Are careers in cyber-physical security growing?

The integration of digital systems with the physical world—the realm of cyber-physical security (CPS)—is no longer a niche concern; it is the central battleground for modern risk management. The data unequivocally points toward a significant and accelerating expansion in careers dedicated to securing these interconnected environments. From the operational technology (OT) networks managing power grids and water treatment facilities to the cloud-connected building management systems, the boundary between the digital threat and physical consequence has blurred, creating an urgent demand for skilled professionals capable of defending both sides of that line. ^[1]

# Vacancy Crisis

The current cybersecurity landscape is defined by a staggering gap between the need for protection and the available talent pool. One widely cited report indicated that there were nearly 4 million vacant cybersecurity jobs globally. ^[3] This massive deficit isn't just limited to pure IT roles; it permeates specialized areas like OT and CPS, where the stakes involve potential physical disruption or damage. While reports from a few years ago already projected millions of job openings across the sector, the persistence of such large numbers confirms that workforce growth has not kept pace with the explosion in connected devices and digitized infrastructure. ^[5][3]

The sheer scale of these openings suggests that entry into this field is not just opportunistic but represents an answer to an ongoing, critical national and industrial need. For individuals looking to pivot or enter the workforce, the high vacancy rate translates directly into increased job security and potentially better compensation prospects across various industries. ^[3]

# Convergence Drivers

The growth in CPS careers is directly proportional to the growing threat against industrial and critical infrastructure. The sources confirm that increasing physical security threats are now actively sparking innovation and, crucially, job growth within the security sector. ^[7] When cyberattacks can halt production lines, compromise transportation systems, or disrupt energy distribution, the traditional separation between the IT security analyst and the physical security guard dissolves.

Cyber-physical systems inherently involve hardware, sensors, actuators, and industrial control systems (ICS) that are now connected to the internet or enterprise networks. This connectivity opens up new vectors for attack that traditional physical security measures—like locks and guards—cannot address alone. ^[1] For instance, a vulnerability in a smart building’s HVAC system, exploited digitally, could lead to physical harm or massive operational downtime. Protecting these intricate dependencies requires professionals who understand both the software/network protocols and the physical mechanics of the controlled asset. ^[1] This necessity for dual literacy is what defines the modern CPS career track.

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# Sector Outlook

The general outlook for information security professions is exceptionally strong across the board. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects substantial growth for Information Security Analysts, with employment expected to grow 32 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. ^[2] This forecast indicates that roughly 50,000 openings for these roles are projected each year, on average, over the decade, many of which will involve securing interconnected systems. ^[2] Furthermore, some analyses point to cybersecurity jobs continuing to rise as US industries navigate economic uncertainty, suggesting security spending remains a priority even when budgets tighten elsewhere. ^[6]

Universities and educational institutions recognize this boom, framing cybersecurity careers as a booming field for the next decade. ^[8] This sustained positive outlook is fueled by the continuous need for experts to manage the evolving threat landscape. ^[9] When we overlay the general IT security forecast with the specific escalation of threats to operational technology, the demand for CPS-focused roles appears even more concentrated and acute. ^[1][7]

# Skill Bridging and Transitions

The market is not just hungry for new graduates; it is also keenly interested in professionals who can bridge the divide between established IT security and traditional physical security teams. Many individuals currently working in one domain are finding significant advantages in moving toward the other. One observation from those in the field is that moving from traditional cybersecurity into physical security can be surprisingly manageable, often requiring the acquisition of specific knowledge about physical control systems, hardware security modules, or the architecture of industrial control environments, rather than learning an entirely new discipline from scratch. ^[4]

This suggests a clear pathway for experienced cyber professionals. They already possess the foundational knowledge of threat modeling, network analysis, and incident response, which are highly transferable skills. ^[4]

My experience suggests that someone moving from pure IT defense into OT/CPS needs to spend significant time understanding the impact of a denial-of-service attack on a pump versus one on a web server. The cyber response might be similar, but the physical consequence dictates the priority and urgency of the fix. ^[4]

This insight highlights a key differentiator: the CPS professional must prioritize impact assessment based on physical outcomes, which sometimes trumps typical digital response timelines.

To illustrate the specialized talent bottleneck, consider this simple comparison. If 100 general IT security jobs open, perhaps 10 require deep knowledge of PLCs and SCADA protocols—these are the CPS roles. If 100 physical security roles open, perhaps 2 require expertise in hardening networked camera systems and access control databases. The small intersection where these two skill sets must meet for optimal defense creates a high-value, low-supply niche for the CPS specialist. ^[1][7]

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# Actionable Steps for Career Development

For those recognizing this growth and aiming to position themselves for CPS roles, focusing on specific areas of learning can unlock significant opportunities. While general cybersecurity certifications provide the necessary baseline, adding specialized knowledge accelerates entry into the CPS sector.

1. Understand Operational Technology Protocols: Familiarize yourself not just with TCP/IP, but with the languages spoken by industrial devices, such as Modbus, DNP3, or Profinet. Being able to read and analyze traffic specific to these protocols is a major differentiator. ^[1]
2. Map Physical Security Concepts to Cyber Defenses: If you have a background in physical security, start auditing existing access control systems, CCTV networks, and environmental sensors for network vulnerabilities. Learn how to perform penetration tests on these specific devices, rather than just traditional IT assets. ^[7] A great starting point is investigating the default passwords or patch management processes for common industrial hardware vendors, as this is often the weakest link in an otherwise sound physical setup. ^[1]
3. Focus on Asset Inventory and Visibility: Because CPS often involves legacy or "unmanaged" devices, the ability to accurately discover, classify, and continuously monitor all connected assets in an OT environment is paramount. Tools that provide this type of visibility are highly sought after, as you cannot defend what you cannot see. ^[1]

# Security's New Focus

The growth trend isn't merely about filling existing roles; it's about the evolution of security itself. As systems become more complex, the threat of cascading failures increases. ^[1] A single, well-placed cyber intrusion could trigger failures across multiple, seemingly independent physical assets. This mandates a shift from isolated security measures to integrated, defense-in-depth strategies specifically designed for the CPS environment.

The market demand confirms this need for professionals who can govern the security of connected medical devices, manufacturing lines, and transportation infrastructure. ^[1][8] Because the investment in these operational systems is substantial and their downtime extremely costly, companies are allocating significant budget toward proactive defense rather than reactive recovery, ensuring a sustained hiring need for the foreseeable future. ^[6] The career trajectory in this area is therefore not just about growth but about entering a domain that is becoming increasingly essential to global economic stability.