If you’re considering a career in cybersecurity, you’ll be happy to know that the cybersecurity job outlook is as strong as ever. Even the COVID-19 pandemic can’t stop the growth of cybersecurity.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected that the number of workers in the cybersecurity industry will grow by 31%. That is between 2019 and 2029. That figure way exceeds the average for all expectations.
Moreover, salary is one thing that the industry generously offers. Individuals in the field may expect a median annual salary up to $100,000 or $50 per hour. Thus, it’s no wonder why the number of aspiring cybersecurity professionals is increasing.
Many cybersecurity degree holders will go on to work with the military of a national security agency. Furthermore, working in private corporations is also an option. These companies rely on trained specialists for data and network safety.
Why the Cybersecurity Job Outlook Goes Stronger
It has been estimated that the cost of cybercrimes may reach over $6 trillion annually by 2021. Hackers commonly disrupt political processes and social media accounts. Hence, companies acknowledge the cost that data breaches. This leads to more vacancies for cybersecurity professionals.
Financial Industry
Almost every industry needs this kind of expertise. However, banks and financial institutions currently experience an increase in cyberattacks.
For instance, a 2016 survey revealed that banks experience an average of 85 serious attempted data breaches every year. Moreover, 36% of those attempts succeeded with hackers obtaining some sensitive information.
Healthcare Industry
Meanwhile, the healthcare industry also needs to increase its cybersecurity capabilities. That need began after the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack. This incident devastated national health services around the globe. The attack affected around 230,000 computers in more than 150 countries.
Education Industry
The education industry also experiences an uptick in cybersecurity attacks. Educational facilities often hold a huge amount of personal records and intellectual property. Thus, they are also a prime target for hackers.
For instance, the University of California experienced a cyberattack in June 2020. Hackers used NetWalker malware to encrypt data on the servers. Those are of the university’s school of medicine. Cybercriminals demanded a ransom in exchange for the decryption of servers. The university paid a total of $1.14M to recover its encrypted data.
Indeed, the cybersecurity job outlook is really bright. There are numerous job opportunities waiting for people with the right skills. Moreover, there are just tons of specialties you may choose.
Skills Needed for a Career in Cybersecurity
Like any other field, cybersecurity demands a specific skill set. You must possess a number of qualities to succeed as an expert in the field.
Technical Ability
Of course, cybersecurity demands a vast understanding of the technical world. Among the daily tasks are technical implementations, computer forensics, network monitoring, and more.
Communication Skills
Cybersecurity professionals often work closely as a team. They communicate their findings and analysis to all team members in a clear effective way. Moreover, cybersecurity professionals must know how to communicate technical information. That is even to non-tech stakeholders and employees.
Understanding How Hackers Think
Cybersecurity professionals must have a solid understanding of the methods and tools used by hackers. That is to successfully thwart their attempts.
