Why SMBs in the US Are Struggling to Find Cybersecurity Talent – And How We Can Help

Why SMBs in the US Are Struggling to Find Cybersecurity Talent – And How We Can Help

Cybersecurity is a must-have for businesses of all sizes. Yet, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the US are facing a tough reality: a growing cybersecurity skills gap that’s leaving them vulnerable. At Sectech Solutions, we’ve seen this challenge firsthand and are here to help. Let’s break down why SMBs are struggling to find cybersecurity talent—and how our permanent and contract recruitment solutions can bridge the gap.

The US Cybersecurity Skills Gap: A Stark Reality

The numbers don’t lie. According to 2024 reports, only 83% of cybersecurity jobs in the US are filled. That leaves a whopping 17% gap—hundreds of thousands of roles—unoccupied at a time when cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever. For SMBs, this shortage hits harder than it does for big corporations. Large enterprises often have deep pockets and brand power to attract top talent, but SMBs? They’re stuck competing for a shrinking pool of skilled professionals.

Why does this matter? Cyberattacks aren’t slowing down. Ransomware, phishing, and data breaches are on the rise, and SMBs are prime targets—43% of cyberattacks in the US hit smaller firms, per recent studies. Without skilled cybersecurity experts, these businesses risk costly disruptions, reputational damage, and even closure. The stakes are high, and the talent shortage is making it tougher to stay secure.

SMBs’ Unique Challenges: Limited HR Resources and More

So, why are SMBs struggling so much to hire cybersecurity pros? It boils down to a few key hurdles:

• Limited HR Resources: Unlike Fortune 500 companies with dedicated recruitment teams, SMBs often rely on small, stretched HR departments—or even a single overworked manager. They don’t have the time or tools to scour the market for niche cybersecurity talent.

• Budget Constraints: Cybersecurity experts command high salaries, and SMBs can’t always match the pay or perks offered by bigger players. This “Fortune 500 effect” leaves smaller firms fishing in a shallow talent pool.

• Lack of Expertise: Many SMBs don’t have in-house cybersecurity leaders to guide hiring or assess candidates. Without that know-how, they may not even know what skills they need.

• Burnout and Turnover: The few cybersecurity pros SMBs do hire often face overwhelming workloads, leading to burnout. A Sophos report found 85% of IT pros experience fatigue, pushing talent out the door faster than SMBs can replace them.

These challenges create a vicious cycle: SMBs need protection but can’t find—or keep—the people to provide it.

How Sectech Solutions Can Help

At Sectech Solutions, we get it. As a UK-based cybersecurity recruitment specialist with a growing US presence, we’re experts at connecting businesses with the talent they need. Whether you’re after a permanent hire or a flexible contractor, we’ve got solutions tailored for SMBs. Here’s how we can help:

• Permanent Recruitment: We find you full-time cybersecurity pros who fit your culture and budget. Our deep industry knowledge and vast network mean we can source talent others can’t—fast.

• Contract Solutions: Need expertise now but not forever? Our contract hires bring specialized skills for short-term projects, like plugging security gaps or responding to incidents, without long-term commitment.

• Personalized Support: We don’t just throw resumes at you. We work closely with your team to understand your needs, saving your limited HR resources time and stress.

Case Study: Saving a 200-Employee US Firm

Let’s look at a real example. Last year, we partnered with a 100-employee manufacturing firm. They’d been hit by a ransomware attack that cost them $150,000 in downtime and recovery. With no dedicated cybersecurity staff and a small HR team, they were desperate for help but couldn’t compete with big-name employers.

We stepped in. First, we placed a contract cybersecurity analyst to assess their systems and stop further breaches—within two weeks, they had a fix in place. Then, we sourced a permanent IT Security Manager to build long-term defenses. Using our US network, we found a candidate with cloud security expertise who fit their budget. Six months later, they’ve had zero incidents, and their new hire is training existing staff to spot threats. That’s the Sectech difference: fast, practical solutions that work.

Let’s Close the Gap Together

The cybersecurity skills gap isn’t going away—but SMBs don’t have to face it alone. At Sectech Solutions, we’re passionate about keeping businesses safe by connecting them with the right talent. Whether you need a permanent expert or a contract fix, we’re here to lighten the load and strengthen your defenses.

Ready to protect your business? Contact us today for more information.