critical roles, while existing teams are often expected to manage growing responsibilities with limited resources. This can lead to increased operational pressure, burnout, and reduced resilience.

Impact on Next-Generation IT Security

As the skills gap continues to widen, organisations are focusing on:

• Expanding cybersecurity education and training programmes.
• Developing internal talent through upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
• Building diverse and inclusive talent pipelines.
• Leveraging automation to support overstretched teams.
• Creating clearer career pathways within cybersecurity.

Discussions at Next IT Security | Stockholm 2026 will examine how organisations can close skills gaps while building stronger, more adaptable security teams.

Talent Development: Building Long-Term Resilience

Addressing workforce shortages requires more than short-term recruitment efforts. Organisations must create sustainable approaches to talent development that support continuous learning and professional growth.

As cyber threats evolve, the skills required to defend against them must evolve as well. Continuous education, certification programmes, mentoring initiatives, and knowledge-sharing practices are becoming essential components of workforce development strategies.

Impact on Next-Generation IT Security

This focus on talent development is driving organisations to:

• Invest in continuous learning and professional development.
• Strengthen partnerships with universities and educational institutions.
• Create apprenticeship and graduate programmes.
• Encourage cross-functional security expertise.
• Build future leadership capabilities within security teams.

At Next IT Security | Stockholm 2026, experts will explore how organisations can cultivate talent ecosystems that support long-term resilience and innovation.

Retention and Workforce Sustainability

Recruiting skilled professionals is only part of the solution. Retaining experienced talent remains one of the biggest challenges facing security leaders today.

High workloads, evolving threat environments, and increasing organisational expectations can contribute to employee fatigue and turnover. As a result, workforce sustainability is becoming a critical component of cybersecurity strategy.

Impact on Next-Generation IT Security

Organisations are increasingly prioritising:

• Employee wellbeing and burnout prevention.
• Flexible working models and career development opportunities.
• Strong organisational culture and employee engagement.
• Leadership development and succession planning.
• Knowledge retention and skills transfer initiatives.

Next IT Security | Stockholm 2026 will provide a platform for discussing how organisations can create environments that attract, develop, and retain top cybersecurity talent.

Why It Is a Core Focus Area at Next IT Security | Stockholm 2026

Talent & Skills Shortage has been selected as a core focus area because people remain the foundation of effective cybersecurity. While technology continues to evolve rapidly, organisations cannot achieve resilience without the skilled professionals required to implement, manage, and optimise security capabilities.

Security leaders must increasingly think beyond recruitment and consider how talent development, workforce planning, and organisational culture contribute to long-term resilience. Building a sustainable cybersecurity workforce is now a strategic priority for organisations seeking to remain secure and competitive.

To further explore this critical challenge, attendees will gain valuable insights from the event’s keynote sessions and expert discussions, which will address workforce transformation, future skills requirements, leadership development, and strategies for attracting and retaining cybersecurity professionals in a highly competitive market.

These discussions will reinforce why talent development and workforce sustainability have become essential components of modern cybersecurity strategy.

Looking Ahead

The future of IT security will depend not only on technological innovation but also on the availability of skilled professionals capable of managing increasingly complex digital environments. Organisations that invest in talent development, retention, and workforce sustainability will be better positioned to adapt to emerging threats and maintain long-term resilience.

As one of the core focus areas at Next IT Security | Stockholm 2026, Talent & Skills Shortage will help attendees understand the workforce challenges shaping the cybersecurity industry and provide practical insights into building the next generation of security talent.