India 
USA 
We spend more time in the cyber-world than in the real world. As technology evolves, this is expected to skew further in favour of the former. The last decade has seen a major transformation in the way we live our lives – from analogue to digital. This has also led to a surge in cybercrimes around the world. According to some experts, the next few years will see cybercrimes triple in number. Hence, we would need cyber security professionals to be ahead of the criminals.
Around 3.5 million cyber security jobs will be unfilled by 2021 ~Cybersecurity Ventures
Unfortunately, bridging this gap is not going to be easy. While the IT industry is working hard towards addressing this issue, many companies have started training their existing IT workforce to help manage their cyber security requirements. While this is a golden opportunity for any aspiring cyber security professional, the industry is marred by certain myths that are keeping learners away. In this article, we will bust those myths with reason, logic, and numbers.
Myth #1: You need a technical qualification to start a career in cyber security.
Fact
You can start a career in cyber security with non-technical positions too. Some such positions are technical writing, cyber policy analyst, etc. Once you start exploring the industry, you will find several non-technical positions that can help you make a career in cyber security.
Myth #2: It is for young employees only
Fact
Call it an influence of the movies where most cyber security experts are teenagers, there is no known correlation between age and cyber security practices. In fact, being a successful cyber security professional demands a thinking individual who can fix problems and get to the root of the cause. Teenagers might be more comfortable with technology but that does not make them the only set of people who can excel in cyber security.
Myth #3: This industry only hires experts in their fields
Fact
Any industry would love having only experts, but that is not practical. If you desire a career in cyber security, then you need to pick a path and stick to it. Technical or non-technical, this industry seeks people who are willing to put hard work into their careers, are determined, focused, and always willing to learn. Experts are not born out overnight, they are good learners in their jobs.
Myth #4:It can take years to learn basic skills to become a cyber security professional
Fact
There are many good cybersecurity programs that span 6-12 months. For example, TalentSprint in association with IIT Kanpur offers an Advanced Certification Program in Cyber Security and Cyber Defense. This is a 6-month hands-on program with seven main areas of focus:
- Shock and Awe
- Access Control
- Data Security
- Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
- Intrusion Detection System
- Honeypot
- Software Diagnosis
The program offers an optimum combination of academic proficiency along with a practical approach to help them master the skills that are in-demand in the cyber security industry.
Myth #5:Only big companies hire cyber security professionals
Fact
Smaller organizations are often the target because they think they are safe and therefore don’t invest in proper cyber security systems. If an organization is digitally connected, it’s already under the radar of hackers. This also explains the growing need for cyber security professionals among SMBs.
58% of data breach targets are small businesses
~ 2019 Data Breach Investigations Report, Verizon.
In a world where skills are abundant and job opportunities are shrinking, cybersecurity is an industry that is looking for professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and willingness to learn and grow with the industry. A career that allows you to be a part of the industry that makes the world a safer place is rewarding in all aspects. With these myths busted, we hope that you consider joining this industry and equip yourself with the necessary tools to fight cyber threats.
