Cheryl Martin, Chief Information Security Officer at Company86, has highlighted the multifaceted nature of cybersecurity’s talent crisis, emphasising that the industry’s skills shortage cannot be resolved through traditional hiring practices alone. Speaking in August 2026, Martin outlined her perspective on the sector’s evolving challenges and what draws professionals to the field.
The cybersecurity veteran, who leads security operations at Company86, describes her attraction to the industry as rooted in problem-solving. Martin’s approach to the discipline reflects a broader sentiment among security professionals who view the constantly shifting threat landscape as intellectually stimulating rather than merely daunting.
Key facts
- Cheryl Martin serves as Chief Information Security Officer at Company86
- Martin characterises cybersecurity challenges as puzzles requiring creative solutions
- The sector faces a skills shortage that extends beyond conventional recruitment issues
- The interview was conducted in August 2026
Cybersecurity as Intellectual Challenge
Martin’s perspective on cybersecurity work centres on the analytical demands of the role. “I love solving puzzles and this industry is full of them,” she explained, describing the appeal that keeps professionals engaged in the field. This puzzle-solving mentality proves essential as organisations face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats requiring creative defensive strategies.
The Company86 security chief’s comments reflect a growing recognition within the industry that effective cybersecurity requires more than technical knowledge—it demands critical thinking, adaptability, and a genuine enthusiasm for tackling complex problems. This intellectual dimension of the work distinguishes cybersecurity from many other technology disciplines.
Beyond Recruitment: Rethinking the Skills Gap
Martin’s analysis of the cybersecurity skills shortage challenges conventional wisdom about talent acquisition in the sector. Rather than framing the issue solely as a recruitment problem, she suggests the industry must examine deeper structural issues affecting workforce development and retention.
The skills gap in cybersecurity has been widely documented, with organisations across Ireland and globally struggling to fill critical security positions. However, Martin’s perspective indicates that simply hiring more people will not address the fundamental challenges facing the industry. Factors including training pathways, professional development opportunities, and workplace culture all contribute to the sector’s ability to build and maintain a skilled workforce.
Ireland’s cybersecurity sector continues to expand as the country hosts European headquarters for numerous multinational technology companies, creating sustained demand for security professionals. Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland have both emphasised the importance of developing indigenous cybersecurity expertise to support this growing industry.
Evolution of the Threat Landscape
Martin’s discussion of the cybersecurity landscape acknowledges the continuously evolving nature of digital threats. As organisations accelerate digital transformation initiatives, the attack surface expands, creating new vulnerabilities that security teams must address. This constant evolution contributes to the puzzle-solving aspect Martin finds compelling about the work.
The Company86 CISO’s insights arrive at a time when Irish businesses face mounting pressure to strengthen their cyber defences. Regulatory requirements, including GDPR compliance and sector-specific security standards, compound the technical challenges that security professionals navigate daily.
Martin’s emphasis on viewing challenges as puzzles rather than obstacles may offer a framework for attracting and retaining talent in the sector. By highlighting the intellectual rewards of cybersecurity work alongside the technical demands, industry leaders can appeal to problem-solvers drawn to complex, meaningful challenges.
Reporting based on original coverage by the original source.
