What is the Employment Outlook for Cyber Security Jobs?

The employment outlook for cyber security jobs is very good with cybersecurity rapidly becoming one of the most lucrative careers in Information Technology (IT). What makes these jobs such good options? It could be the fact that there are more cybersecurity job openings than there are people to fill them or the fact that they these jobs pay wages about three times the national average. It’s most likely a combination of both as well as the fact that these jobs can be challenging and extremely rewarding.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a term used to describe the practice of securing computer systems, networks and computer programs from digital intrusions and attacks. The attacks are generally an attempt to access, change or steal sensitive data as well as steal money. Implementing cybersecurity into a network and computer systems can be complex but is vital to the security of the system.

This is especially important now because the attacks are more innovative and, therefore, require better security measures. Cybersecurity involves not just fixing invasions and intrusions but implementing security to prevent them from entering the system. An effective cybersecurity system must also be current with all new viruses and malware.

What Jobs are in Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a large field that offers many job opportunities. Computers and the Internet are such a large part of our daily lives at home and at work. Security has become a huge problem in both of those areas, and many workers are needed to fill that demand. Cybersecurity offers the following job opportunities.

Information Security Analyst
Chief Information Security Officer
Cryptographer
Forensics Expert
Security Administrator
Security Architect
Lead Software Security Engineer
Penetration Tester

How to Become a Cybersecurity Professional

Becoming a cybersecurity professional requires completing training. The type of training required depends on the field of study the individual wants to pursue. Some training programs require nothing more than completing a certificate program while other cybersecurity jobs may require a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree. An information security analyst needs a bachelor’s degree whereas a computer support specialists may be hired with only an associate’s degree. A computer forensics manager would need a master’s degree. Most positions do require the candidate to obtain certifications.

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity Jobs

Professionals skillful in the area of cybersecurity are in demand, and it doesn’t appear that it will change in the near future. Cyber Defense Magazine states that about 1.8 million cyber security professionals will be needed to fill the demand by 2022. One of the top cybersecurity jobs is that of the information security analyst.

U.S. News & World Report ranked information security analyst No. 1 in Best Technology Jobs, No. 1 in Best STEM Jobs and No. 1 in the 100 Best Jobs. Information security analysts are expected to see a job growth of 35 percent by 2031 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). An average wage of $102,600 was earned by these specialists as of a 2021 bureau report.

When a large company is the victim of a cybersecurity breach, the damage can be devastating to the organization because these often result in not just stolen data but lost revenue as well. The excitement and satisfaction of knowing you’re the individual that solves the problem could be another reason why the employment outlook for cyber security jobs is so good.

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