Cybersecurity outfit NCC Group has shared an interim first half update that exposes its problems finding those with security skills.
While everyone knows that there are problems with finding staff with the right stuff it has mostly been pitched as an “opportunity for the channel to fill the skills gap.”
The NCC report implies that even the channel is suffering too.
NCC Group’s interim results for the six months to 30 November showed that its revenues were up by eight percent and operating profit improved from £13.8 million to £14.8 million.
But the report said that performance here was “held back” by softer demand in the risk management and governance business plus “resource shortages in our Technical Security Consulting business and planned reduction of third-party reselling sales”.
Adam Palser, CEO of NCC Group, was aware of the problem and in his comments to investors, he signalled that the firm would do more to attract and keep skilled staff.
“We have assembled an excellent management team and are now installing the systems and processes that will enable us to operate as a unified global business, helping us to win more major contracts and focus on recurring, higher margin work. The new team is now focused on accessing the resources to enable the group to fully capitalise on its growth potential, with retention and recruitment a key priority.”
Palser added that the firm continued to roll out its “Securing Growth Together” strategy, which would put the business into a leading position as a security and risk migration specialist.
Security vendors are also reacting to the skills issue by increasing the training and support for partners. Earlier this week Kaspersky Lab refreshed its partner programme with some certifications in different skills.
