skill shortage employment jobs career salary Cybersecurity Talent Crunch

Uploaded on 2019-12-20 in JOBS-Careers, FREE TO VIEW

There is a serious shortage of cybersecurity professionals and the gap is expected to lead to at least three and a half million jobs being vacant within the next year according to the experts at Cybersecurity Ventures - an increase of 2.5 million since 2014.

This cyber employment figure has been validated by hundreds of media outlets, including the world’s largest, as well as industry associations, universities, governments, vendors, recruitment firms, and security experts. According to (ISC2) there are currently nearly 3 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide and employees who take on these roles play a key role in the enterprise.

As cybercriminals grow more sophisticated and news of major hacks reach headlines nearly daily, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand.

Data breaches can cause devastating financial losses and affect an organisation’s reputation for years. From lost business to regulatory fines and remediation costs, data breaches have far reaching consequences.The annual Cost of a Data Breach Report, conducted by the Ponemon Institute and sponsored by IBM Security, analyzes data breach costs reported by 507 organisations across 16 geographies and 17 industries. hey found the average cost of a data breach worldwide is about $3.62 million.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity and don't know where to start, here's your go-to guide to salaries, job markets, skills, and common interview questions in the field.

Why is there an increased demand for cybersecurity professionals?

Cybercrime has exploded in the past couple of years, with major ransomware attacks such as WannaCry and Petya putting enterprises' data at risk. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has also opened up new threats. To protect their information and that of their clients, companies across all industries are seeking cybersecurity professionals to secure their networks.

However, many enterprises face difficulties filling these positions: 55% of US organisations reported that open cybersecurity positions take at least three months to fill, while 32% said they take six months or more, according to a 2017 ISACA. And 27% of companies said they are unable to fill cybersecurity positions at all.

Cybersecurity remains a relatively new field compared to other computer sciences, so a lack of awareness is part of the reason for the talent shortage, according to Lauren Heyndrickx, CISO at JCPenney. Misconceptions about what a cybersecurity job actually entails are common, and might be part of the reason few women and minorities go into the field, she added.

Women now make up 24% of the cybersecurity workforce, and 45% of those women are millennials, according to an and it's likely that these numbers will continue to grow over time.

A job in cybersecurity can also command a high paycheck: The average salary for an information security analyst in the US is $98,350, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics and it's significantly higher in cities such as San Francisco and New York.

The shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals has led many organisations to seek other non-traditional candidates to fill these roles. To help those interested in the field better understand how to break into a career in cybersecurity, we've pulled together the most important details and resources.

Why is there an increased demand for cybersecurity professionals? Cybercrime has exploded in the past couple of years, with major ransomware attacks such as WannaCry and Petya putting enterprises' data at risk. To protect their information and that of their clients, companies across all industries are seeking cyber professionals to secure their networks.

What are some of the cybersecurity job roles? A career in cybersecurity can take the form of various roles, including penetration tester, chief information security officer (CISO), security engineer, incident responder, security software developer, security auditor, or security consultant.

What skills are required to work in cybersecurity? The skills required to work in cybersecurity vary depending on the position and company, but generally may include penetration testing, risk analysis, and security assessment. Certifications, including Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are also in demand, and can net you a higher salary in the field.

Where are the hottest markets for cybersecurity jobs? Top companies including Apple, Lockheed Martin, General Motors, Capital One, and Cisco have all been hiring cyber professionals in recent years. Industries such as healthcare, education, and government are most likely to suffer a cyberattack, which will probably lead to an increase in the number of IT security jobs in these sectors.

What is the average salary of a cybersecurity professional? The average salary for a cybersecurity professional depends on the position. For example, information security analysts earn a median salary of $98,350 per year, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics. Meanwhile, CISOs earn a median salary of $221,991, according to Salary.com. Salaries are significantly higher in certain cities, such as San Francisco and New York.

What are typical interview questions for a career in cybersecurity? Questions can vary depending on the position and what the specific company is looking for, according to Forrester analyst Jeff Pollard. For entry and early career roles, more technical questions should be expected. As you move up the ranks, the questions may become more about leadership, running a program, conflict resolution, and budgeting.

Where can I find resources for a career in cybersecurity? ISACA, (ISC2)), ISSA and The SANS Institute are national and international organisations where you can seek out information about the profession as well as certification and training options. A number of universities and online courses also offer cybersecurity-related degrees, certifications, and prep programs.