In recent years, Brazil has consolidated itself as one of the main players in the global market in the cybersecurity sector. According to Check Point Research, cyber attacks grew about 70% in Brazil by a year . Increasing digital threats, added to the growth of online activities and the digitization of services, has generated the need for more robust investments in cybersecurity . This, in turn, has boosted both the demand for more qualified professionals and the development of more innovative solutions.
According to a survey by Linkedin Economic Graph, Brazil occupies the third global position in the growth of the cybersecurity sector, with a significant increase in the number of vacancies and professionals specialized in the sector. The data highlight the country's advancement in cybersecurity and the importance of cyber protection for the continuity of services and business security.
In addition, according to the Global Cyber Security Index 2024 (GCIV5), published by UIT (International Telecommunications Union), Brazil now occupies the second position in the Americas in terms of commitment to the global cyber security agenda . These numbers result from increased cyber attacks directed to Brazilian companies and the emergence of cyber protection legislations such as LGPD. Data such as this highlight the growing concern in developing and implementing more robust solutions for the protection of the digital environment.
However, this sector still faces numerous challenges . Despite presenting a significant increase in the amount of vacancies, issues such as the quality of the positions offered and the high level of stress among professionals are some of the obstacles that need to be circumvented to ensure long -term success and sustainability.
Growth of the cybersecurity sector in Brazil
The significant growth of the cybersecurity sector in Brazil reflects the increasingly urgent need for adaptation to the exponential increase in cyber attacks . COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation, making companies even more dependent on digital systems to maintain their operations. This change has considerably increased exposure to cyber attacks, generating increasing demand for more robust safety solutions .
According to the survey, the number of cybersecurity professionals in Brazil grew 4.5% between May 2023 and May 2024, an impressive number that places the country as one of the leaders in the sector. This growth is mainly driven by the need to protect systems from business and governments, which have become frequent targets from cyber attacks.
However, despite the increase in the number of vacancies, there is a mismatch between demand and the offer of qualified professionals. Due to the lack of more specialized labor, companies have increasingly invested in training and internal training to meet this need. talent retention policies become essential and indispensable.
The evolution of Brazilian legislation in cybersecurity
In recent years, there has been a joint effort in Brazil to create a robust legal structure to deal with cyber threats. The General Data Protection Law (LGPD) , which came into force in 2020, was an important milestone in protecting personal information, placing the country in the global radar of cyber privacy and security. This legislation increased the responsibility of companies, requiring the adoption of more rigorous measures to ensure the protection of sensitive data.
In addition to LGPD, in 2021 the Brazilian government launched the National Cyber Security strategy , whose main objective is to strengthen national security capabilities, improve international cooperation and encourage the development of technologies within the country. These initiatives are fundamental to protect critical infrastructures and ensure the proper functioning of strategic sectors such as telecommunications, energy and financial services.
Many organizations, especially small and medium sized, face significant challenges to comply with all LGPD requirements and cybersecurity rules. This scenario highlights the need for more education and technical support to ensure that compliance is achieved by all sectors.
The impact of cybers
This exponential growth of the country in the cybersecurity sector was mainly due to the immense impact of cybership in Brazil, such as phishing, ransomware and malware. According to an IBM survey, the average global cost is $ 4.35 million for each data violation. The acceleration of digital transformation has created the need to develop strategies and resources to combat numerous attacks on sectors such as health, finance and governments. In addition to generating financial losses and damage to reputation , these attacks have become dangerous due to the leakage of sensitive data .
In addition to directly affecting operations, cybership generate indirect costs related to data recovery, loss of users confidence and legal penalties. In many cases, companies that suffer these attacks face difficulties to recover, especially when they do not have adequate response plans
This scenario reinforced the importance of organizations to invest in preventive strategies such as advanced monitoring systems, internal security policies and employee awareness. This biggest investment in cybersecurity was one of the factors that made Brazil reach this level of prominence in the world cybersecurity sector.
Brazil in third place in the global ranking
Brazil occupies the third position in the global ranking of cybersecurity industry growth, with a 4.5%growth during the analysis period, positioning behind only Spain, with 5.5%, and Germany, with 4.7%. This increase in performance mainly reflects the country's advance in the field of cybersecurity and the recognition of the need for a safer digital environment .
In addition, this prominent position demonstrates that the country has been striving to accompany global demands and increasingly strengthen its cyber ability . Brazilian public agencies and companies are investing in cutting -edge technologies to prevent and combat cyber attacks, boosting the growth of professionals in this sector.
To follow this growth pattern, Brazil needs to circumvent internal challenges , such as training more specialists and creating policies that make vacancies more attractive . Although one of the leaders, Brazil needs to evolve into issues such as the valorization of professionals and the improvement of working conditions .
Comparative with other countries
Establishing a comparison with other countries, Brazil has shown significant progress, but still has areas to improve to maintain competitiveness with industry leaders. Germany and Spain occupy the second and first place in the ranking, historically investing more consistently in the technological infrastructure and education of professionals .
In the case of Spain, for example, the country registered a 5.5% in the number of cybersecurity professionals, while Germany increased by 4.7% . These countries are recognized for consistent investments in the workforce training, also with talent retention policies , which offer better working conditions and lower occupational stress .
