Ireland’s Cybersecurity Talent Gap Is Reaching Crisis Point
Across Ireland and globally, organisations are struggling to find qualified cybersecurity professionals. Cybercrime damages are projected to reach trillions of dollars globally in 2026, yet the pipeline of trained professionals cannot keep pace. Entry-level cybersecurity roles in Ireland are now commanding salaries of €80,000–€95,000. Mid-level roles average €100,000–€130,000. Senior roles can reach €150,000+.
The Certification Pathway That Works
- CompTIA A+: The industry standard entry point for IT careers. Covers hardware, software, operating systems, networking and troubleshooting.
- CompTIA Network+: Deep understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, VLANs, wireless, firewalls and network security.
- CompTIA Security+: The most widely required entry-level credential in cybersecurity job postings, satisfying DoD 8570 requirements for government roles.
- CCNA: Deep Cisco-specific networking expertise highly valued in enterprise and government environments.
The 2026 Exam Landscape
A key shift is the increasing emphasis on practical, applied skills rather than memorisation. Modern CompTIA exams include performance-based questions simulating real-world scenarios. IACT’s courses use labs, simulations and applied exercises throughout.
Career Paths Available
- Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Penetration Tester / Ethical Hacker
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Compliance and Risk Analyst
- IT Support and Helpdesk