12 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Cybersecurity Career

Technology continues to advance and go beyond our imagination. However, it brings some consequences. We simultaneously see a rise in data losses and cybercrimes. According to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2024, a cyber attack is the top global business risk.

Fortunately, the cybersecurity field is coming to our rescue. Cyber security professionals safeguard digital systems and data against malicious threats and cyberattacks. As expected, the cyber security job market will increase in size. Cybersecurity Ventures reports that there will be 3.5 million unfilled jobs in 2025.

The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks underscore the critical need for skilled professionals in the cybersecurity field. Recent data highlights the substantial financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damages organizations face due to cyber incidents.

In the past five years, cyberattacks have cost British businesses approximately $55 billion in lost revenue, with affected companies experiencing an average revenue loss of 1.9%.

The 2024 CrowdStrike-related IT outage affected around 8.5 million Microsoft Windows devices globally, causing significant operational disruptions across various sectors, including airlines, banks, and healthcare services.

In July 2024, Delta Airlines experienced a major operational disruption due to a faulty CrowdStrike update, leading to the cancellation of approximately 7,000 flights and resulting in a lawsuit against CrowdStrike for over $500 million, significantly impacting the airline's reputation.

These examples illustrate the severe consequences of cyber incidents, emphasizing the urgent need for qualified cybersecurity professionals to protect organizations from such threats.

Let’s explore why cybersecurity is a good career choice for young professionals.

Exploring the Growing Need in Various Industries

Information Technology dominates the landscape. It fosters its growth and also provides expansion opportunities in other industries. Over the next 20 years, new technology roles will continue to emerge. We expect growth in the job market, particularly in AI, data migration, and cybersecurity.

Technology brings its risks simultaneously. The more we integrate technology into our daily lives and businesses, the more cyber attacks spread. This puts cyber security roles in high demand and importance.

Lucrative Salary Potential

The Cybersecurity roles will continue to maintain their importance in the coming years. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, vacancies in information technology will grow in the next 8 years. This is significantly faster than the average for all occupations in the US. This growth will result in 377,500 job openings in the US annually.

In May 2022, the median annual wage for IT occupations in the US was $100,530. This figure exceeds the median annual salary of all occupations in the US, which averaged $46,310. Cybersecurity roles command one of the highest salary ranges within the IT sector, averaging $112,000.

Consequently, the salary potential and the increasing demand for cybersecurity jobs are important reasons for choosing cybersecurity.

Navigating Through the Different Specializations in Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity ecosystem encompasses various elements like networks, systems, the cloud, and every employee in the organization. Any missing component poses significant risks.

This diversity results in a wide range of cyber roles and offers opportunities for domains. Cyber security is a dynamic field and it enables both horizontal and vertical mobility.

For instance, one can transfer from an Application Security Engineer to an Information Security Analyst role. One can move a career from an Incident Responder to a Network Security Analyst.

Some entry-level cyber roles are:

• Cloud Security Specialist
• Incident Response Engineer
• Information Security Engineer
• Application Security Engineer
• Network Security Specialist
• Risk and Compliance Specialist

Keeping Up with Evolving Technologies and Threats

Cybersecurity presents captivating opportunities, with various roles allowing for skill depth. It provides a continuous learning journey throughout your career.

A career in cybersecurity means staying updated and enhancing your skill set and knowledge. Cybersecurity experts keep pace with emerging threats and evolving technology.

Protecting Individuals and Organizations from Cyber Threats

The cybersecurity field not only presents career opportunities and good salaries but also instills a sense of mission. By protecting organizations and individuals from cyber threats, cyber professionals foster social responsibility.

Tackling New Problems Every Day

The cyber world offers many chances for success. Cybersecurity is not a field of day-to-day activities, but it remains engaging.

Each day presents fresh challenges, keeping things exciting. You might wake up to an incident and immediately fight the problems.

Although cybersecurity might seem like a solitary job, it encourages teamwork. During a crisis, the cyber team comes together, brainstorms, and solves problems as a group. This is why problem-solving skills are crucial for professionals in this field.

Remote Work Flexibility

Another advantage of cybersecurity is the remote and diverse nature of the job. Worldwide opportunities are available. With that in mind, we recommend focusing on on-site positions, especially in the initial years of your employment. This will help you to learn from experienced colleagues and gain valuable insights.

Strong Career Growth and Progression

Numerous jobs are at risk of becoming obsolete over the next two decades. The good news is that cybersecurity is not among them.

The type of cyber risks increase, and businesses are investing more to prevent security breaches. As a result, cybersecurity roles are gaining importance. This presents an excellent chance to advance your career and enhance your skills.

For individuals interested in continual skill improvement, the cybersecurity industry offers numerous growth opportunities. You can choose to focus on a particular aspect of cybersecurity and become an Analyst or Expert. Furthermore, you can advance to roles such as Security Architect, Team Manager, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

Opportunities for Certifications and Professional Development

Development opportunities are another motive why cybersecurity is a good career. One option for improving your cyber skills is through certifications. These credentials allow you to pivot your career path. It also enables you to acquire new skills and gain extensive experience.

• Some commonly recognized certifications are:
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Being Part of a Community

Unlike scenes of sole cyber professionals in movies, the cyber world requires teamwork. You can solve difficult problems collectively. You can learn and advance together as a team.

Cyber jobs offer the opportunity to be part of a community. First, you will cooperate with internal teams such as IT Operations, Compliance, Finance, Accounting, and HR. On a broader scale, you will become part of the cybersecurity community.

Following industry veterans and their insights is a perfect step to entering the community. These professionals are at the forefront of identifying threats. They analyze threats and fight against data breaches.

Industry veterans are good resources for talents during the learning journey. Who knows, perhaps you will become an industry expert yourself in the future.

Securing Digital Infrastructure on an International Scale

Cybersecurity threats exceed borders. As a result, cybercrime teams protect organizations across the globe. Cybersecurity professionals have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on an international stage.

Being at the Forefront of Technological Advancements

The final reason you should choose a cyber security career is to lead the change. Information security is advancing rapidly. This leads to the transformation of jobs, businesses, working styles, education, and, ultimately, people's social lives.

Being at the forefront of technological advancements motivates professionals. It enables them to adapt to changes quickly.

The question of why choose cybersecurity has clear answers. From high demand to salary potential, and growth opportunities to being part of a community, cybersecurity offers great advantages. You can watch the video and figure out more why you should consider a cybersecurity career.

Editor's Note: This blog was updated on December 5, 2024.