Consider transitioning to a Career in Cyber Security

The information Technology industry is one that has over the decades experienced fast paced growth and has impacted on people’s political, economic and social standing in copious ways. Technology has disrupted many industries, changing and redefining the way services are delivered from manufacturing, agriculture, marketing to medicine. Amidst all this magnificent development, another industry was born, the world of cyber security. Like they say in physics that “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction”. The heavy losses incurred by firms and individuals through cyber-crime has created a need for an equal response. The cybersecurity industry has germinated to counter the devastating effect of cybercrime which has since been dubbed the “world’s fastest” growing industry. Motivated by easy pickings, driven by skill and having the patience of a chameleon, “black hats” as they have come to be known have operated under the radar for a long time. With some of these criminals being funded by well-resourced organisations and to some extent by governments, they have managed to successfully carry out some of the world’s biggest information heists. Arguably among some of the greatest information swoops of all time is the J.P Morgan Chase hack which saw the bank losing information on 75 million of its customers. Cyber security has thus become a sign of hope and a pinnacle of defense against such barbaric acts which some governments have taunted as acts of terrorism.

The changing technology landscape entails that more opportunities are being availed by the increasing demand in skilled, motivated workforce especially in the area of cyber security as it is famously known. In the United States alone, US Department of Labor predicts the career landscape for cyber security will increase by 28% from 2016 to 2018. This increase is much faster than the average for all occupations in all sectors of the economy. Below is an extract of summary of statistics presented by the US department of Labour;

This huge demand entails that transition into information security is a worthwhile option for many. The growing criminal activity also has seen governments enacting legislation to protect themselves, and entities operating with their jurisdictions. Such moves have also seen service providers being required to provide specified levels of protection to information. A case in point is the GDPR [General Data Protection Regulation] recently introduced in the European Union which businesses to protect the personal data and privacy of EU citizens for transactions that occur within EU member states with non-compliance could cost companies dearly. This requirement thus sees a surge in the amount of skilled professionals required to meet the obligations thrust upon firms by such legislation through services such as information systems audit and compliance.

The question of career transition therefore becomes key. As some careers are taken over by technology and the need for cyber security experts surges the call to join in is becoming even louder. With a qualification and experience in accounting, auditing or risk, and IT in general, it presents many with an opportunity to easily enter into information security. However, this should not be an impediment for those that are not in this domain. One simply needs to take an audit of their career, organisation and possible areas of entry. Key to all is the motivation, enthusiasm and drive to be a cyber security expert. So where does one start?

The initial step towards a career in information security commences with an audit of self and current situation and take steps to become an expert. The current information security landscape of the organisation provides one with the areas which one can enter into to exploit the opportunities available to them. Among some of the things that can be done, one needs to take on more information security related tasks or projects within their organisation and to be a leader on projects. As one charters a new career there is need to build goals that directly relate to the new performance initiatives. In this way, one will be able to begin the journey on a new path albeit with support from the manager. Lastly, networking with other employees and managers presents another clear repository which one can make use of in ensuring one remains on the path to repositioning themselves.

Perhaps one of the most critical steps, is acquiring enough skills for one to become a competent cybersecurity expert. The growing need for cybersecurity experts has also been heavily supported by the growing number of institutions which provide information security certification, skills and education. Among some of the notable certifications which have become highly regarded and rewarding in the industry include:

It is imperative to note that among the top ten certifications of 2017, five of them are security oriented certifications. Certifications provide one with requisite knowledge and skills to actively participate in information security programs. Therefore, this is major step towards transitioning into the information security arena.

The growing need for security experts provides one with an alternative career path. It takes zeal, enthusiasm, networking, initiative and focus to become the most sought after cyber expert. And as one leader said “If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting”. Why not start today? Why not start now?