Cyberattacks reshape hiring priorities for tech executives

America’s tech executives say cybersecurity threats are the biggest challenge businesses will face in the next 10 years, according to new research — and it's affecting their hiring approach.

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Per Scholas, a recent survey examined the business forecasts of 1,000 C-Suite executives in cybersecurity or data center roles and revealed that nearly two-thirds (64%) view data breaches and ransomware attacks as the most significant threat for companies over the next decade.

In fact, more than half (56%) of companies have already defended against a hacking attempt, 43% have experienced a data breach and 14% have fallen victim to a successful hack.

Given recent high-profile hacks, security breaches and the ever-growing need for cyber vigilance, it’s no surprise that 53% of executives see cybersecurity skills as the most in-demand for their future talent pipelines–especially since 43% “often” seek to hire entry-level talent.