Cary, NC, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Security teams are at a breaking point. Turnover rates exceed 60%, and feedback loops have become inconsistent at best. Organizations and professionals alike are seeking a more effective approach to delivering and accepting constructive performance feedback that supports growth. As part of its broad commitment to developing enduring security teams and career resiliency, INE Security is releasing critical insights on transforming performance reviews into powerful tools for cybersecurity career advancement.

The Performance Review Challenge

While technical skills remain paramount in cybersecurity roles, soft skills are equally critical for long-term success. Yet managers often struggle to provide feedback that effectively guides career growth in this specialized field. Recent industry research reveals that a majority of security professionals feel their performance reviews don't properly address unique role challenges or provide actionable advancement roadmaps. This contributes to the alarming statistic that 64% of security professionals experienced burnout in the past year, with over half considering leaving their positions (Tines State of Mental Health in Cybersecurity 2023, Mimecast 2023).

"Performance reviews should ideally chart the course for future growth, not simply evaluate past performance," said Dara Warn, CEO of INE Security. "In cybersecurity, where the threat landscape and required skills change dramatically year over year, feedback must be forward-looking and skill-specific. Organizations that invest in comprehensive cybersecurity training and career development see higher retention rates and significantly faster incident response times."

Four Components of Effective Cybersecurity Performance Reviews

INE Security has identified four key components that transform standard performance reviews into powerful career advancement catalysts, helping build resilient security teams that endure:

1. Skill-specific assessment tools like INE Security's Skill Sonar provide objective measures of capabilities that highlight vulnerable areas and pinpoint opportunities for improvement. This strategic approach creates clear visibility into gaps that cybersecurity training and certification programs can address, while recognizing specialized expertise that might be invisible in traditional corporate reviews.
   
   
2. Incident response retrospectives incorporated into performance discussions allow for constructive analysis of security challenges. These discussions separate systemic issues from individual performance, reducing the "blame culture" that drives burnout while identifying specific areas for skill development through targeted cybersecurity training.
   
   
3. Career pathing beyond the security silo helps professionals visualize growth opportunities across security specializations and into adjacent leadership roles. This expansive approach to cybersecurity careers addresses the frustration many security professionals report about feeling "stuck" in narrowly defined technical roles.
   
   
4. Peer recognition frameworks acknowledge that managers may not fully understand the technical complexity of certain security functions. Structured peer feedback captures expertise recognition that traditional management hierarchies might miss, particularly for emerging specialties requiring advanced cybersecurity certifications.

Creating a Continuous Growth Environment

When implemented correctly, these approaches transform performance reviews from anxiety-inducing evaluations into powerful development tools. Organizations using these methods report significantly higher retention of security talent, with professionals citing clear cybersecurity career pathways as a primary reason for staying.

The most successful security teams implement continuous feedback loops that align with industry certifications and specialized training programs. This integration ensures that professional development aligns with both organizational security objectives and individual career aspirations.

Closing the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

With 80% of organizations experiencing breaches attributed to cybersecurity skills gaps (Fortinet 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report), effective performance reviews that drive meaningful skill development are more critical than ever. By implementing these strategies, organizations can simultaneously address their security posture challenges while fostering a culture of continuous growth and professional development.

Staying a Step Ahead of the Changing Cybersecurity Jobs Landscape

As the security industry evolves, cybersecurity jobs are undergoing significant transformation. The global demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to outpace supply, creating unique opportunities for those with the right skills and career development. Organizations that implement effective performance review strategies create internal pathways that keep high-performing security professionals engaged while developing the next generation of cybersecurity talent.

Take the Next Step

To learn how INE Security can help your organization build resilient security teams through strategic talent development and comprehensive cybersecurity training, visit www.ine.com.

About INE Security:
INE Security is the premier provider of online networking and cybersecurity training and certification. Harnessing a powerful hands-on lab platform, cutting-edge technology, a global video distribution network, and world-class instructors, INE Security is the top training choice for Fortune 500 companies worldwide for cybersecurity training in business and for IT professionals looking to advance their careers. INE Security’s suite of learning paths offers an incomparable depth of expertise across cybersecurity. The company is committed to delivering advanced technical training while also lowering the barriers worldwide for those looking to enter and excel in an IT career.

Kathryn Brown
INE
kbrown@ine.com