However, Brazil has a competitive advantage in terms of growth potential . With the expanding market and a very young population, the country has the ideal conditions to further increase its participation in the global cybersecurity market , provided that there is proper investment in education and talent retention .
Challenges in the quality of vacancies and occupational stress
Although Brazil has shown a 4.5% growth in the number of vacancies in the cybersecurity sector, the quality of the positions offered is worrying. Many professionals face stressful and excessively long working hours , given the critical nature of their attributions. Constant pressure to keep systems protected and confidential data makes stress a common factor in the daily lives of these workers.
This national reality has led several professionals to reconsider their careers. According to a study by Issa International (Association of Information Security Systems), almost a third of cybersecurity experts in Brazil report suffering from overload and consider abandoning the profession due to high stress levels . The absence of appropriate policies to deal with professional exhaustion is one of the factors that contribute to this trend.
It is important to remember that many vacancies offered in Brazil do not yet offer salaries or benefits compatible with the required responsibility of professionals and the complexity of their tasks, which aggravates the problem and directly affects talent retention .
The pressure on cybersecurity professionals
Being a critical activity, the work of a cybersecurity professional is quite complex and strenuous . In addition to ensuring the protection of systems against sophisticated threats, it is necessary to maintain continuous follow -up of what happens in the organization's digital environments. This responsibility generates high pressure , especially to avoid failures that result in financial damage or the reputation of the company .
Continuous stress leads to exhaustion , which, according to experts, is one of the biggest challenges for retention of talent in the cybersecurity sector in Brazil. The psychological impact of this pressure reflects in the high turnover rate of professionals, who often change their area or leave the market due to overload.
It is important for companies to create a more balanced work environment , offering psychological support and better working conditions . Ensuring that the employee has the resources needed to assertive their emotional managing is critical to keeping these professionals motivated and productive in the long run, and, of course, retaining this talent.
The quality of the vacancies offered
Although the number of vacancies in the cybersecurity sector in Brazil is constantly growing , the quality of these opportunities still leaves something to be desired. Many professionals report that, in addition to stress and occupational pressure, vacancies do not offer salaries compatible with the required specialization, which discourages permanence in the sector.
Another challenge is that, in many cases, companies do not offer structured and attractive career plans , making it difficult for the professional evolution of security experts. These factors create an environment where professionals see no prospects for growth , leading them to seek opportunities in other markets or even outside the country.
In this sense, investing in improving working conditions , providing attractive salaries and developing career plans are essential strategies for retaining these talents and improving the quality of vacancies in the cybersecurity sector.
How to improve the scenario of cybersecurity in Brazil
The improvement of the scenario of cybersecurity in Brazil involves a multifaceted approach. For Brazil to continue to stand out in the overall scenario of cybersecurity , some measures can be taken:
Encourage specialized technical training
One of the most effective ways to improve the scenario of cybersecurity in Brazil is to encourage specialized technical training. This means that it is necessary to invest in the creation of more technical and undergraduate courses focused on cybersecurity , both in public and private institutions. These measures are essential to meet the growing market demand by qualified professionals.
In the case of companies, training and certification programs can also be developed in partnership with the private sector, universities and government, ensuring that professionals stay up to date on constant technological innovations and new cyber threats.
It is also crucial to encourage the participation of young talents in the area of cybersecurity . Scholarship and inclusion programs are essential to attract professionals and strengthen the cyber defense of Brazil.
Public and private policies to encourage innovation cybersecurity research are also fundamental. The development of own technological solutions, always adapted to Brazilian needs, can help the country become a reference in combating cybercrime .
Talent Retention Policy
Brazilian companies need to develop more effective policies for talent retention as a way to avoid the loss of valuable professionals to other areas or abroad. Improving working conditions increases the engagement and productivity of employees, valuing professionals and benefiting the organization.
Offering financial and non-financial incentives is an intelligent approach, such as clear career plans, personal development opportunities and the creation of a work environment that values employees' welfare. The lack of appropriate policies accentuates the global challenge of talent retention in this sector in Brazil. The implementation of such strategies to keep professionals in the country is critical to achieving long -term success.
The importance of international collaboration in cybersecurity
The global nature of cyber threats makes collaboration between countries fundamental to effectively combat these threats. Recognizing this reality, Brazil has increased its international cooperation in digital security through initiatives such as LGPD and the National Cyberrsecurity Policy. Participating in threat information sharing networks helps identify and counteract potential attacks before they come to fruition.
For this reason, Brazil has strengthened its presence in international forums aimed at combating cybercrime and protecting critical infrastructure. Maintaining this participation is vital to align the country with best global practices and adopt innovative solutions tested in other markets. The exchange of information and the exchange of knowledge are key pieces in strengthening cyber defenses.
In addition, international collaboration allows the creation of common regulatory frameworks between countries. Establishing harmonized legislation will facilitate cooperation in combating transnational crimes, allowing cybercriminals to be held responsible, no matter where they are.
Future perspectives for the cybersecurity sector in Brazil
We know that the future of cybersecurity in Brazil is quite promising, but it depends mainly on how the country will deal with current challenges. Thus, the sector has immense potential to continue growing, especially with the increase in cyber threats and the digitization of services.
With adequate investments in education , offering better working conditions and creating public policies that encourage innovation , Brazil could become one of the global cybersecurity in the coming years. With these numerous chances of growth, Brazil has the opportunity to consolidate itself as a reference in world cyber protection .
