JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
In today’s evolving and advancing world, there is one thing that is certain: Cybersecurity is increasingly important. In the past, cybersecurity was pushed off to the IT department and it wasn’t given a second thought. In today’s world, that is not an option. Things are becoming more interconnected every single day. Because of this, the available options for attackers is continuing to grow. With all this in mind, it’s no wonder more people are becoming involved in cybersecurity and even baseline users are encouraged to adhere to strict safety standards.
Cybersecurity: Your next job?
Everything is on a network. Physical security systems (think locks, cameras, etc.), industrial control systems (think power plants, water treatment facilities, etc.) and even your own home are all connected by the internet, increasing the need exponentially for cybersecurity professionals. In 2015, Symantec projected a shortfall of 1.5 million in cybersecurity talent. That means 1.5 million job openings.
Another thing to keep in mind is that people are transitioning from their normal positions. The demand is so high that companies are training people from different careers, such as a software engineer or physical security specialist, to cybersecurity-related positions every day.
Cybercrimes are costing the world around $5 trillion annually. This is an absurd amount of money that hackers are costing companies and organizations. This threat and financial loss means highly lucrative salaries and very competitive benefits for cybersecurity-minded professionals.
Because of this rise in the need for cybersecurity professionals, the training and education has had to evolve as well. Many schools are now offering cybersecurity-specific degrees, not just IT and computer science ones. The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security also sponsor a new program called Center of Academic Excellence. Through this program, they recognize college degree programs that meet their stringent criteria.
If you think you’d enjoy coming to work to a new challenge every day, a potentially lucrative salary, completive benefits, and always staying one step ahead of the world’s hackers, perhaps a role in cybersecurity is for you.
Online safety measures
Whether or not you have interest in a career in cybersecurity, the field is still one worthy of attention.
When you are on the job – whether it’s at a corporate office, local restaurant, healthcare provider, academic institution or government agency – your organization’s online safety and security are a responsibility we all share. And, as the lines between our work and daily lives become increasingly blurred, it is more important than ever to be certain that smart cybersecurity carries over between the two.
As part of online safety at work, everyone in your organization should make sure that, at a minimum, they’re following the below safety measures:
- Software updates – The most fundamental thing you can do to insulate yourself from cyber threats is to update the software on all your devices regularly. This goes for desktop/laptop computers, phones, tablets and apps.
- Passwords – Always use strong, unique and complex passwords that are different for each account.
- Social Media – Be careful which photos and videos you choose to post online. Keep in mind that photos taken with phones have specific data included within them about where they were taken and when.
- Online ads/shopping – Phishing attacks are on the rise and are one of the most common methods that bad actors use to collect personal information. Be vigiliant.
- Awareness -- Educate yourself and be aware of evolving threats.
Whether you are in the field as an expert with a career in making your client's online experience safer or even if you're just an average user, cybersecurity is everyone's job.