Cybersecurity is a fast-growing field of IT concerned with reducing the risk of an organization experiencing hacking or a data breach. In an annual survey by Enterprise Strategy Group with IT professionals in organizations across the globe, 45 percent of organizations said that they had a “problematic shortage” of cybersecurity skills in 2016, up from 42 percent in 2015 (Oltsik, 2019). Commercial, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations employ cybersecurity professionals. The fastest increases in demand for cybersecurity workers are in industries managing increasing volumes of consumer data such as finance, health care, and retail. However, the use of the term cybersecurity is more prevalent in government job descriptions.
Research the government agencies listed for cybersecurity focus. What is the intent of the agencies and core of their mission? How successful have they been in supporting cybersecurity? Is this intention woven into their mission statement and vision?
Familiarize yourself with the varieties and subtle differences in cybersecurity professions and describe your impressions. Are there new titles? More current? What are the differences and similarities (if any)? What skills, talents, or characteristics are needed to succeed in the professions you are examining?
Review information for cyber analysts and other titles in related areas. Which positions appeal to you? Why? Do you have experience in this field? What did you find interesting? What skills, certifications, or experience are needed to succeed in that position?
Security Consultant/Specialist/Intelligence
Protects computers, networks, software, data, or information systems against viruses, worms, spyware, malware, intrusion detection, unauthorized access, denial-of-service attacks, and an ever increasing list of attacks by hackers acting as individuals or as part of organized crime or foreign governments. These broad titles encompass any one or all of the other roles or titles tasked with cybersecurity.
