Hiring in cyber: What you need to know
In a market that’s never been more competitive, or more complex, the rules of hiring in cyber security have changed. As we move further into 2025, early-stage vendors are under pressure to grow smarter, hire leaner and deliver faster. But how do you attract top talent when everyone’s fighting in the same space?
At Trident Search, we’ve been embedded in the US cyber startup scene for years. With over 1,000 successful searches under our belt and partnerships with more than 180 organizations, we have a deep-rooted insight into the trends shaping our industry.
That’s why we’ve released our latest 2025 Market Guide, packed with exclusive insights on the early-stage hiring landscape. Whether you’re a founder, hiring manager, investor, or candidate, this is your go-to resource for staying competitive in a crowded market.
The Cyber Hiring Market
- Demand for talent Is outpacing supply: Two-thirds of cyber organizations report moderate to critical talent shortages. The most forward-thinking vendors are responding with faster hiring cycles and more competitive pay.
- Salaries are surging in Sales & Product: GTM and R&D salaries remain competitive, especially in high-growth startups and late-stage VC-backed firms. Knowing what to offer - or ask for - has never been more important.
- Skills-first hiring is here: The focus has shifted. Certifications, practical knowledge, and the ability to adapt to tech like AI, Zero Trust, and DevSecOps are in higher demand than ever.
- Leadership matters more than ever: Founders are under pressure to bring in leaders who can scale fast, align cyber strategy with business growth and navigate a volatile funding environment.
- VCs are leaning into people strategy: Investors are increasingly prioritizing talent strategy as a lever for accelerating growth and protecting valuations across their portfolios.
Our 2025 Market Guide
This report goes far beyond salaries. It offers clarity in a crowded market, breaking down investment trends, regional benchmarks, leadership shifts and the skills shaping the future of cyber security. Whether you're a GTM or R&D candidate evaluating your next move, or a founder looking to build a competitive team in a crowded market, these insights will give you a critical edge.
With the industry evolving so quickly, one thing has become very clear in 2025: the talent market is moving fast. If you want to compete, standing still simply isn’t an option.
We’re on a mission to remove some of the confusion around cyber security pay, educate organizations on the best hiring strategies and ensure people know their true worth.
Download the full report now or reach out to the team for a tailored conversation.
