Heathrow cyber-attack highlights urgent need for cyber talent

Heathrow was among several European airports hit by disruption on Saturday after a cyber-attack on Collins Aerospace’s Muse check-in and baggage software. According to the BBC, the outage led to long queues, delays, and manual check-in processes across multiple airports including Brussels, Berlin, and Dublin. 

This incident highlights a sobering truth: our most critical services - from aviation to healthcare and energy - rely on digital infrastructure that is increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks. When systems fail, the knock-on effects spread quickly, creating frustration for travellers, lost revenue for airlines, and reputational damage. 

Why this matters for cybersecurity recruitment 

The Heathrow attack and previous cyberattacks this year underline the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. Organisations across sectors are urgently seeking talent with expertise in: 

• Incident response and forensics - to quickly identify, contain, and mitigate breaches. 
• Resilient system design - to build secure, fault-tolerant digital infrastructure. 
• Third-party risk management - to strengthen supply chains and outsourced systems. 
• Crisis communication and recovery - to manage public trust when things go wrong. 

For recruiters, this is a pivotal moment. The talent pool must be broadened beyond traditional cybersecurity specialists. Professionals from IT, operations, and even logistics often have transferable skills that can be developed into effective cyber capabilities with the right training and support. 

It is also important to highlight purpose. Cybersecurity roles are not just about technical problem-solving - they are about protecting people, businesses, and society from increasingly sophisticated threats. Framing opportunities in this way helps attract candidates who are motivated by mission as much as by career progression. 

Finally, organisations must focus on retention. The pace of change means that continuous learning and professional growth are essential. Employees are more likely to stay if they feel supported, challenged, and connected to a clear sense of purpose. Building that culture is key to keeping top talent engaged. 

The recent cyberattack on Heathrow Airport shows that cyber-attacks are no longer abstract threats - they cause real-world disruption. For organisations, it’s a wake-up call. For professionals, it’s a call to action: the sector needs more skilled hands at the frontline of defence. 

Don’t miss our Finance Sector: AI and Cybersecurity event, discussing the risks and opportunities for recruiters on 24th September 2025. Find out more here.