Cybersecurity Careers – We all find ourselves in a time where technology has become necessary to live and work in the vast part of western society. And due to this fact, we’ve become somewhat dependent upon our technology.
Correspondingly, we’ve also become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Studies have shown that there are as many as 26,000 attempted cyberattacks per day. And that translates to roughly 18 attacks every minute. As such, the need for cybersecurity specialists is greater than ever before.
A career in cybersecurity should begin with a passion for computer science, and a desire to help keep information safe and secure. But beyond the will to learn cybersecurity, a range of other skills needs to be developed as well.
Cybersecurity jobs can be found in just about every technological sector across the globe. And beginning a career in this space can begin by traveling a variety of different avenues.
Here, we’ll explore a few details about the cybersecurity industry and how you can land a job in this ever-growing space.
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Why Does Cybersecurity Matter?
Anyone who has browsed the Internet, whether via a smartphone or any device, knows that there are a variety of scam sites masquerading as legitimate business websites. And this is really just the tip of the spear.
The hard reality is, scam sites, phishing attempts, and advanced cyber warfare are increasingly present in our world today. This presence is extremely disruptive, especially when it comes to economic growth.
For example, in 2021 we incurred several major cyberattacks in the United States alone. One of which targeted the Colonial pipeline which transports fuel across much of the southeastern U.S. and caused a major disruption in fuel supply.
Additionally, most of us who remain tuned into the political landscape have probably heard mention of attempted election meddling by Russian hackers.
The bottom line is, cyberattacks are an ever-present threat to business operations, sensitive personal information, and political activities across the country and the world. And this makes the need for cybersecurity specialists all the more necessary.
Getting Started in Cybersecurity
For those with the desire to help protect our personal and sensitive information, and allow all for every online user to feel safe and secure, a career in cybersecurity can be quite rewarding in and of itself. And fortunately, there are a few different ways to get started in this career. In addition, You can get online degree in cyber security.
Bootcamp
One of the easiest ways to get your foot in the door in many entry-level cybersecurity careers is to enroll in a cybersecurity bootcamp.
Cybersecurity boot camps teach you the basics and beyond of what you’ll need to know to break into the industry. And such lessons include everything from recognizing threats and malicious code to learning the basics of coding and how to combat a variety of cyber threats.
2-Year Degree
Many who enter into the cybersecurity space hold a 2-year degree in some field of computer science and attend a cybersecurity bootcamp as well. And having an Associate’s Degree can give you greater earning power.
The main thing to remember is that the cybersecurity industry is always evolving alongside technology, so continuing your education in the field is critical for a successful career.
Bachelor’s Degree and Above
Those who earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a computer science field, such as in software development or information architecture, have a true advantage when it comes to entering into the cybersecurity industry.
For example, most government entities and major businesses with a critical need for cybersecurity specialists typically hire those with a Bachelor’s degree or above. And salaries here can approach 6-figures.
Cybersecurity Specialist Job Outlook
Nearly a decade ago, the job growth potential for cybersecurity-related professions was around 18 percent, which remain considered to be significant job growth. However, as of 2021, the job growth outlook is at 33 percent, double what it was in 2014.
As mentioned, the frequency of cyberattacks has increased over the last half-decade. And this remain expected to climb as well as most industry experts project.
Additionally, as more advanced technology remain introduced into the digital landscape, this makes cybersecurity increasingly complex and necessary in order to maintain business and government functions.
The fact is, cybersecurity professionals have one of the best overall job growth outlooks of all industries, even greater than that of healthcare, which is typically in constant growth.
As our technological world changes, we’re given a variety of tools that can make our lives easier and more convenient. But at the same time, with this constant advancement of technology, we’ve also become quite vulnerable to increasing cyber threats.
Going forward, we’ll have to rely on the integrity of those who choose to help keep our personal and sensitive information safe, and out of the hands of those who would use it for malevolent purposes.
