As the virtual world encompasses not only our social lives but even company data and reputation, cybersecurity has become a crucial component in the working world. An article on Wired listing cyber attacks in 2022 shows that data breaches and hacks have seized just about any industry, from major telecommunications companies to government institutions. In order to protect organizations from data-related threats and vulnerabilities, the need for cybersecurity talent has heightened. But how do you fast-track your entry and gain a foothold in this high-demand industry?
The shortage of cybersecurity workers
Positions for cybersecurity professionals are being created faster than companies can hire. There are currently 600,000 openings in the United States alone, as evidenced in the report by Bloomberg about the cybersecurity job market. The skill shortage can be traced back to how cybersecurity talent was already few and far between prior to the pandemic, but the shift to remote and hybrid work arrangements pushed companies to digitize at a higher speed.
Furthermore, the technical skills needed to respond to cyber threats have been evolving rapidly to the extent that a university or graduate degree in computer science, information technology, or related fields is no longer sufficient. Cybersecurity jobs now entail a diverse skill set, including the combination of software development with cloud expertise and data science.
Why enter the cybersecurity industry?
This high demand for cybersecurity professionals certainly comes with a range of benefits. In remuneration alone, cybersecurity analysts have the advantage over most occupations with an average annual salary of $113,270, according to the 2021 wage estimates of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Since cybersecurity has to be incorporated into any field that adopts technology and handles information, the volume of job opportunities is distributed across various sectors. In healthcare, telehealth platform Wheel offers several remote services like booking appointments, virtual consultations, follow-up care, and medical prescriptions, in an attempt to mirror in-person health services. But since it involves collecting and storing medical information in a patient portal, cybersecurity is critical to verifying patient identity and protecting health records from data breaches and malware.
Another sector that integrates cybersecurity is finance. Banks have joined the digital age through mobile banking and payment processing, so the threat of phishing and cyber attacks compromise not only customers’ credentials but also financial assets. Technology company IBM has spoken about how its cybersecurity services can impact the financial technology and banking industry through the zero trust model of access and authentication. With the expansion of cloud configuration and the Internet of Things, cybersecurity is a must-have for all workplaces and businesses, making cybersecurity professionals valuable resources anywhere they go.
Breaking into the cybersecurity industry
Since the qualifications that cybersecurity requires go beyond having a relevant degree, anyone who wants to enter and establish a career in the industry must leverage opportunities for undergoing training, getting certified, acquiring new skills, and improving existing ones.
Whether you are a fresh graduate who wants to increase job prospects or an employee who wants to upskill for career advancement, Red Education has flexible payment options so you can access and afford cybersecurity education. You can get certified now and pay later when you join our range of available programs: from identifying and responding to threats of malware, ransomware, and hacking; to learning how to become a consultant who creates contingency plans in the case of company data breaches and violations.
Given the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, you have a competitive advantage when you invest in accredited training programs that align with the diversified and holistic skill sets that the cybersecurity industry is searching for. Gone are the days when the usual academic route was enough for a job. A lucrative and fulfilling career becomes more possible when you self-initiate a lifelong process of learning and professional development.
Written exclusively for rededucation.com
By Julian Kaye
