The US has almost a million job openings in cyber security — here’s how to break in

If you’re feeling stuck in your current career, the Repotting Theory may be a solution to reinvigorate your life and your wallet. 

If you’re unfamiliar with this particular theory, it involves transitioning from one career field to another to keep your creativity and energy at high functioning levels.

Current vacancies in cybersecurity

As of May 2021, there is a current vacancy of 465,000 open cybersecurity positions across the United States. Government and private organizations alike are struggling to find qualified applicants to fill these critical roles.

While many of these positions embrace remote working options, most of the hiring locations are in Texas, Florida, Virginia, and California. 

The role of working in cybersecurity can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with the field. Television has Hollywood has created a perception of this field requiring insanely technical and complicated computer knowledge that only the most sophisticated hackers know how to navigate.

However, those with knowledge of the industry tell a different story.

The certifications needed to begin a career in cybersecurity

Tim Herbert, the executive vice president for research at CompTIA, said, “You don’t have to be a graduate of MIT to work in cybersecurity. It just requires someone who has the proper training, proper certification and is certainly committed to the work.”

A career in cybersecurity requires entry-level certifications such as Network+ or Security+, which can be obtained in as little as eight weeks through an online course. According to Michelle Moore, a University of San Diego instructor of cybersecurity operations, the average pay for pen testers, an entry-level cybersecurity position, can make $60,000 to $90,000 a year.

Moore also offered her insight to calm the fears of those uncertain about the skill level required for these positions. She said, “Cybersecurity is not rocket science, but it’s not like you can just walk in the door and take a job and pick it up like that, but the biggest problem is that people aren’t able to fill these positions because they’re not finding enough people who are skilled.”

The technical field is highly competitive for employers

One of the problems with filling vacancies in cybersecurity is that most students choose software development or artificial intelligence as their preferred career choice. However, the draw to cybersecurity may slowly be increasing as organizations are more willing to pay top dollar for skilled security employees.

Ransomware is increasingly common and can cause significant damage and losses to a company. Even corporate giants like Twitter, Barnes, and Noble, and Marriott were victims of cyber attacks in 2020.

One of the more notable ransomware attacks targeted the Colonial Pipeline, which owned and operated one of the most prominent underground fuel pathways. To quickly mitigate the damage caused by the hackers, the company agreed to pay a 5 million dollar ransom to the hackers to stop the intrusion. 

Even though government entities strongly advise against paying ransoms to hackers to avoid further incentives for attacks, Colonial Pipeline felt it was worth paying the ransom to avoid additional expensive interruptions.

Had the right cybersecurity expert been working for the company, the ransomware attack may have been thwarted and saved millions of dollars in losses and ransom funds.

If you’re interested in learning more about available cybersecurity positions, check out the Ladders job boards and opportunities for further information.