People these days are more into their electronic devices. To this, cybercriminals have innovative ways to gain access to these devices. For example, we all remember the Facebook data breach. Facebook experienced data breach, exposing sensitive data from 533 million accounts.
Even Mark Zuckerberg, the company’s founder and CEO, had his private credentials exposed as part of the bigger data leak from 2019. Hence, implementing strong cybersecurity measures is challenging.
Table of Contents
What exactly is Cybersecurity?
Before that let’s understand what a cyber attack is.
What is a Cyber Attack?
A cyber attack is an attempt by external or internal hazards or attackers. It breaches the privacy and security of an organization’s or individual’s data/system.
In other words, cyber attackers use unlawful techniques to damage the computers. Also, they infiltrate devices, networks, apps, and databases. Likewise, they gain unauthorized access to these systems.
Types of Cybersecurity Threats
Let’s have a brief look at the types of Cybersecurity threats.
Phishing
Phishing is the act of sending fake emails that look like they came from a credible source. The goal is to steal sensitive data such as credit card details and login credentials. It’s the most common kind of cybercrime.
One such example of phishing is identification of phishing websites post the pandemic.
Since the start of the pandemic, over 5,000 pandemic-related phishing websites have been identified.
Cybercriminals utilise a variety of fraudulent payment offers and discounted COVID-19 tests as one of their most popular scams.
Ransomware
Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files and holds them hostage. Certainly, its purpose is to extort money by preventing access to files or systems until one pays the ransom. But, payment of the ransom does not ensure the recovery of the files or the restoration of the system.
Accenture was apparently targeted by a hacking team that used LockBit Ransomware and threatened to leak the data. The company claimed that impacted systems were recovered from backup with no disruption on operations or clients’ infrastructure.
Malware
Malware is a form of software intended to get unauthorized access to computer systems to harm it. Recently, the government was responding to a report conducted by a private US firm saying that a China-linked organisation used malware to attack India’s power grid system.
Rate of Cyber Threat
The increasing number of data breaches indicates that global cyber threat is increasing. Most of the criminals target medical services, merchants, and government institutions. Malignant criminals are responsible for the majority of cyberattacks.
Besides, as they gather financial data, some industries are particularly attractive to cybercriminals. Cybercriminals collect customer information to make any financial fraud or consumer assaults.
Importance of Cybersecurity
The government, businesses, financial institutions, and medical facilities use computers to store data. Since they get, process, and store sensitive personal data, cybersecurity is essential. Moreover, unauthorized access or exposure to this data can have negative consequences.
Organizations preserving information about national security, health, or financial records need cybersecurity. As a result, this will protect sensitive data and reduce cyber threats.
To understand the importance of cyber security, here are some facts and figures:
Financial services invest 10% of their IT spending on cybersecurity, according to a recent report by Deloitte and the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Centre. This equates to 0.2 percent to 0.9 percent of total income, or $1,300 to $3,000 per full-time employee.
Cybersecurity as a Career Option
Cybersecurity experts are in high demand. As discussed above, cybercrime is increasing every day. A job in cybersecurity may be both rewarding and stressful. The gap between cybersecurity specialists and cybersecurity challenges demands cybersecurity experts globally.
Cybersecurity specialists are responsible for safeguarding the organization’s data. Further, these specialists’ responsibility is to ensure the security of the organization’s data. The industry offers a wide range of opportunities. From entry-level professions like Network Administrator to advanced ones like Cyber Security Architect.
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is high. Cybersecurity professions are one of the fastest-growing professional sectors in the United States, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Information Security Analyst’s Outlook.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity employment would expand at a rate of 31% through 2029, more than seven times faster than the national average of 4%. Having a college degree is a start for a career in this field. Yet, it isn’t always the best way.
Cybersecurity experts are certification holders who receive extensive training besides a college degree. Having a training certificate in cybersecurity is the best way to start a career. Additionally, some soft skills will assist you to prosper in a cybersecurity career.
It is always better to have hands-on training to grow as a cybersecurity professional. So, as you work, you will gain considerable skills. The soft skills such as problem solving, coding, and quick learning proves beneficial.
Job Role as a Cybersecurity Professional
To become a cybersecurity expert, you can take a variety of paths. As a starting point, you must go for an entry-level position in the field. Additionally, the necessary training and expertise are essential to proceed. Moreover, cybersecurity experts may expect quick growth. That’s because of growing demand for the profession.
It doesn’t matter what business you work. Cybersecurity experts have a lot of options. To begin a career in cybersecurity, you may choose from a variety of job responsibilities.
Some of the job roles one can expect are:
Security Architect:
The Security Architect is in charge of security system strategy, implementation, and testing. They safeguard data against hackers, viruses, and DDoS assaults. Because this is a senior-level role, you should receive appropriate training and certification. The security architect’s task is to secure the network using appropriate firewalls.
Security Consultant:
The Security Consultant is a versatile and tech-savvy individual protecting the company’s data. They comprehend and assess a wide range of security systems in various sectors. They can also provide technical help as necessary.
Cryptographers:
Cryptographers are network security experts who create code that hackers can’t decrypt. If you enjoy coding, this is a mid-senior-level position that you will appreciate.
Penetration Tester:
A penetration tester identifies the system’s flaws and gaps that hackers can exploit. Ethical hackers are another name for them. They can test the network, online application, or product using various techniques. They also keep track of the study and findings for future reference.
Some other roles include:
- Security Auditor
- Security Director
- Security Specialist
- Source Code Auditor
- System Administrator
- Security Analyst
What’s next?
Aspirants might seek courses that provide them with a basic grasp of components. It’s critical to examine the course material and determine if it’s future-proof. So, gaining hands-on experience is vital.
The job needs understanding basic or advanced cybersecurity principles apart from technical degree. Also, it demands cybersecurity work experience, certification requirements, and awareness of regulatory laws.
Certain mid-level and upper-level cybersecurity roles may need writing and comprehending coding.
A job in cybersecurity might be demanding, but it can also be rewarding. A cybersecurity professional’s duties vary, but the position may let you work only for one function. And that is preventing the company information from getting exposed because of cyberattack.
Ok, I like Cybersecurity.
Should I give a sh*t about which industry to work for?
It’s tough not to, here are 2 reasons why –
- It’s what you’ll be living and breathing during your professional life (~160-hours every month – thats like binge watching all 236 episodes of Friends , twice – That long!)
- Industry expertise matters – 8/10 professionals agree switching industries is pain in the a*s
Have a sneak peek at these google searches around industry switching –
I hope you are able to get an idea of what I am trying to highlight –
Choosing the right industry will solve 80% of your future career problems while others will still be figuring out why they hate going to work so much.
Top 3 Industries for Cybersecurity
Other important industries –