IT managers worldwide say security skills are their top priority, but have identified a gap between demand and availability, according to research.

Some 73 per cent of IT managers said security, firewalls and data privacy were their number one skills requirement, says the study by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

But only 57 per cent said their staff were proficient in those areas.

As a result, IT experts are not always able to cater for the crucial needs of their employers, said Matthew Poyiadgi, CompTIA’s European director.

“This research shows that IT managers appreciate the importance of security skills but that this isn’t necessarily being represented in the abilities of their staff," he said.

“Knowing what needs to be done is just part of the job. There must be a concerted effort to reflect this in the skills of IT professionals at the coal-face."

CompTIA interview IT managers in nine major markets - including the UK, US and Germany.