Cybersecurity Skills Needs Analysis in Lithuania

In 2023, the cybersecurity environment in Lithuania was mainly influenced by geopolitical and technological factors. Although the total number of fixed cyber incidents decreased from 3,723 in 2021 to 2,378 in 2023, there has been a concerning rise in medium-category incidents.

The Needs Analysis report by CyberHub Lithuania identifies the essential requirements for cybersecurity skills and roles within the country’s evolving ecosystem, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. It reveals a significant demand for positions such as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), security managers, full-profile implementers, and incident management specialists, while the role of Cybersecurity Researcher remains unaddressed. This suggests a preference for professionals focused on practical cybersecurity tasks.

While many cybersecurity professionals possess IT or ICT backgrounds, there is an increasing need for non-technical skills, including management, law, and effective communication. A survey of organisational leaders indicated that while one-fifth prioritise technical knowledge, most emphasise a balance between soft and hard competencies. Employers often value practical experience and certifications over formal degrees, underscoring the necessity for continuous skill development. Analysis of higher education programmes indicates that Master’s degrees offer 4-5 competencies, while Bachelor’s programmes provide 3-4, with none covering all five of the required competencies. Among training providers, Code Academy stands out by offering 7 out of 11 essential competencies, while Vilnius Coding School’s shorter programme addresses only 4.

These findings will support the development of a national Cybersecurity Skills Strategy, providing insights into current and future demands for cybersecurity roles and the existing educational and training opportunities. This report serves as a strategic resource for government officials, educational institutions, and the private sector, aiding efforts to close the cybersecurity skills gap and enhance Lithuania’s capacity to address emerging cyber threats.

Download the full report below and read more about the state of cybersecurity skills in Lithuania: