/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/KKPI4YL7YZJLNFRHPOOMSFQHIE.jpg "Tech layoffs aren't reaching this digital labor market, which needs more than 700,000 workers")
- Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand even as the tech industry is downsizing.
- Job-specific skills and online certifications are more important to employers than college majors.
- Today's professionals, especially those working in information technology, can successfully start their careers in cybersecurity in jobs that often pay over $100,000.
© Provided by CNBC
Demand for cybersecurity workers remains high even as big tech companies lay off thousands of workers.
This is not surprising, as cybersecurity is seen as one of the most resilient areas for technology investment in a more cautious economic environment, although it is not immune to the downturn in the technology sector. But it's an area for young professionals, college students and workers looking for career transitions, as the tech sector is hiring significantly for the first time in a decade, from the largest corporations to the venture-backed startup community.
There were 755,743 open cybersecurity positions as of December, according to a new study by cybersecurity workforce analytics site CyberSeek, a collaboration between the National Cybersecurity Education Initiative, CompTIA and labor market research firm Lightcast. That represents a year-over-year decline in hiring of 769,736 people in the 12-month period ending in December 2021. But there are about 530,000 more workers in security, with a current supply-demand ratio of 68 workers for every 100 openings. It was what they wanted in the US year after year.
Researchers say the data reinforces a trend that's been around for years and will continue: the cyber talent shortage. If all these positions are filled, it's a workforce poised for exponential growth. The total number of cybersecurity workers is estimated to be 1.1 million each year.
Here are the most important things to know about pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
How to Make Cyber Security "Big" in College
When looking for a job, they will definitely ask you what major you studied at university. Although cyber security is not the main thing that universities offer, there are many related subjects that can make you a potential candidate for a job in this field. The most obvious businesses are computers, information technology, software development and even business management.
"As you take more courses or other educational opportunities while in school, you can learn the basics of IT and cybersecurity, as well as certain high-value, high-growth skills that employers love," said Vice President Will Marko. . Applied Research in Lightcast.
However, it is not so much a question of the specific qualification studied, but of the skills that employers are trying to select.
The question candidates should be prepared to answer is not what you learned, but "what did you learn in your career that prepared you for a career in cybersecurity?" Marco said.
Get technical skills after college
Information security theory, network management, and technical skills in information technology are some of the key knowledge candidates need, and strong communication and collaboration skills are also essential. But if you are already in the job market as an undergraduate or graduate student, there is
Karsten Nickel, managing director of Teneo, says that Germany's decision to send tanks to Ukraine takes it into unknown territory . 
CNBC 
Southwest Airlines CEO breaks Christmas and fourth-quarter earnings disaster. CNBC 
Speaking about the company's fourth-quarter earnings and the outlook for the cloud business in 2023, SAP CEO Luka Mucic says the business environment isn't getting any easier anytime soon . CNBC
next
, mostly through reviews.
According to Marko, the nonprofit trade association CompTIA's Security+ is the most sought-after entry-level credential for cybersecurity professionals. By earning the CompTIA Security+ certification, professionals can assess environmental security, monitor hybrid environments, respond to security incidents, and more. means that they will acquire the skills. Other frequently requested certifications include EC Board Certified Ethical Hacker Training and GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) Training.
"Cybersecurity is a very complex field, and employers place a high value on certain credentials," Marko said.
How to start looking for a job
Some of the most popular entry-level jobs are cybersecurity analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and cybercrime analysts. These positions focus on what is defined as reactive work, such as identifying the types of threats organizations face and deciding when to investigate and remediate threats.
As professionals advance in the cybersecurity profession, the goal is to work increasingly proactively to help organizations design a secure digital infrastructure.
There are many opportunities for existing technology professionals to enter the field, with common entry blocks including network administration, software development, systems engineering, and even IT support; And redirect to low ranking websites.
"These roles often have lower barriers to entry than some of the more advanced positions in the field, and if you can aim for certification and get one of our entry-level certifications from CompTIA or other providers, you have the best chance of winning." find an opportunity in one of these roles," said Marko.
Through the broader IT job market, a first-in, first-out approach can also work for new hires. "If you're starting from scratch, it's often helpful to focus on a few of these tasks that can serve as springboards to key cybersecurity roles," Marko said.
The position often pays more than $100,000
Cyber security jobs also pay well.
The average salary ranges from $100,000 to $120,000.
There will be salary differences depending on the level of experience and the specific position.
"You probably shouldn't start with $110,000," Marco said. "Depending on where you live in the country, you can start in the $70,000-$90,000 range. But as you gain experience and progress in cybersecurity, the salaries will become higher and more attractive."
Where jobs are concentrated also varies from region to region and industry to industry. Demand for cybersecurity jobs in the public sector will grow 25% to 45,708 jobs in 2022, a faster growth rate than the private sector but still outpacing the private sector overall, according to a new study. with 710,035. Accordingly, the Washington, DC metropolitan area accounted for 19% of local public sector cybersecurity jobs.
- Karsten Nickel, managing director of Teneo, says that Germany's decision to send tanks to Ukraine takes it into unknown territory . CNBC
- Southwest Airlines CEO breaks Christmas and fourth-quarter earnings disaster. CNBC
- The business environment wo n't get any easier anytime soon, as SAP CFO Luka Mucic discusses the company's fourth-quarter earnings and the outlook for its cloud business in 2023 . CNBC
next
