Why the number of cyber security jobs are growing in 2020
Businesses and organizations across the globe are falling victim to cybercrimes, even as we write this. Cybersecurity issues like cyber threats and attacks have become a curse the world over.
Former US President, Barack Obama had once stated: “Cyber threats pose one of the gravest national security dangers that the United States faces… It’s clear that much more work needs to be done to enhance our cybersecurity.” Clearly, this spells the need for cybersecurity experts.
Not just this, technology giant Accenture shared that in 2017, there was a 27.4% net increase in the average annual number of security breaches and that from 2016 to 2017, cybersecurity costs went up by 22.7%. This further spells the gravity of the issue concerning the world.
As the events of data breaches are increasing rapidly, cybersecurity issues are turning out to be a nightmare for enterprises. The number of high profile data breaches in the last few years only shows that handling cybersecurity issues is a mammoth-like challenge, even for big players.
The rapidly escalating pile of sensitive user data – thanks to the proliferation of smart devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), social media, and other digital channels – has made it even more important for countries to strengthen their cybersecurity front with businesses like OLS leading the charge.
Companies are looking for cyber security talents
In light of the unprecedented rise in the number of cybercrimes globally, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is increasing across all industries. Big corporations like SAP, Oracle, Google, Cisco, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, Amazon, Symantec, Kaspersky, Bae Systems, FireEye, Lockheed Martin, and Check Point Software, are some of the largest recruiters of cybersecurityexperts.
Women who are in the IT sector can explore many opportunities in the field of cyber security. Be it an information security analyst or a technical architect role, women can reach new heights by adding valuable skills to their resume. Some of the renowned credentials include the CEH certification, CompTIA certifications, and advanced ones like the CISSP or CISM certification.
While the demand for cybersecurity professionals is quite high in most countries, there is a considerable difference in the level of demand, as per Indeed’s 2017 Cybersecurity Skills Gap report:
This bar graph shows that Israel takes the first place when it comes to the need for cybersecurity talent, and that too by a wide margin. The demand for cybersecurity professionals in Israel was 89.2% higher than in Ireland (second rank), 118.8% higher than in the United Kingdom (third rank), and 187.4% higher than in the United States (fourth rank).
Cybersecurity is one of the many sectors that are facing a severe shortage of skilled and qualified talent.
According to the Harvard Business Review, the cybersecurity industry will have over 1.5 million vacant positions by 2020. And by 2021, Cybersecurity Ventures predicts this number to go up to 3.5 million. ISACA maintains that it takes at least 3-6 months (on average) to fill a cybersecurity position.
As for India, NASSCOM estimates that by 2020, the country will need around 1 million cybersecurity professionals to meet the ever-increasing cybersecurity demands of the growing economy. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, by 2021, almost 100% of big global companies will have a dedicated position for chief information security officer (CISO).
Altogether, the career outlook for cybersecurity experts seems very promising in the future. For instance, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the role of an information security analyst will grow by 32% from 2018-28. Adding to that, the cybersecurity industry boasts of a 0% unemployment rate!
What can be done to combat the skill gap in cybersecurity?
Given the skill gap and the rapidly escalating demand for cybersecurity professionals globally, there is an urgent need to rethink and restructure the enterprise-level cybersecurity. Since cyber threats and cybercrimes have become much more sophisticated and advanced now, companies have to take radical measures to both detect potential threats and prevent the same.
Today, companies cannot afford to have siloed IT and security teams. Both the units must be familiar with each other’s domains and should learn to function as a unified entity. Usually, IT professionals working on conventional applications may not be well-versed in cybersecurity/information security fundamentals, and it is time to change this.
Every professional in an enterprise must have a basic knowledge of security. This requires constant self-learning and upskilling on the part of employees. As for companies, they should invest in conducting workshops, training programs, and apprenticeships to help employees upskill.
Furthermore, To further enhance their understanding of security, professionals in an enterprise should consider learning more about the IASAE certification. This will not only demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a secure workplace but also provide them with valuable skills and knowledge to better protect the company’s assets.
On an individual level, both aspiring students and professionals can take up online training or certification courses in cybersecurity.
Online certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Network+/Security+, Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) and CiscoCertified Network Associate (CCNA) Security, are some excellent options to boost your cyber security career.
Undisputedly, the practical knowledge offered during these certification programs help you learn and upskill at your own pace and convenience. If you are interested in building a successful career in cybersecurity, enroll in a cyber security course today.
Photo by Yomex Owo
