Publish on May 12, 2021

Cybersecurity: What Is It, and Why Is It an Incredible Career?

Candlefox

We look at the cybersecurity field and what it means to have a career in this rapidly expanding sector.

Cybersecurity is an essential service that quietly runs in the background and protects computer programs and networks from digital attacks.

These cyberattacks can be devastating on a personal or business level. They can even shut down entire global infrastructures that are crucial to the wellbeing of millions of people.

The Aura 2020 Cyber Security Market Research Report found that more than half of the participating New Zealand businesses were successfully targeted by cyber-attacks. 1 in 5 companies reported computer security breaches leading to severe disruptions.

As the world evolves with technological advancements, the priority of security is only set to become higher. As a result, cybersecurity experts who belong to this incredible workforce find themselves a crucial part of a booming industry.

Why is cybersecurity a promising career?

During the global pandemic, organisations have had a considerable increase in employees working from home. This has added even more risk of cyber threats and, as a result, has required re-working and different implementation of security measures.

The response to the effect of Covid-19 plus other factors has resulted in high industry growth worldwide. According to this recent article, the International Data Corporation expects that the worldwide spend on data security could be up to USD 133.7 billion by 2022. Grand View Research predicts an entire industry growth for cybersecurity of 10.9% from 2021 to 2028.

With the high demand only expected to ramp up, people from all kinds of backgrounds could find they have transferable skills that align with a new role in cybersecurity. Interested in the field, but unsure if you’ve got the right experience? You might need less than you think. It’s never been a better time to pivot your career and become essential to the safety of an organisations core operating system.

What training is required?

While there are no specific requirements to enter many cybersecurity roles, having training or work experience in the IT field is highly favourable to future employers.

Advanced training would be dependent on the area of expertise you wish to focus on. With a vast selection of cybersecurity courses available in New Zealand, there is an option for those with or without IT experience to propel themselves into an exciting new career.

Here are just a few.

If you have prior IT knowledge

IT Security Collection

Study method: Online
Duration: 6 months full-time

Cyber Security Collection

Study method: Online
Duration: 6 months full-time

If you’re new to IT

Cyber Security Career Starter Course Collection

Study method: Online
Duration: 180 hours self-paced

New Zealand Certificate in Computing (Intermediate User)

Study method: Online
Duration: 60 weeks part time

What career paths can cybersecurity lead to?

Thousands of complex computer systems and information-dense networks in the ever-changing world of digital data has opened doors for many booming careers in cybersecurity.

From entry-level positions to senior roles, the possibilities are endless, and with the evolving nature of the field creating specialist opportunities for new roles all of the time, we find it easier to break down the job types into three categories:

Security management

Roles within this area would involve overseeing the management of cybersecurity practices being used in an organisation.

They would require a deep understanding of the implementation of security systems but would not be as involved in the highly technical aspects.

Someone in this role would likely use soft skills in communicating with stakeholders in a business and offer end-user operational support.

Technical operations

As the heading suggests, a role in this area would have a deeper involvement in technical processes, data, IT systems and networks.

The aim would be more to detect threats and data breaches, actively responding as a defence.

Senior leadership

Like any industry, cybersecurity needs leaders.

Senior management needs to have all the technical skills in the industry. They are also people who oversee entire protection processes, manage employees, and ensure that clients receive the services they require.

Is cybersecurity the right career for you?

Having particular personality traits and inherent skill sets can be a great advantage in a cybersecurity career. It can be a fast-paced job that requires a clear, analytical mind, self-confidence and a willingness to learn at all times.

Skills to develop a successful career in cybersecurity would be:

Close attention to detail
Composure under pressure
Confidence in Information Technology
Willingness to learn from mistakes
Adaptability
Quick-thinking
Problem-solving
Technical skills

Cybercrime continues to be an expanding and significant problem in all workplaces. Organisations are advised now, more than ever, to prioritise cybersecurity as an essential business function.

So, with the growing need for more professionals in this sector and so many avenues a cybersecurity job can take, you could be just what the industry needs.