INSIGHT: Growing hacker threats make cybersecurity a great career choice

There are few jobs as cool and necessary as those in the cybersecurity realm. Cybersecurity professionals work on the cutting edge of technology, using highly refined computer-based training to keep cybercriminals at bay.

Cybersecurity is challenging as hackers are constantly updating their techniques to gain access to private data, which keeps the field interesting and new, but also requires professionals to constantly be on their toes. That being said, tools to learn about the field are constantly growing.

Industry set to explode

With so many cybercriminals working to steal private information, it’s no surprise that the cybersecurity market is set to boom in the coming years. Forbes reported that the global cybersecurity market is expected to hit $170 billion in 2020. With Gartner stating that the 2015 cybersecurity market is worth $75 billion, it’s clear that this sector is preparing itself for an explosion in the near future.

This massive increase in spending indicates two things:

•Executives are beginning to understand the threat a cyberattack poses to their company. While people have always known that cybercriminals can make off with data that could cost the company money, the real threat of reputational damage to a brand is getting recognized. And, it really makes sense from the point of view of the customer. No one wants to give their payment information to a business that has been attacked.

•A massive increase in cybersecurity jobs is coming. Much of the money spent on cybersecurity finds its way to the professionals working daily to keep companies safe; therefore, spending toward new jobs is more than likely.

However, therein lies a problem. Cybersecurity already has a huge number of empty jobs. Currently, Cisco found that there are 1 million cybersecurity positions worldwide that aren’t filled. As the market grows, new cybersecurity positions will increase, demanding more people to enter the field.

A global phenomenon

Although Cisco’s numbers are global, this is a major problem for the U.S. specifically. An analysis from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found 209,000 open cybersecurity positions across the country.

Modern organizations are already scrambling to find trained people to help keep hackers out of private data. But, on the bright side, it’s a great opportunity for those interested in computer-based training on cybersecurity.

Get ahead of it while you can

If you haven’t set your goals for the year, make it a point to receive training in cybersecurity. The industry is poised for a lot of growth, and the high number of vacant positions will give you multiple career options. Not only that, but you’ll also have a level of job security that you probably won’t be able to find elsewhere. So take the leap. Search local training centers for more on information security training and get that cybersecurity position you’ve always dreamed about.

Kara Flanagan is the product manager at New Horizons Computer Learning Centers

339-3221, ext. 1302

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Insight focuses on issues in the workplace, technology, sales and marketing, and small business. If you’d like to submit a column, contact Rosemary McCoy at rmccoy@ sfbusinessjournal.com or 977-3970.