As online activities continue to grow as a ubiquitous part of our lives, hackers look for new ways to access personal information. Protecting personal and organizational data is a critical necessity. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reports 47 percent of adults in the US have suffered a data breach of their personal information [1]. Data breaches can be very expensive for corporations, costing potentially millions of dollars. According to IBM, there were 2,365 cyberattacks in 2023, the average cost of which was $4.45 million dollars [2]. Forbes reports that there were 343,338,964 victims of cybersecurity attacks in 2023 [3]. Additionally, the average cost of a ransomware-related data breach in 2023 was $5.13 million, not counting the ransoms.
Cybersecurity is a continuously growing profession, constantly expanding and confronting new challenging and complex scenarios. The number of security threats and their associated costs are skyrocketing, but fortunately so are our defense mechanisms. Numerous security software and hardware as well as concepts and procedures are being introduced to the market, and we need qualified personnel to operate and manage these security systems.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, systems, programs, devices, and data from unauthorized access and digital cyberattacks. These attacks are usually focused on accessing, changing, or deleting private information. One example is stealing consumer credit card or contact information. Cyberattacks can also be aimed at attacking corporate information, extortion via ransomware, or sabotaging everyday business operations.
The field of cybersecurity is more important than ever because there are now more online-accessible devices than humans, and almost every aspect of our daily life is connected to the internet. Most forms of commerce, finance, and communication are inextricably linked to the internet, so cyberattacks can be far-reaching and highly innovative. Your personal information is stored in dozens, if not hundreds of different places online. In short, every vector of technology must be protected from cybercriminals and unethical hackers.
Job Outlook
According to 2023 job data provided by Cyberseek, there are over 1.1 million people employed in cybersecurity and over 663,000 job openings in the last year.
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1,129,659 |
The number of
people employed in the cybersecurity workforce |
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663,434 |
The number of
cybersecurity job openings post in the past year |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 168,900 information security analysts with jobs in 2022[3], and this job is projected to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032 which is much faster than average,
So how would you go about getting a job in cybersecurity? Here are some general steps.
Steps to Getting a Job in Cybersecurity
1. Research Cybersecurity Career Paths
There are many different career paths that require different levels of education, training, and work experience. By looking up different positions and what qualifications they require, you can figure out what type of training, degrees, certifications, and experience you need to land those positions. Here are some of the cybersecurity jobs that employers are looking for.
· Cybersecurity analyst
· Information security analyst
· System administrator
· Penetration tester (mid-level)
· Cybersecurity consultant (mid-level)
· Security Architect (mid-level to senior)
· Cybersecurity Engineer (mid-level to senior)
· Cryptanalyst (senior-level)
· Security engineer (senior-level)
These professions may be responsible for primary and subsequent designs as well as implementations of new updates and procedures for Cybersecurity systems. These jobs require ample knowledge of IT operation and computing systems including PC hardware and networking components, OS platforms, scripting, business and cloud administration, and security protocols and regulations.
2. Developing Your Skills
These are all good skills to work on improving while pursuing a cybersecurity position.
· Network and systems administration. For most entry-level cybersecurity jobs, working with networks and system administration is an everyday skill you should be comfortable with.
· Deep knowledge of operating systems. For computer forensics, penetration testing, and cybersecurity analysis, it is imperative you have a deep working knowledge of Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
· Familiarity with cloud security platforms. You should be deeply familiar with Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.
· Coding skills. Some of the programming languages you’ll want to be fluent in include Python, JavaScript, C, C++, and MySQL.
· Risk analysis and security auditing. You must be adept at auditing and risk analysis to mitigate potential security risks.
· Interpersonal skills. Because you will be working with teams and other organizations, human skills like empathy, communication, critical thinking, and analytical thinking will be invaluable in your cybersecurity career.
individuals and organizations are responsible for protecting all consumer data associated with their personal and business transactions or face fines and other punitive consequences. All Cybersecurity positions and procedures must be following regulations set by U.S. and international standards (such as CPRA, ISO/IEC 27000 series, EU GDPR) and organizations (such as HIPPA, IETF, PCI Security Standards Council). Security experts must be aware of all current and future regulations that may affect their operation.
3. Earn the Certifications You Need
Cybersecurity certifications show employers that you have a proven amount of expertise in the position and are qualified to work. The CompTIA Security+ certification is a mandatory requirement for most entry-level cybersecurity jobs. Once you have gained some work experience, the CISA, CISM, and CISSP are worthy certifications to pursue.
4. Getting Hands-on Familiarity with Cybersecurity Tools
As you move begin your cybersecurity career, you’ll want to have an intimate working knowledge of cloud computing environments and tools such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with common network hardware, software, and cybersecurity tools. A cybersecurity expert will be tasked with securing, analyzing, and testing on all of these environments.
A valuable environment for research and operation is a Virtual Machine. VMs are used for training, administration, testing and analysis, and anti-hacking decoys. There are a few free and open-source Virtual systems that are available for the public including VirtualBox and some editions of VMware.
5. Gain Valuable Work Experience
Certification and training are valuable, but nothing replaces real-world experience working on cybersecurity projects. Working on auditing, consulting, pen testing, or incident response will show hiring managers you have the necessary experience for which they are looking. Getting mentorship from veteran cybersecurity workers can also help you get valuable experience. Applying for a volunteer position can be a valuable opportunity to gain working experience and increase professional network. These positions may also bring future opportunities for qualified candidates.
6. Network With Other Cybersecurity Professionals
A big part of job-seeking and any career is networking with other professionals in your field. By getting to know other cybersecurity professionals, you can create a mutual connection and they may recommend you for a position at their current job. You can network in-person or online through professional spaces and communities.
7. Apply for Cybersecurity Jobs
As you work your way through your cybersecurity career and apply for other jobs or promotions, you’ll want to update your resume with the certifications, work experience and skills you have gained. Hiring managers look for prerequisites that show you are qualified to take on a new position. Keep sight of your career aspirations and focus on what steps you must take to achieve your desired goals in your cybersecurity career.
More Stats on Cybersecurity
Did you know in there was $43 Billion cost of identity theft in 2023? A 2024 report co-sponsored by AARP showed that cyber criminals are “aiming for larger payouts once unauthorized access to a consumer’s new or existing account has been achieved.”
There were over 23.9 million victims of identity theft in 2021.
According to Global Market Insights, the cybersecurity market is projected to grow to 300 billion by the end of 2024.
A 2022 report by Cybercrime Magazine projects that the cost of cybercrimes will hit 10.5 trillion dollars by 2025.
Allianz Risk Barometer released a 2023 report where 45% of experts said cyber incidents were the most feared cause of business interruptions, even more than natural disasters.
A 2023 report by CISO shows 83% of security experts surveyed were affected by ransomware, payments ranging $100.000 to $1 million, 93% expect to increase cybersecurity spending over the next year.
Take the Next Steps to Begin a Career in Cybersecurity
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[1] CISA, https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world accessed June 12, 2024.
[2] IBM, https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach accessed on June 12, 2024.
[3] Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/it-and-tech/cybersecurity-statistics/ accessed on June 16, 2024
[4] Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm accessed on June 13, 2024