Cybersecurity as a career

According to The US Bureau of Labor Statistics' Information Security Analyst's Outlook, cybersecurity jobs are among the fastest-growing career areas nationally.

If you are looking for a career in cybersecurity, this is the blog you need to read. All your questions that you have ever asked, ever thought of, and never thought about are being answered here. As one of the leading experts in this arena, we are here to help you not just find a path carved in this niche space. Bring an elaborate strategy to your educational career. Connect with us via your college, and let’s get the ball rolling.

Let’s delve deeper into the topic of discussion. What is cybersecurity?

According to Cisco, Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at assessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes.

Market Demand

Jobs requesting public cloud security skills remain open 79 days on average — longer than almost any other IT skills, according to Cyber Seek.

Implementing effective cybersecurity measures is especially challenging today. Thanks to the need to stay online and connected, there are more devices than people. Hackers and attackers are becoming more innovative, thereby adding pressurizing companies to enhance their cybersecurity measures. This enhances the requirement of skilled and qualified professionals in this space to safeguard their information as well as intellectual property.

Industry standards

As people rely on technology to manage their daily lives as well as business processes, the threat of cybercrime continues to escalate. What makes cybersecurity rather special is that it is a niche area. Traditional IT professionals would neither be trained nor qualified to tackle security breaches or execute preventative measures. It is critical that organizations invest in cybersecurity specialists to protect their valuable assets online. It is not just about safety and security but privacy also that is at stake. Industry standards demand the presence of specific skill-sets along with the right attitude to prevent and solve security breaches.

“In 2021 alone, the country will require some 70,000 people with crucial skills such as application development security, cloud security, risk management, threat intelligence, incident response, data privacy, security strategy, and health information security. However, we still do not have enough people in cybersecurity.’ quotes Kamal Karanth, co-founder, Xpheno, a specialist staffing firm. “The demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to rise 200% in the next four years”.

Cybersecurity Talent Crunch To Create 3.5 Million Unfilled Jobs Globally By 2021-22: The New York Times

byteXL’s contribution

It is critical for organizations of all sizes to secure their IT infrastructure at all times. The focus is on communications, data, service and product understanding, business processes, and technical knowledge. Keeping in mind the dire need for cybersecurity, byteXL brings together a team of industry experts, experienced professionals, and highly qualified professors to collaborate with colleges and universities. The goal is to strengthen the cybersecurity skills and knowledge of the students from early on, keeping in mind emerging technologies and current market demands.

Required skill-set for students

Nowhere is the workforce-skill gap more pronounced, as in cybersecurity. According to MIT, less than one out of every four candidates applying for a cybersecurity job are qualified to execute it flawlessly. According to CyberCrime Magazine, despite industry-wide efforts to reduce the skills gap, the open cybersecurity headcount in 2021 will be enough to fill 50 football stadiums.

Until we enhance and reinforce the education and training with industry-relevant topics, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity requirements, we will be outpaced by Black Hats. Skill shortage in this space is impacting business at critical levels as data security is at risk.

byteXL assists students in the following ways to further upgrade their skills to a level of job readiness.

  • Instructor-led online training for your selected career track
  • Dedicated career counselor
  • Gain real-time experience with live project
  • Invitation to byteXL soft skill workshops
  • One year of subscription to ‘Explore,’ a self-learning coding platform
  • Placement support
  • Access to CRT

byteXL ties up with Fortinet NSE for a strong curriculum and amplified certification that is globally recognized. Fortinet NSE Certification program is designed to provide interested technical professionals with an independent validation of their network security skills and experience. ByteXl’s program includes a wide range of self-paced and instructor-led courses, as well as practical, experiential exercises that demonstrate mastery of complex network security concepts. Ranked third in network security, this certification provides its holder the gateway to some of the best cybersecurity jobs in the world.

Career path

If you are still over the fence about why cybersecurity is the right career for you, or if you are looking for more answers, please read more.

  • Are cybersecurity jobs in demand?
    The report states that the cybersecurity field is currently experiencing a 43% talent shortage, with skills such as application development security, cloud security risk management, threat intelligence, data privacy, and security most in demand. (Source: Economic Times).

    According to Burning Glass Technologies, a leading labour market analytics firm, the top 10 fastest-growing cybersecurity skills show employers are ready to pay more for workers who are equipped to prevent attacks before they occur. These professionals are expected to build a secure digital ecosystem from the ground up. (Source: Study International)

  • What are the top skills required for cybersecurity professionals?
    The two fastest-growing skills are application development security and cloud security. A professional in this field would proactively build secure systems from the start rather than just respond to attacks. These skills also represent crucial infrastructure for the modern economy, covering the apps on smartphones and the cloud storage businesses depend upon. Demand for these skills over the next five years is projected to grow 164% and 115%, respectively. (Source: Study International)

  • Cybersecurity - where to start?
    Start with the first year in college. Connect with byteXL via your college, decide the track you are interested in and sign up for your personalized programs that will help you achieve your career goals and get job-ready by the time you graduate.

  • Which cybersecurity career is best for me?
    Based on the Burning Glass analysis of employer demand in postings, the skills projected to grow the fastest in the next five years are: application development security (164%), cloud security (115%), risk management (60%), threat intelligence (41%), incident response (37%), compliance and controls (36%), data privacy and security (36%), access management (32%), security strategy and governance (20%), and health information security (20%). Understand where your interest lies and build upon your passion to become a cybersecurity professional.

  • Who needs cybersecurity?
    In a word, everybody. With COVID-19 driving a worldwide shift to remote work and online learning; and increasing concerns around data security, cybersecurity is an increasingly critical requirement for all entities.

  • Is Cybersecurity a good career choice?
    Without a doubt, yes. It has a very promising career outlook and provides the professional with a progressive growth path. The New York Times even reported that there would be 3.5 million open cybersecurity jobs this year.