What is cybersecurity? Why is it in such a high demand? What skills are required to become a professional in this field? Why do we keep on hearing about data breaches costing companies millions of dollars in damages?
And above all, why does it even matter?
If these are some of your questions, you’ll get your answers in this blog as you read on.
Key Takeaways:
- 4 out of 10 malware attacks lead to data breaches including personally identifiable information.
- 75% of all cyberattacks in 2023 did not involve any malware but rather clever persuasion tactics implemented by hackers.
- An estimated 5.5 million people are employed in the field of cybersecurity around the world.
- Nearly 5 million cybersecurity jobs are vacant, 500,000 of which in the US alone.
And as the digital landscape expands, so does the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals, creating a field ripe with opportunity. After all, the half a million unfilled jobs in the US need skilled professionals, and that’s where you come in.
Let’s get started.
What is Cybersecurity?
I won’t go into the textbook definition of cybersecurity as you can always Google it. But to understand it in simple words:
Cybersecurity is the art and science of keeping software and hardware devices safe from hackers using security tools, firewalls, processes and strategies.
You and I won’t be able to safely use our gadgets if there were no cybersecurity pros doing their jobs. It’s the equivalent of installing a security system at your home and office to ensure no one breaks in and steals your valuable assets.
It’s a multi-layered approach involving everything from firewalls and antivirus software to complex threat intelligence platforms and incident response strategies. All of these work in tanderm to reduce the risk of cybercriminals getting hands on sensitive information and confidential data.
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, ready to exploit vulnerabilities and wreak havoc. Cybersecurity professionals act as the first line of defense protecting our sensitive information and critical systems.
Why Is It In High Demand?
Now that you know their worth, we can all safely agree why this is a highly demanded skill. Here are some of the reasons why businesses of all sizes need cybersecurity professionals:
1. Increasing Cyber Threats
Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent, sophisticated, and damaging. From ransomware attacks crippling businesses to data breaches exposing millions of user records, the stakes are higher than ever.
A report by Cybersecurity Ventures predicts global cybercrime costs to grow by 15% per year over the next five years, reaching $10.5 trillion USD annually by 2025.
Adding to this, nearly 90% of all cyberattacks happen due to human error such as using weak passwords, clicking malicious links that seem legitimate, and accidental data delivery.
Cybersecurity professionals put more emphasis on training people in remaining vigilant of not clicking any external links, using strong passwords and following basic cyber hygiene practices.
2. Expanding Digital Footprint
When was the last time you used an external device such as a USB pen drive to save your data? You barely even remember.
Today, you save your files on iCloud, Google Drive or the likes of Dropbox. It’s super simple and easy to sync your data across all devices.
Now imagine you are unable to access your accounts. Even worse, your accounts get hacked and hackers now have access to all of your data.
This is a result of our ever expanding digital footprint (which is the traceable data that we leave on the internet.) To minimize the risk, cybersecurity professionals work tirelessly to keep your data safe and secure.
And they have to do this for a multiple of reasons:
Regulatory Compliance
Numerous industries are subject to strict data privacy regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA. These regulations mandate organizations to implement robust cybersecurity measures, driving the demand for professionals who can ensure compliance.
Business Continuity
Cyberattacks can disrupt operations, damage reputation, and lead to significant financial losses that can result in bankruptcies. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of cybersecurity for business continuity and are investing heavily in protecting their digital assets.
How many Cybersecurity Professionals are Employed in the World?
According to Statista, there are around 5.5 million professionals employed as cybersecurity professionals worldwide. Here is a chart that shows a detailed breakdown of the numbers:
Related: The Different Roles in Cybersecurity
The Cybersecurity Skills Gap: Why the Shortage?
Despite the high demand, the cybersecurity field faces a significant skills gap. ISC estimates that the global cybersecurity workforce needs to grow by 65 percent to effectively defend organizations worldwide. Several factors contribute to this shortage:
1. Rapidly Evolving Landscape
The cybersecurity field is constantly evolving, with new threats and technologies emerging regularly. This requires you to continuously update your skills and knowledge, making it challenging to keep up.
Cyber attacks are now more AI-driven than ever before, because hackers have started using automation tools to increase their scale and speed. As a result, to keep up with the pace, companies now demand professionals to leverage the latest tools to perform repetitive and mundane tasks.
2. Lack of Qualified Candidates
Many organizations struggle to find qualified candidates with the necessary skills and experience.
That pretty much explains nearly 500,000 unfilled job vacancies in the US. There are just not enough professionals with the right qualifications and skill sets that companies need.
3. Specialized Skills
Cybersecurity encompasses a wide range of specialized skills, from network security and penetration testing to incident response and data forensics. Finding professionals with expertise in these specific areas can be particularly challenging.
Reverse engineering and threat intelligence are some of the most in-demand branches of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity data analysts are increasingly becoming available to professionals who keep on upskilling themselves.
What Essential Skills Do You Need to Become a Cybersecurity Professional?
So, what skills do you need to break into this in-demand field? Here are the most basic skills required to become a professional:
| Skill Category | Specific Skills | Description |
| Technical Skills | Networking, Operating Systems (Windows, Linux), Security Tools (Firewalls, IDS/IPS), Cloud Security (AWS, Azure), Programming (Python, scripting), Cryptography | Foundational knowledge of IT infrastructure, security tools and the ability to navigate the operating systems. |
| Analytical Skills | Threat Analysis, Vulnerability Assessment, Risk Management, Incident Response, Forensics | Ability to analyze security data, identify vulnerabilities, and respond to incidents effectively. |
| Problem-Solving Skills | Critical Thinking, Creative Problem Solving, Attention to Detail | Ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and pay close attention to detail. |
| Communication Skills | Written and Verbal Communication, Technical Writing, Presentation Skills | Ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. |
| Security Concepts | Security Principles, Security Architecture, Ethical Hacking, Data Privacy, Compliance | Understanding of core security concepts and best practices. |
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and CEH can also demonstrate your expertise and enhance your career prospects.
Embracing the Challenge
The cybersecurity skills gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity.
If you’re serious about having a rewarding and in-demand career, cybersecurity offers a wealth of possibilities.
By acquiring the necessary skills and staying relevant to the most required skills, you can become a valuable asset in the fight against cybercrime.
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