Why a Career in Information Security is a Good Idea
Last Updated on February 28, 2022
Cyber security professionals help prevent losses from cybercrime by preventing, detecting and responding to attacks. The Department of Homeland Security estimates that cybercrime has a cost of nearly $400 billion annually worldwide based on time spent and money lost. As more of our daily activities come to depend on data stored on internet-connected systems, the opportunity for cyber crime increases as does the demand for trained cyber security, IT and information security trained professionals.
IT & Cyber Security Jobs in Demand
Organizations throughout government and industry are seeking qualified professionals to add to their information security teams. According to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by the Peninsula Press in 2015, there are over 200,000 cyber security job openings in the U.S.
IT and Cyber Security jobs are expected to be increasing. In 2015, Symantec CEO Michael Brown predicted that there will be 1.5 million more cyber security professionals needed worldwide by 2019 than will be available.
Cyber security professionals earn an average salary premium of nearly $6,500 per year more than other IT workers according to the Job Market Intelligence: Cybersecurity Jobs 2015 report published by Burning Glass Technologies.
Cyber & Information Security Positions
Cyber security jobs can be found in every industry and governmental agency. These positions go by a variety of different titles. Here are some that you will see:
- Security Engineer
- Security Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
- Information Security Engineer
- Network Security Engineer
- Information Technology Security Analyst
- Information Security Manager
- Information Assurance Engineer
- Senior IT Auditor
- Security Administrator
How to Start Your Cyber Security Career
Obtaining a relevant security certification is a good first step toward beginning a career in cyber security. If you don’t have any background in cyber security then the Security+ certification would be a good entry point. There are many benefits from a Security+ certification, but the most common includes the validation of baseline skills required to pursue the career.
If you already have some real world experience then you may choose to obtain a CISSP certification. The CISSP exam is rigorous and thorough. And CISSP certification requires five years of professional work experience in a related field.
You can make a difference in the world as a cyber security employee. Contact ONLC today and get started on your pathway to a cyber security career.
