Strengthening cybersecurity has become one of the most urgent — and universal — needs for both corporations and nation-states in recent years.
Regardless of geography, the size of the enterprise, the type of industry, or whether it operates in the public or private sector, organizations must tackle an increasingly challenging security landscape with phishing, ransomware, supply chain attacks, and a variety of artificial intelligence-powered attacks all posing significant threats. Countries face similar adversity with the complex and fast-changing threat environment. Not only do cybersecurity incidents often result in major financial, political, and legal distress, but they also undermine stakeholder trust, which can be even more damaging in the long term. Consequently, the board of directors and cabinet-level public sector leaders must develop capabilities to aptly manage cyber risks.
It is not high-level leadership, however, that must do the hands-on work of fending off attackers, and there remains a pressing need for reinforcements in the cybersecurity ranks. Despite organizations increasingly recognizing the importance of cybersecurity, longstanding skills shortages persist. According to ISACA’s 2024 State of Cybersecurity report, the majority of organizations (57%) have understaffed cybersecurity teams, and 38% report they do not have cybersecurity positions that need to be filled. There is also a definitive need to attract more women and other underrepresented populations to address some of these gaps in the field.
Flexible job requirements
The good news is that there are plenty of legitimate selling points to attract more practitioners to the profession. Not only are cybersecurity roles generally in-demand, good-paying, and highly impactful, they also are intellectually stimulating. Succeeding in today’s cybersecurity discipline means constantly being vigilant for new threats, keeping abreast of the latest developments in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and becoming conversant in business concepts so that cyber risk can be adequately communicated to enterprise leaders. Cybersecurity also requires uniquely human traits which continue to make practitioners indispensable even in an era of increased automation. In fact, the automation of many mundane tasks frees up time for human practitioners to make their work more engaging by focusing on how to apply critical thinking, ingenuity, and problem-solving skills in their roles.
While many teams have open roles, the percentage of organizations with open cybersecurity roles has declined overall. Credentials, especially those that test both hands-on experience and knowledge, are an excellent way for candidates to distinguish themselves.
Career advancement
A cybersecurity career can also be leveraged toward leadership opportunities. While many cybersecurity practitioners start out in more operationally focused roles, cyber risk is also a business risk, and security is a key enabler of digital transformation and digital trust, creating natural pathways to senior management roles such as information security managers and chief information security officers. Taking on important activities such as developing and executing a business’ cybersecurity roadmap and reporting cyber risk to the board and executives provide excellent opportunities for security professionals to advance their careers.
Technology-minded students and career-changers contemplating potential career paths would be well-served deciding on cybersecurity. Even as technological advancements continue, the human element in cybersecurity — complementing AI, and other tools and technologies — remains essential for entities to adequately defend their valuable assets and preserve customer trust. Those looking for a career in which they are likely to be in high-demand, well-compensated, intellectually challenged, and have the opportunity to play a critical role in their employer’s well-being are excellent candidates to fill the cybersecurity pipeline.
