Cybersecurity has become one of the most in-demand professions these days due to the growing threat from hacking and other related activities. With systems increasingly going digital, either partially or completely, almost every bit of sensitive data about companies, governments, organizations, and individuals is available online, turning the World Wide Web into a battleground of sorts.
In 2022, the global tally for damages from cybercrime hit a staggering $8 trillion, with $10 billion of these losses reported from the U.S. alone. It comes as no surprise then that there are more than 3.5 million active job openings in the field around the world. In the U.S., cybersecurity employment has a growth rate of 35%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Furthermore, this field is expected to stay this hot and in demand for many years to come. Since the world’s future will be solely digital, cybersecurity professionals will be required extensively to tackle the threats in the market. So, if you plan to enter into the field or pick it as a profession, there couldn’t be a better time.
In case you are still looking for a reason to enroll in a cyber security online masters, here are some more to help your decision:
- Growing demand
An amazing career opportunity exists in cybersecurity due to the approximately 3.5 million job openings that are available globally. It is a field that offers considerable opportunities in a diverse variety of roles because there is an abundant need in the market as almost every business, whether small or large, requires some form of cybersecurity.
The unemployment rate across different cybersecurity domains is also zero, meaning that individuals pursuing a career in this field can get to work right after graduation. This is due to the fact that whatever specialization you may choose, there is always a need for it in the market. In fact, the current demand is exceedingly the supply rate at which professionals enter the field. Thus, there is a shortage that requires attention immediately.
- Diverse job opportunities
Cybersecurity is an extensive category where a lot of concentrations are on offer for professionals. It’s not just about identifying and mitigating threats against systems but also about protecting databases, cloud servers, and individual devices, just to name a few. On top of that, ethical hacking is also becoming relevant to reverse engineer threats and pinpoint loopholes in existing frameworks.
The prospects in cybersecurity are also not just broad because of numerous specializations. They are great because these jobs exist in every field imaginable. Almost every industry these days is going digital, bringing the threat of hacking to their doorstep. Healthcare, government departments, educational institutions, eCommerce stores, financial organizations, and almost every other segment are looking for professionals to bolster their cybersecurity processes.
- Financial benefits
The reasons for choosing cybersecurity as a profession just go on and on. The benefits are almost endless, from swift placements to the chance of working in diverse industries. And if financial stability and incentives motivate you, there is no shortage of those either. Cybersecurity professionals can make lucrative salaries in any industry across the globe.
In the U.S., for instance, a cybersecurity engineer can make over $150,000 a year, according to Glassdoor. This amount can be higher depending on the region, industry, and level at which an individual works. Even in freelance capacities, cybersecurity professionals can make great payouts every month, and this trend is expected to remain strong for the foreseeable future.
- Chance to earn a multitude of experience
Earning a qualification as a cybersecurity professional and choosing to pursue a career in this field opens the doors for you to gain unparalleled work experience. Most importantly, you can work with some of the leading organizations in every field. Whether you aspire to go to Google, Apple, Netflix, Spotify, or any other top brand, cybersecurity experience can get you there.
You’ll be surprised to know that even these giants from their respective industries are under threat from cybercrimes. If you follow the news, you’ll know Google itself has suffered a data breach in the past, and so have other organizations. Naturally, efforts are underway to strengthen the respective cybersecurity infrastructures to enhance the safety of users.
- Play a vital role in business stability
As a cybersecurity professional, your role in any organization can be integral to its survival and growth. Any company that suffers a hack or data breach can undergo a variety of damages. These are not just financial but also fall under various other umbrellas. For instance, the company’s reputation amongst stakeholders, especially customers, can take a hit.
Therefore, as a cybersecurity professional, you are working toward the organization’s integrity. As you develop and strengthen various protocols within the company, you solidify the business’s operations foundations. Simultaneously, you give the employees, suppliers, and customers confidence and empowerment by ensuring that their sensitive data is protected.
- Opportunity to mitigate threat aspects
Over time, cybersecurity infrastructures within organizations have strengthened considerably. However, there is still one chink in the armor, and that is humans. Human error is one of the most common causes of breaches and hacks. A hacker can send an anonymous or socially engineered message to an employee, tricking them into giving the malicious individual access to the company system or other private information.
As a cybersecurity professional, you can be in the primary position to mitigate the risk of such instances. You can pitch and execute various initiatives where employees are trained and made aware of the threats lurking around them. Since a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, you can improve modern systems’ vulnerabilities by reducing human error, as it can substantially damage any company.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity professionals are highly in-demand these days. With millions of jobs being created each year, global opportunities, and the chance to work in almost any industry of your choosing with secure and lucrative pay, it is by far one of the most promising career paths out there. For any motivated professional, cybersecurity can provide all the reasons to enter the field and become proficient at what they choose.
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