Is Cybersecurity In Demand?

As technology advances, more areas of our lives become connected to the internet and other advanced information systems.

While these developments are highly convenient and boost the economy, they also create the opportunity for criminals to attempt to access and exploit users' personal or financial information.

In an increasingly digital world, safety and prevention require a new form of security professional. Cybersecurity professionals keep many different kinds of information systems safe.

Learn more about the current demand and future job outlook for cybersecurity specialists.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently 168,900 cybersecurity professionals employed in the country, but this number does not tell the whole story.

2022 saw a jaw-dropping 40% increase in cyberattacks compared with the previous year. While there are likely multiple reasons for the rise in cybercrime, the need for more cybersecurity specialists is a clear result.

Accordingly, the number of cybersecurity professionals employed in the US has increased by 50% since 2019.

There is no sign of this growth and demand slowing down, either. Employment of cybersecurity professionals in the US is expected to increase by an additional 32% over the coming decade.

In many cases, organizations are suffering from increased risk while searching for qualified professionals to fill vacant roles. Job roles for cybersecurity specialists are currently growing at twice the rate of the workforce.

Reasons for Growth

It is clear that qualified cybersecurity professionals are in extremely high demand. Individuals interested in cybersecurity careers should understand the reasons behind this trend.

Technology tends to have an exponential effect by creating new platforms that give rise to further technologies and applications. In periods of rapid growth, many emergent technologies may hit the market simultaneously.

Cybercriminals may attempt to take advantage of new platforms and systems before all weaknesses are fully understood.

The shift to remote work is another reason for the increased demand. As organizations require more individuals to access sensitive data remotely, hackers have more areas to target.

Another relevant trend is the recent increase in telehealth and digital health services. These systems handle highly sensitive information that may be targeted for uses such as identity theft.

Finally, additional vacancies are being created by a significant portion of the workforce either retiring or transitioning to other occupations.

In-Demand Specializations

While cybersecurity is undeniably a hot field as a whole, it contains many different specializations and career tracks within it. Individuals should consider areas of cybersecurity that are experiencing especially high demand.

A job role experiencing extremely high demand is cybersecurity engineer. Cybersecurity engineers are advanced professionals who create cybersecurity systems and software.

Penetration and vulnerability testers, sometimes called ethical hackers, are also needed.

How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist

There is a high demand for cybersecurity specialists, but individuals looking to enter the field should be aware of the training and qualification process.

Becoming a cybersecurity professional does not happen overnight. There are multiple pathways that can lead to a successful career but formal training is typically needed at some stage.

Degrees

In the past, cybersecurity professionals often held degrees in adjacent areas like computer science, information technology, or mathematics.

More recently, online cybersecurity programs have increased in popularity. Earning a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity may be the most straightforward way to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field and find professional opportunities.

As the field grows, opportunities to pursue advanced degrees in cybersecurity have also increased. Individuals with graduate degrees in cybersecurity will likely be qualified for senior roles in the field.

Bootcamps and Certifications

Due to the critical shortage of cybersecurity specialists, more rapid forms of training are also needed.

Cybersecurity bootcamps can often be completed remotely in short periods such as one to six months. Bootcamps may be ideal for individuals with professional experience in related fields.

Most bootcamps will prepare students to sit for common certification tests.

Some of the most common certifications include:

• Certified Information Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security +
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Systems Security Certified Professional (SSCP)

Skills Needed for Success in Cybersecurity

Although there is a shortage of cybersecurity professionals, it is still a highly competitive field that places certain demands and requires specific skills.

Due to the need to combat innovative cybercriminals and hackers, cybersecurity specialists must be able to take multiple perspectives and think logically about future possibilities in complex situations.

Computer science is also a foundational skill in cybercrime. Individuals who can use mathematical reasoning, develop software, and design programs will always be needed.

Cybersecurity professionals also work in teams and organizations so professional communication skills and leadership ability are also very valuable.

Find a Cybersecurity Program Today

Individuals can take advantage of the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals by gaining qualifications and entering the field. Finding a cybersecurity program that fits your needs and career goals is the first step.