What is Cyber Security?
In the simplest terms, cybersecurity is the practice designed to ensure the security of data from any attack, damage, or unauthorized access. Cybersecurity is also known as information security or computer security and is a domain that is growing widely popular over the past few years. The increasing dependency on electronic communication makes our systems a popular target for malicious forces in the form of cyberattacks. It is the role of a cybersecurity expert to ensure that the systems, networks, and programs are safe from hackers who intend to access, change, or destroy sensitive information.
The cybersecurity market is projected to reach $304.91 billion by 2027, which would be a 9.4 percent CAGR growth from 2020. The growing scope of the industry is generating numerous jobs worldwide and has experienced a 350% growth rate in terms of job openings from 2013 to 2021.
A report by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Information Security Analyst’s Outlook states that it is one of the fastest-growing careers in the country with a national average growth rate of four percent.
What Are Your Career Options in Cybersecurity?
It is easy to kick start a career in cybersecurity if you have prior experience in IT. That’s because you have a relevant degree and a working knowledge of computer systems, data management, and information security. An understanding of skills that transition well into cybersecurity would help as well.
Pursuing professional courses and certification programs on cybersecurity will improve your job prospects too. However, before you do that, you should explore the various career options in cybersecurity and pick one based on your interest. If you have information security experience could try for a leadership position in cybersecurity. Your career options include:
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Information Security Analyst
- Global Information Security Director
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Lead Software Security Engineer
- Cybersecurity Architect
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Penetration Tester
- Network Administrator
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Security Auditor
If you do not have a technical background or experience, that shouldn’t stop you from building a career in cybersecurity. Engineering graduates with a basic understanding of cybersecurity, data management, and a passion for learning could build a career in cybersecurity too. The career opportunities that you have include
- Lead Software Security Engineer
- Cybersecurity Architect
- Cybersecurity Engineer
How to Build a Career in Cybersecurity?
A degree in cybersecurity is the first step to starting a career in cybersecurity. You have numerous career options when you have a degree in cybersecurity. Most cybersecurity professionals have a degree in information technology or computer science. They may pursue a master’s degree or a certification program in cybersecurity.
Research suggests that there are over 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally. The number of malicious cyber-attacks is growing. A Gartner research suggests that the cybersecurity market would reach $170.4 billion by 2022. Individuals with knowledge and understanding of how one can mitigate an organization’s risk are in high demand. Around 95% of the data breaches were a result of human error.
Cyberattacks are getting more sophisticated and complex. Companies struggle to find the talent to combat these attacks. So, individuals with a solid understanding of information technology, an engineering degree, and a cybersecurity certification are in great demand. Besides having many job openings, the industry is also famous for its high salaries. This is a result of the lack of qualified candidates and increasing demand. You could become a sought after candidate by pursuing these in-demand courses.
Certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Peer Network Connect with your peers by attending online events, webinars, and forums to understand the industry situation. Talking to recruiters and cybersecurity professionals will help you evaluate the career options and skills that you need to build. The most effective talent branding tools include company websites, online professional networks, and social media. With 68% of the recruiters hiring from these media, the probability of you landing a job is significantly higher. There are numerous bloggers and career guidance professionals who share industry insights too. Connecting with them and engaging in industry-specific conversation could increase your chance of landing your dream job and honing your knowledge. If networking does not seem like a differentiator, think again. Around 89% of HR leaders surveyed agree that ongoing peer feedback and check-ins positively impact their organizations.
In Conclusion
Irrespective of your experience, you can build a career in cybersecurity. All you need is an understanding of the subject and a few certifications from credible institutes. Focus on honing your skills, undergoing training, and improving your network, and you are already on your path to finding success as a cybersecurity professional. With the numerous career options in this evolving industry, you are only limited by your imagination. Go on and build your career as a cybersecurity professional!
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About the Company:
Peterson Technology Partners (PTP) has partnered with some of the biggest Fortune brands to offer excellence of service and best-in-class team building for the last 25 years.
PTP’s diverse and global team of recruiting, consulting, and project development experts specialize in a variety of IT competencies which include:
- Cybersecurity
- DevOps
- Cloud Computing
- Data Science
- AI/ML
- Salesforce Optimization
- VR/AR
Peterson Technology Partners is an equal opportunities employer. As an industry leader in IT consulting and recruitment, specializing in diversity hiring, we aim to help our clients build equitable workplaces.
