Cyber Ireland National Conference panel, from left to right: Paul Walsh (Motorola Solutions); Carmel Somers (Digital Technology Skills); Denise Cassidy (Accenture); and Kevin Quigley (Irish Management Institute)
Author: Carmel Somers, Human Capital Strategist, Digital Technology Skills
I recently had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion on “The Cyber Workforce of the Future“ at the Cyber Ireland National Conference 2025 in Kilkenny. The conversation reinforced what many of us in the industry are witnessing firsthand: the cybersecurity profession is undergoing a fundamental transformation in how we define expertise and develop talent.
The Rise of Hybrid Cybersecurity Roles
Gone are the days when technical prowess alone defined cybersecurity excellence. Today’s threat landscape demands something more nuanced-what I call “hybrid cybersecurity roles”. These positions blend deep technical cybersecurity capabilities with essential power skills including critical thinking, systems thinking, analysis, and strong communication abilities.
Why this shift? Modern cybersecurity challenges don’t exist in isolation. They intersect with business strategy, regulatory compliance, organisational culture, and risk management. The most effective cybersecurity professionals are those who can, not only identify and mitigate threats but also articulate their significance to diverse stakeholders, think holistically about security within complex systems, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Building Pathways for Career Transition
The evolving cybersecurity landscape demands professionals who can bridge technical expertise with strategic leadership. The Digital4Security programme is designed to meet this cybersecurity skills need by creating accessible and structured pathways for professionals seeking to transition into cybersecurity and advance into leadership roles.
Through a unique blend of cybersecurity knowledge, strategic insight, and leadership development, the programme equips learners with the hybrid capabilities required in modern security functions. Participants build a solid understanding of cybersecurity governance, risk management, regulatory frameworks, and leadership practices which positions them to contribute meaningfully to organisational security strategies from day one.
Crucially, the programme supports mid-career professionals from diverse sectors, enabling them to leverage their existing expertise while developing new, future-focused skills. By preparing individuals not only to enter the cybersecurity workforce but to lead within it, Digital4Security plays a key role in addressing Europe’s cybersecurity skills gap and strengthening leadership capacity across industries.
Looking Ahead
The cybersecurity profession stands at an inflection point. Technical skills remain foundational, but they’re no longer sufficient. We need professionals who can bridge technical and business domains, who lead with strategic vision, and who communicate security as an enabler rather than an obstacle.
For organisations, this means rethinking hiring criteria and investing in development programmes that cultivate these hybrid capabilities. For individuals, it presents an opportunity; whether you’re transitioning from another field or advancing your cybersecurity career, the demand for professionals who combine technical acumen with power skills has never been stronger.
The conversations at Cyber Ireland’s National Conference 2025 left me optimistic. Across industry, education, and government, there’s recognition that developing tomorrow’s cybersecurity talent requires new approaches. Through programmes like those offered by Digital4Security, we’re building the frameworks to make that vision a reality.
