Cybersecurity Industry: Careers, Skills, and Employment

Introduction: Technology and the Rise of Cybersecurity

Technology is quickly becoming one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world. As countries become more developed, they will rely more heavily on the efficiencies and benefits derived from technology solutions. Many industry experts believe that data will become the next frontier in technology and its future applications. Due to ongoing technological innovation, the possibilities and applications for large amounts of data are only beginning to emerge. Organizations such as IBM and Google are already using data to predict future weather trends, create self-driving cars, and automate renewable energy outputs within the grid. These innovations are designed not only to benefit corporate America but also to improve the quality of life for individuals around the world. The technology industry offers participants a lucrative, high-paying career along with the satisfaction of dramatically improving the lives of others (Bradford, 2017).

Unfortunately, the advancement of technology has also attracted participants who seek to harm others. Cyber warfare, according to some studies, has the potential to become the next battleground for rival countries. As technology has grown more prevalent in society, so too has the importance of cybersecurity. To help protect the livelihoods of individuals and the national security interests of the United States, the cybersecurity industry has emerged as a critical and expanding field.

Skills, Qualifications, and Career Paths

Most participants in the cybersecurity industry are highly skilled workers with knowledge of various computing languages and technology infrastructures. A college degree is not necessarily required to work in the field; however, an individual must be well-versed in computing terminology, software, programming languages, and related areas. As the industry is still in its early stages relative to more mature industries, there is no single defined career path. Individuals from various backgrounds can succeed within the industry as long as they have a passion for technology.

Most HR experts recommend beginning a cybersecurity career with an internship or apprenticeship. This allows new practitioners to become familiar with industry fundamentals while also learning the basics of database management, coding, and networks. Most importantly, an internship exposes individuals to real-world applications and IT procedures on a daily basis. Once an individual determines their interest in cybersecurity, they must identify their specific area of focus. Areas of specialization include email security, network security, forensics, security administration, web security, security software development, and others (Sundaram, 2017).

As it relates to personality characteristics, the ideal candidate must be passionate about technology, possess a team-oriented mindset, demonstrate strong communication skills, maintain a strong sense of integrity, and be capable of synthesizing large amounts of information to reach sound conclusions. These traits do not differ substantially from those valued in many other professions.

Employment Prospects, Salaries, and Benefits

Employment prospects within the cybersecurity industry are very favorable. Due to the expertise required, there are more available jobs than qualified candidates to fill them. The 2018 ISC² Cybersecurity Workforce Study estimated a shortage of nearly 498,000 cybersecurity professionals in the United States alone (ISC², 2018). As a result, entry-level salaries are much higher than the median household income in order to attract and retain qualified candidates. The typical starting salary for a cybersecurity professional is roughly $82,000 per year, a figure that can quickly rise above $100,000 depending on job location. Factors that typically influence salary include years of experience, previous responsibilities, technical expertise, and overall technological knowledge.

Benefits within most cybersecurity organizations tend to surpass those found in many other industries. For example, Google offers an 8% 401(k) match, childcare reimbursement, free health club memberships, options to work remotely full-time, $10,000 in annual tuition reimbursement, and the ability to purchase company stock at a reduced price.

The shortage of qualified candidates is largely attributable to the specific skills required for the job. Most cybersecurity leaders have backgrounds in information systems, coding, and mathematics. However, it is not uncommon to see individuals with degrees in history or philosophy succeed within the industry if they possess a genuine passion for technology. As such, the years of study and technical education vary considerably among candidates. Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor's degree or a certificate from a reputable technology program, while management positions generally require roughly ten years of relevant industry experience combined with demonstrated technical expertise. Unlike more bureaucratic organizations, cybersecurity firms tend to be flatter and more responsive, meaning that high-performing employees are noticed and promoted more readily (Kuss, 2018).