We Need More CyberHeroes

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and there’s no bigger “holiday” for those who work in information technology, digital safety and tech security. Okay, that might be a tiny exaggeration; However, it is safe to say this: cybersecurity professionals keep our internet and networks safe from hacking, data breaches, scams and fraud, and there simply aren’t enough cyberheroes doing the job. Just in 2017, data breaches hit a new record high of 1,579 breaches, indicating a drastic upturn of 44.7 percent increase over the record high figures the year before. Fortunately, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career in computer security or data protection. The theme for week two of NCSAM is to highlight the intense need for highly-skilled, dedicated professionals who are interested in the landscape of modern crime and warfare known as our computers and the internet. But who has the chance to become a superhero? Anyone! Only two years ago, there were an estimated one million unfilled jobs in the U.S. in the cybersecurity field, and that number is expected to be 3.5 million by 2021. There has never been a better time to consider this field, and there may have never been a more critical need than right now. 1. Middle school and high school – It’s never too early to begin learning about data breaches, information technology, cybersecurity and other tech-related subjects. Unfortunately, you’d be hard-pressed to find more than a few high schools even offering this type of course. There are some really dynamic online sources for teens, though, and the first step is simply to get students interested in the field and talking about the subject. 2. College and career – More and more colleges are offering cybersecurity degrees, and many of those schools even offer a fully online bachelor’s degree in the field (after all, you’re going to be working online a lot, you might as well earn your degree that way!). The programs have grown in number to the point that multiple sources have already ranked colleges’ and universities’ cybersecurity degree programs according to best value, best education, highest number of graduates working in their field and more. 3. Returning learners – For one reason or another, the average person changes careers between five and seven times during the span of their work life. Some of the reasons include better pay or benefits, more flexibility, a lack of opportunity in their previous field, or simply the chance to reinvent themselves after years in a fulfilling career. Cybersecurity is relatively new, it’s constantly evolving, it’s an incredibly high demand, and for some, it’s a job that a professional could do as a freelancer or from home. All of those factors make cybersecurity and information technology exciting possibilities for older, non-traditional or returning students. No matter why you consider the cybersecurity field, there’s never been a better time to take on the challenge. It’s a widely recognized and highly sought after area of study while also serving the greater good and protecting the public. (The $100,000+ average annual salary doesn’t hurt, either.) If you’re looking for an exciting opportunity that can offer you variety mixed with longevity, talk to a college, university or career counselor about cybersecurity.

Contact the Identity Theft Resource Center for toll-free, no-cost assistance at (888) 400-5530. For on-the-go assistance, check out the free ID Theft Help App from ITRC.

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