---
title: The Harsh Reality of AppSec Hiring
description: Hiring AppSec pros is a losing game. Retention is tough, and risks are rising. Learn why Managed AppSec Services (MSSPs) are the smarter security solution.
image: https://true-positives.com/hubfs/VACANT%20%281%29.jpg
---
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# The Harsh Reality of AppSec Hiring
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[True Positives February 27, 2025](https://true-positives.com/appsec-blog/author/true-positives)
- [Application Security](https://true-positives.com/appsec-blog/tag/application-security)
- [Vulnerability Management](https://true-positives.com/appsec-blog/tag/vulnerability-management)
- [MSSP](https://true-positives.com/appsec-blog/tag/mssp)
- 3 mins
Cybersecurity hiring isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about securing expertise. A vacant role doesn’t just leave a gap in headcount, it leaves a gap in security.
*(Feature Image: "A security gap isn’t just about code—it’s about people.")*
The demand for application security expertise has exploded. Unfortunately, the supply? Not even close. The result: a relentless bidding war where the biggest tech giants snap up the best talent, leaving everyone else scrambling.
According to (ISC)², the cybersecurity workforce gap sits at 4 million professionals worldwide, with AppSec among the hardest-hit fields. "Organizations are forced to compete fiercely for a limited talent pool, creating a recruitment arms race that disadvantages small and mid-sized businesses." (\[ISC² Cybersecurity Workforce Report\])
And even if you do manage to hire someone great, there’s a high chance they won’t stick around. Application security pros are in such high demand that many jump ship the moment a better offer comes along.
Instead of constantly struggling to hire, onboard, and retain security talent, companies are rethinking the model entirely—turning to a smarter, more sustainable alternative: outsourcing application security to a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) focused on AppSec.
**New to AppSec or at wit’s end with the hiring struggle? There’s a smarter way to secure your applications.**
### Let’s break it down:
**You can’t outbid the big players.** They offer massive salaries, bonuses, and perks that smaller businesses can’t match.
**Retention is a losing battle.** Even the best-paid AppSec pros **rarely stay longer than a year**. *(Indeed.com Job Trends)*
At the same time, the risks of weak application security are only growing. Data breaches, compliance failures, and security vulnerabilities can cost companies millions—and hiring struggles aren’t an excuse attackers will accept.
An AppSec MSSP delivers the security expertise, tools, and support that development, product security, and QA teams require but can’t easily build or maintain on their own—offering a stronger, more cost-effective security foundation than an in-house program ever could.
### Here’s why it makes sense:
**Immediate access to top-tier expertise** – No hiring delays, no training ramp-up. Just skilled application security professionals ready to go.
**Cost-efficient compared to in-house teams** – Building an in-house AppSec team costs hundreds of thousands in salaries, tools, and training—an MSSP delivers top-tier security for a fraction of that cost, with no turnover risk. MSSPs provide enterprise-grade security without the enterprise-sized payroll.
**Reliable Continuity & Care** – An AppSec MSSP provides expert oversight, enforces quality control, and sustains due diligence—ensuring seamless security without lag or reliance on in-house availability.
**Flexibility as your needs evolve** – Scale your security operations up or down based on your actual risk profile, without worrying about hiring cycles.
### The Bottom Line
If you’re tired of the endless cycle of recruiting, training, and losing AppSec talent, maybe it’s time to rethink the approach.
A specialized AppSec MSSP gives you immediate access to expert-level security without the hiring headaches. That means your internal team can stay focused on what they do best—building and delivering great software—while knowing that security is handled by professionals who do it all day, every day.
### Take the win
Struggling to hire and retain AppSec talent? Let’s fix that. Get expert security without the hiring headaches—**talk to us today.**
---
### About True Positives
True Positives delivers modern application security services, led by its flagship MSSP solution. For in-house teams and programs, we provide custom professional services to enhance security while easing resource strain and operational overhead. Backed by 150+ years of combined expertise, our mission is to enable **Stronger AppSec, Smarter Spending.**
📌 Website: [https://true.positives.com](https://true.positives.com)
📩 Contact: appsec\_solutions@true-positives.com
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### True Positives
True Positives is an authorized Invicti VAR and application security MSSP delivering proof-based DAST scanning and managed vulnerability assessment services to organizations across North America. The firm operates through two delivery models: fully managed application security services for organizations seeking outsourced program operations, and direct platform licensing for teams prepared to run Invicti internally. For additional information, visit https://true-positives.com.
[mailto:appsec_solutions@true-positives.com](mailto:appsec_solutions@true-positives.com)
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