5 Reasons for Cybersecurity Demand in the U.S.

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Cybersecurity is among the top 10 fastest growing occupations in the U.S. according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, it’s growing faster than any other computer-related occupation. But what’s fueling the growth? Here are the 5 reasons for cybersecurity demand:

1. Cybersecurity Technology Always Changes

Technology is constantly evolving. New software is created, implemented, or updated. New devices are manufactured. And new security methods and measures are developed. Cybersecurity professionals are in demand because companies need professionals who can keep up with the evolution of technology. With knowledge of technology and digital security, you could help businesses develop new infrastructure, test and find weaknesses in systems, and recommend new security protocol.

2. Value of Client Information

Almost every company keeps client data in some form or another. That information could be financial transactions, personal data, or medical records. And while all those data points are essential to the daily operations of the organization, they are also coveted by hackers who want to hold them for ransom or steal identities. Businesses need cybersecurity personnel to properly manage and protect data from the virtual threats that could corrupt it or steal it.

3. Hackers Become More Sophisticated

As technology evolves, so do the skills of hackers. Cybercriminals find new loopholes, gaps, and weaknesses in security every day. That’s why businesses need ethical hackers who can beat the bad guys at their own game. As a trained cybersecurity professional, it would be your job to find these points of attack before the cybercriminals do and fix them so they can’t be breached. This means you’ll need to think like a hacker and anticipate what they would do—before they get a chance to do it.

4. Data Breaches Cost Money

The average cost of a data breach for an unprepared organization in the U.S. is $8.19 million. That’s enough money to bankrupt a company. It costs the company money to investigate the crime, implement new security measures, and assist customers who have been affected. Not to mention, it also hurts the reputation of the company, which can lose the public’s trust. In that case, a company may need to spend more money on a marketing campaign to rebuild its image and assure customers that a data breach won’t happen again.

5. Companies Need to Follow Cybersecurity Laws

Companies also need to follow the cybersecurity and consumer protection laws and regulations set by federal and state governments. In the healthcare industry, companies need to follow HIPAA guidelines so that medical information is kept confidential. Businesses in the State of California are subject to the California Consumer Privacy Act, which requires companies to delete or not sell customer data upon request. This includes tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook. With the right cybersecurity skills, you could help an organization stay on top of new laws as they are passed and remain in compliance with them.

If you’re interested in technology and have a knack for solving problems, you may be a great candidate for a career in Cybersecurity. At Charter College, we offer an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity that will teach you how to identify, mitigate, and reduce the risk of virtual threats to any organization’s data system. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.