Cybersecurity Workforce Opportunities Are Growing Fast: The Reasons

Cybersecurity workforce opportunities are growing fast and the reasons is because in recent years, the digital workplace is faced with cyber attacks. Many high-profile data breach cases have been reported. This makes it difficult to predict future cyber threats or attacks.

This has made the demand for qualified cybersecurity workforce to keep growing fast. Also the opportunities for the cybersecurity workforce keep growing. This is due to the extent of modern threats to digitized workplaces.

According to a research by Grand View Research, the value of the cybersecurity industry will be more than $190 billion by 2028. But at present, there are few qualified professionals in the cybersecurity field.

Reasons for the Growth of Cybersecurity Workforce Industry

You may want to ask why are cyber attacks increasing? Cybercriminals (hackers) are becoming smarter daily. Hence, a growing number of cybersecurity specialists are needed more than before. They are to develop and implement advanced security solutions.

The increased rate of cybercrime costs companies millions of dollars yearly. A survey conducted by IBM found that data breaches in 2021 cost companies an average of $4.24 million per incident. Organizations either big or small must be vigilant about security vulnerabilities. Below are some of the reasons why the Cybersecurity workforce opportunities are growing fast.

1. More Devices are Connected to the Internet

The number of devices connected to the internet have increased in recent times. This has led to increased vulnerability. Think about your laptop and smartphone, how secure are they from cyber attacks?

You are vulnerable when you interact with smart home devices, credit card readers, connected systems in your car and so on. Each of the devices you interact with represents a point of vulnerability.

Organizations that make smart devices need cybersecurity experts on their teams. These cybersecurity experts are important to create and maintain the extra security protocols. These protocols are necessary to keep up with the increasing complexity of cyber attacks and this brings about the reasons the Cybersecurity workforce opportunities are growing fast.

2. Continuous Increase in Cybercrime

In 2021, cyber attack attempts reached an all-time high. This is according to statistics from Check Point Research. Attacks on corporate computer networks have grown over the years. The number of data breaches also keep growing high.

On August 16 2021 T-Mobile confirmed a significant breach of its customer databases. More than 54 million American sensitive information was exposed. The information stolen included consumer names, addresses, Social Security numbers and so on.

There is no reason to believe that the level of cybercrime will decline. Organizations of all sizes must strive to protect the data in their care. It is important that everyone practice good cyber hygiene.

The service of a cybersecurity expert is important to protect yourself and your loved ones from these criminal elements.

3. Increase Vulnerability through the Cloud Computing Platforms

Cloud computing platforms, like Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) offer increased storage. They also empower remote collaboration and simplify file sharing. But, the inability of many companies to prioritize cloud security during transitions, has resulted in security vulnerabilities.

Companies will continue to adopt cloud computing in their workplaces. So, they need to adopt cloud security strategies in workplaces to ensure employees secure the data they share. This has made cloud security one of the in-demand cybersecurity skills.

4. Hackers (Cybercriminers) are Becoming Smarter

Hackers are discovering new ways to access data every day. The role of a cybersecurity expert is to identify security risks before hackers do.

In 2020, the Russian hackers gained access to Pentagon, United States Treasury and Department of Homeland Security data. The attack showed how dangerous a cyber attack can be to national security.

If government institutions can be hacked, business organizations are more vulnerable as a result of third-party partnerships. Many businesses do not have the resources and expertise necessary to evaluate the security protocols of third-party vendors. Not to talk of how vendors manage data used on their platforms.

As hackers become smarter and more sophisticated, a growing number of cybersecurity specialists are needed to develop and implement advanced security solutions.

5. Increase Government Support for Cybersecurity

Governments all over the world are doing their part to keep data and information safe from cyber threats. They are now aware of the importance of cybersecurity.

There is growing demand to protect citizens from online threats. This has led to an increase in the government’s investment in cybersecurity education programs. Thereby, making it easier for aspiring cybersecurity professionals to get a job.

Also, International cybercrime threats have prompted an increase in demand for cybersecurity experts in military and non-military agencies.

The Department of Homeland Security in July 2021 employed almost 300 cybersecurity professionals. It also extended 500 tentative offers.

