The potential of the french cybersecurity market appears to be limitless. The proliferation of cyber-attacks and their psychological impacts on business leaders is driving the needs of organisations, including SMEs. At the same time, regulatory constraints are strengthening, particularly with the NIS2 directive, which will force thousands of entities to invest more in their cybersecurity. Specialised players are also being very aggressive, with innovative services and products, supported by an offer marketing that relies on technological risk.

However, if the fundamentals appear solid, salaries are slipping due to a significant shortage of IT manpower. Beyond this more difficult economic equation, competition continues to intensify with Big Tech but also with industrial companies. These companies are intensifying their investments in digital security with the growth of increasingly connected products or equipment, which are therefore more vulnerable to cyber risk.

So, what competitive changes should we expect for the historical players? What are the real prospects for the French market by 2024? Does Atos’ difficulties foreshadow a future consolidation in France? To answer these questions, experts have analysed the strategic opportunities and development axes of the players in this market:

• First, the conquest of new markets, which requires the expansion of the activity portfolio, diversification of sectoral outlets, targeting new customer categories such as SMEs or even internationalization as in the case of Thales.
• Second axis: the enrichment of the offer with the revival of cryptography (light and post-quantum), the use of artificial intelligence to automate cybersecurity as IBM does, or the enthusiasm for the computer concept of zero trust.
• Cybersecurity players are also implementing strong HR policies to recruit, retain and train talents, such as Microsoft’s « Cybersecurity Skills Plan » and Airbus Group’s cybersecurity diploma in response to the shortage of manpower.
• Many other trends have been analysed in this Innov study on cybersecurity, such as the reinforcement of distribution networks by software publishers or the adoption of more aggressive marketing discourse.

In conclusion, the cybersecurity market is expected to continue growing as the need for protection against cyber threats increases. Companies are taking proactive steps to enhance their cybersecurity defenses, either through internal investments or through collaboration with other companies. The competition in the market will continue to intensify, particularly with the entry of big tech and industrial companies, but the specialized players will remain key players. The challenges faced by the market include the shortage of IT manpower and the need to adapt to new technologies and regulatory constraints. The key to success in this market will be the ability to offer innovative solutions, implement strong HR policies, and expand market reach.

If you want to access the complete study: https://www.xerfi.com/presentationetude/Le-marche-de-la-cybersecurite-a-l-epreuve-de-nouveaux-defis_22SAE24