If you’re considering a career in cyber security (and we think you should be), you’re not alone. More and more IT professionals are specializing in cyber security, and for a number of great reasons. Digital technology is constantly evolving, and every type of technology needs to be protected from hackers. While many IT professionals see the need for increased security, they may not recognize the need for specialized, state-of-the-art training to advance their cyber security career. If you have the knowledge, skills, and passion to seriously pursue a job in cyber security, you will be in a great position to reap the benefits.
Cyber Security Needs You Now More Than Ever
Before we get to the benefits, let’s look at the reality. Although there are many positions available within the cyber security field, too many applicants do not have the proper qualifications. Until very recently, college degrees and other programs often put little to no emphasis on cyber security. As a result, many IT professionals lack the in-depth knowledge and understanding of security risks and concerns needed to create and implement appropriate security measures. A recent survey studied more than 500 cybersecurity technicians from nearly 300 companies and found than a vast majority of employees lacked basic computer skills from one or more of the following categories:
● Networking
● Data and cryptology
● Common exploitation techniques
● Linux
● Programming
● Computer architectures
The right cyber security certificate program will teach you the skills you need for a successful career from day one. Through a combination of study and hands-on experience, you can earn the certifications and knowledge you need to fill the gap in the cyber security job market.
Cyber security needs you. But why should you pursue cyber security? Here are three terrific reasons.
A Growing Market
The explosion of technology in every aspect of our lives means the cyber security field is experiencing rapid growth. There are currently more than one million cybers ecurity positions, and that number is expected to keep growing at an incredible rate. A growing market is great news for you, because it means higher wages, rapid advancement, and practically zero unemployment. But that only works if you have the skills that companies need.
Too many people in the IT field don’t have the right background and certifications for cyber security. Companies expect every applicant for an IT position to have a basic understanding of security, but that’s not enough. Far too many IT professionals lack the specialized skills and knowledge to correctly implement security procedures. Similarly, many cyber security experts lack basic computer skills that are necessary for designing and implementing an effective security program. Both types of knowledge are essential for a position in the cyber security field, and having them means you are almost guaranteed to find the job you want.
Real-World Impact
A career in cyber security is more than just a paycheck. It means making a real difference in the world. You are not only protecting websites, but corporate information and medical records. You are stopping identity theft and credit card fraud. Cars, robots, airplanes, power grids, and even modern pacemakers can be hacked, and it is up to cyber security experts to prevent it.
Working in cyber security means you are protecting and improving people’s lives. You can sleep better at night knowing that you didn’t just punch a timeclock, you made the world a better place.
Building on Your Existing Skills
Every IT professional needs strong basic skills, and cyber security is no exception. While you will need to expand your skillset and gain new knowledge to deal with security threats, you will still be using everything you learned before. Seek out training and certification programs that build on your core IT strengths. The best courses offer guided, hands-on experience to ensure you are ready to apply your skills right out of the gate.
Working in cyber security also means your skills are always up to date. You will be working with constantly changing, state-of-the-art tools in your work every single day. While other IT professionals face the danger of slow stagnation, your skillset will be the latest and greatest. If you do ever decide to leave cyber security, you’ll be in the perfect position to move into any other IT field.
Write Your Own Ticket
Cyber security can provide you with a stable, rewarding career. A growing market means you will always be able to find a job. The satisfaction of knowing you are protecting the innocent and making the world better is terrific. And not only do you get to apply all of your existing skills, you will be constantly learning new ones. By investing now in the right cyber security certification programs, especially ones that emphasize practical hands-on learning, you can help ensure that you have the skills and know-how that employers want, and the career you deserve
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