Good news for security pros: salaries are up -- and they're up in the real world, not just Silicons Valley, Northeast, Northwest.The eight-year SANS Institute security salary study showed substantial gains nationwide for top-level security execs and managers, with smaller increases for operational positions.

No surprise there: it's Horatio

who wears the Armani and drives the biggest Hummer, not the guys and gals he's always ordering to do the work.

The situation may be changing, though -- for IT security professionals, not Horatio's lackeys.

As a result of increased cyberthreats including crime, aggressive Chinese cyberwar and malware research, SANS projects increased demand for security systems architects, intrusion and support specialists, and forensics specialists.

Higher demand should mean higher salaries. The SANS study is ongoing, and you can add your two cents' worth here.