A new study reveals that 94% of Brazilian companies have already changed their hiring strategies to address the shortage of cybersecurity professionals, one of the biggest challenges facing the country’s digital transformation.

Brazil is experiencing one of its most severe cybersecurity talent shortages to date. As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the threat landscape, finding qualified professionals to protect critical data and infrastructure has become a major challenge. To address this growing gap, Brazilian companies are adopting recruitment strategies that would have seemed unlikely just a few years ago. They are searching for talent on TikTok and Instagram, hiring candidates with little or no prior experience, investing in career changers, and even considering former hackers to strengthen their cybersecurity teams.

• Join our channels on X (Twitter), Telegram, or WhatsApp!
• Check out our Instagram Stories for more news like this!
• Follow Tecflow on Spotify Podcasts and listen to our latest content!
• Advertise with us here or support Tecflow by clicking this link!
• Subscribe to our newsletter here or follow us on LinkedIn!
• Follow Tecflow on TikTok!

The findings come from the Logicalis CIO Report 2026, which shows that 94% of organizations in Brazil have implemented at least one initiative to tackle the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. The report highlights that the lack of qualified talent is no longer just an IT issue, it has become a strategic business risk affecting organizations across every industry.

The hiring challenge comes at a time when cyber threats are increasing in both frequency and complexity. Ransomware attacks, data breaches, digital fraud, and AI-powered cyberattacks are placing unprecedented pressure on organizations that must safeguard critical operations, customer information, and sensitive corporate data.

To close the skills gap, many companies are abandoning traditional hiring models. Instead of requiring years of experience, employers are placing greater emphasis on technical skills, learning potential, and adaptability. According to the report, 58% of organizations have introduced returnship programs, allowing professionals from other industries to transition into cybersecurity careers. Another 40% are hiring candidates with no previous cybersecurity experience, providing them with training, certifications, and structured career development.

Social media has also become a key recruitment channel. The study found that 35% of Brazilian companies use platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and online communities to identify and attract new cybersecurity talent. This reflects changing workforce behavior, as younger professionals increasingly use these platforms not only for entertainment but also to share technical knowledge, expand professional networks, and discover career opportunities.

Another striking finding is the growing openness to unconventional candidates. Around 30% of organizations say they are willing to hire former hackers, provided they operate ethically and comply with legal standards. Their expertise in identifying system vulnerabilities can help strengthen corporate cyber defenses through activities such as penetration testing and ethical hacking, practices already widely adopted by organizations worldwide.

At the same time, companies continue to increase investments in technology to compensate for the talent shortage. The CIO Report shows that 56% of organizations are investing in employee training and professional certifications, 54% have expanded the use of artificial intelligence and automation tools for cybersecurity operations, and 51% have turned to managed security services to bridge critical skills gaps.

Despite these efforts, the shortage continues to impact business operations. According to the report, 33% of companies have hired temporary cybersecurity specialists, 29% have outsourced critical security functions, and 22% have delayed strategic projects because they were unable to build adequately skilled cybersecurity teams.

Artificial intelligence is also reshaping the workforce. Rather than replacing employees on a large scale, AI is expected to transform job roles and redefine how cybersecurity teams operate. The report found that 44% of organizations expect to increase their workforce over the coming months, while 28% anticipate workforce reductions and another 28% expect staffing levels to remain unchanged.

According to Luciana Depieri, Chief People, Admin & ESG Officer at Logicalis LATAM, competitive advantage will increasingly depend on how effectively organizations integrate technology with people and business processes.

“The current scenario suggests that automation is advancing, but it does not necessarily translate into job cuts. Instead, it is leading to a reconfiguration of teams. Artificial intelligence stands out as the primary driver of disruption over the coming years and is becoming even more significant when it comes to transforming business models,” she said.

Depieri added that organizations must focus on combining AI with strong organizational capabilities.

“Competitive advantage no longer lies solely in technology itself but in an organization’s ability to integrate it efficiently. This shift directly impacts people, corporate culture, business processes, and organizational models,” she concluded.

The study has also attracted attention from Brazil’s national media. CartaCapital highlighted that the shortage of cybersecurity professionals is forcing companies to rethink traditional recruitment practices and expand their search to previously overlooked talent pools in response to rising demand for digital security experts.

With Brazil remaining one of the world’s most targeted countries for cyberattacks, experts believe competition for qualified cybersecurity professionals will continue to intensify. In this environment, organizations that invest in workforce development, broaden their hiring criteria, and leverage artificial intelligence as a strategic enabler will be better positioned to strengthen their cyber resilience and protect themselves against increasingly costly digital threats.

Join more than 10,000 tecflow readers, click the blue bell to get our latest news first! Check out the best smartphone deals attecflow’s partner store.