Cybersecurity vs. Innovation: the dilemma facing companies in IT departments
Technology companies in Colombia face a critical challenge: innovating within an environment marked by cyber risks , inflation , and rapid technological advancements. Technology leaders must protect their systems while simultaneously driving innovation .
This is highlighted in the Future Forward: CIO 2025 Outlook report, developed by Experis, the IT talent brand of ManpowerGroup, based on insights from over 1,300 CIOs worldwide.
In Colombia, this outlook is complemented by the results of the Employment Expectations Study in Technology (ETTO) for the second quarter of 2025.
IT Employment Landscape.
At the national level, the information technology sector shows a Net Employment Outlook (NEO) of 24% for the second quarter of the year, reflecting a decline of 14 percentage points compared to the previous quarter.
However, compared to the same period in 2024, there is a six-point increase, indicating that although hiring expectations have moderated, the sector continues to expand.
Ricardo Morales, General Manager of Experis Colombia, comments:
“In Colombia, cybersecurity , artificial intelligence , and data analytics are the most sought-after skills, but also where we face the largest talent gaps. Digital transformation is accelerating, but the country requires concrete training initiatives to prevent these gaps from undermining the competitiveness of our companies.”
The report notes that 48% of companies in the country already use generative artificial intelligence tools, and another 21% plan to adopt them within the next year.
Despite the enthusiasm, the shortage of professionals specialized in these technologies remains a significant obstacle.
Indeed, the Ministry of ICT warns that Colombia could face a deficit of between 68,000 and 112,000 software developers by the end of 2025.
Where Security and Innovation Converge.
Internationally, the study indicates that cybersecurity tops CIOs’ concerns, with 41% citing it as their primary priority.
To address this, 77% of leaders are increasing their security budgets, 68% are expanding their cloud infrastructure, and 67% are accelerating their artificial intelligence capabilities.
This evolution reflects a paradigm shift: security is no longer seen as a barrier to innovation but rather as an enabler.
Morales adds:
“The most advanced companies are realizing that cybersecurity is not just a defense mechanism, but a platform to innovate securely. At Experis, we work with Colombian organizations to embed this vision: attracting specialized talent , updating profiles focused on AI and data , and building resilient teams prepared for today’s challenges.”
The report also categorizes global technology teams into five maturity levels:
1. Pioneers (24%): Highly aligned with business and customer-centric.
2. Hunters (26%): Good performance but execution gaps.
3. Followers (16%): Average capabilities with deficiencies in data and strategy.
4. Laggards (20%): Behind in sustainability, ethics, and governance.
5. Undecided (14%): Slow to adopt trends and restructure.
Challenges in Digital Talent
In Colombia, most organizations remain in intermediate phases, with fragmented efforts integrating talent and technology.
Nevertheless, the report suggests that companies that successfully combine cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and soft skills within their teams will be better positioned to lead digital transformation.
The shortage of specialized talent is another major challenge.
Globally, 76% of IT organizations report difficulties finding qualified professionals—a situation mirrored in Colombia.
In response, Experis recommends reconfiguring roles and promoting continuous training.
Key strategies include:
– Integrating AI knowledge into 52% of existing roles.
– Ongoing training to close technical gaps.
– Strategic partnerships with educational institutions and reskilling programs.
Morales concludes by emphasizing:
“Technology leaders must adopt a dual approach: strengthen digital defenses while simultaneously building capabilities to scale innovation . It’s not about choosing between protection or progress, but integrating both paths to remain competitive.”
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