6. More People Work Remotely

There has been an increase in remote workers after the COVID 19 pandemic. People also attend school online from home. Online shopping and medical appointments are done through computers and smartphones.

More sensitive information now flows across cyberspace 24 hours daily. Hacker activities are not only limited to large corporations alone. Whether you work remotely, involve in distance learning or shopping online, there has been an increase in attacks on individuals, health care providers and non-profit organizations.

Small businesses are now prone to cyber attacks more than before. Many small business owners are not ready to protect themselves. Employees that are unfamiliar with tricks and antics of hackers fall victim to phishing scams. But with the presence of a cybersecurity expert in an organization it’s easier to identify and prevent the attack.

7. Outdated Technology Leaves Data Vulnerable

Many organizations, in their quest to save cost are still using outdated software and technology. Although the software still work but It is not secure like the newer version.

Software needs regular updates, bug fixes and patches to perform smoothly and protect the data and systems performances. It is not enough to avoid software updates in order to save cost. But, such acts can leave systems and other sensitive information vulnerable to cyber attacks, viruses, malwares and so on.

However, with the help of cybersecurity professionals, it’s easier to identify vulnerability and determine which system upgrades are important.

8. Cybercrime is Expensive

A single cyber attack can cost a company or an individual an entire fortune. The number of reported cases of data breaches and the cost of cybercrime worldwide have increased over the years.

This is one of the reasons the cybersecurity field is growing. Most organizations cannot afford a data breach. When an organization’s future is at stake, it has no choice than to hire the best cybersecurity experts to protect its information.

9. Everything is Automated

More organizations are automating their process. Every automation is rooted in code that hackers can easily access. This gives hackers opportunities to steal private information.

This is not good for businesses but it is a job opportunity for cybersecurity professionals. The demand for their skills keep increasing from time to time.

Career in Cybersecurity for You

Do you think a career in cybersecurity is right for you? Because there are massive skill shortages despite the high demand for cybersecurity experts. In view of these shortages, the International Information System Certificate Consortium projects the worldwide cybersecurity workforce would need to grow by 89%.

There is a rapid job growth in the cybersecurity field. This is as a result of the growing market for the demand for the cybersecurity workforce. There has never been a better time to launch a career in cybersecurity than now.

Most of the lucrative areas of cybersecurity often involve highly specialized skills and expertise. Some of the most lucrative cybersecurity aspects include:

Penetration Testing (Ethical Hacking)

The expert in this field helps organizations identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in their systems and networks. This role is highly lucrative due to the important nature of protecting businesses against cyber threats.

Security Consulting

The role of security consultants is risk assessment and compliance with industry regulations. They provide guidance and recommendations to organizations on how to improve their overall cybersecurity posture.

Security Architecture and Engineering

These experts create comprehensive security frameworks and solutions to safeguard against cyber threats. They design and build secure systems and infrastructure. They are in high demand.

Cloud Security

Knowledge of cloud security can be highly lucrative. Experts in cloud security are in demand to protect data and applications stored in cloud environments.

Security Incident Response

Incident response experts are responsible for handling and preventing security breaches and cyberattacks. Fast and effective response to attacks is important. This makes this role financially rewarding.

Cybersecurity Management and Leadership

Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and cybersecurity managers are responsible for looking after an organization’s entire cybersecurity strategy. Leadership roles in cybersecurity come with important responsibilities and rewards.

Blockchain Security

The advancement in blockchain technology requires professionals who specialize in securing blockchain networks and smart contracts. This cybersecurity field offers lucrative opportunities.

Data Privacy and Compliance

Professionals in data privacy and compliance help businesses ensure they stick to data protection laws. With the rise in data breaches and privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

Conclusion

The important role played by cybersecurity experts cannot be overemphasized. It has become important for government agencies and business organizations to protect their data from cyber threats.

If hackers have access to an organization’s information, it could lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage. The legal implications of losing control of sensitive data, such as customers’ credit card details, cannot be imagined.

Failure of an organization to invest in cybersecurity can cause significant financial losses and harm the company reputations. Hence, Cybersecurity workforce opportunities are in high demand today.

Cybersecurity Workforce Opportunities Are Growing Fast: The Reasons

Reasons for the Growth of Cybersecurity Workforce Industry