The Critical Need for Cybersecurity Professionals

August 16, 2023

Paola Crespo

12th Grade

Troy University

Have you ever wondered about who maintains and protects your data? Cybersecurity is the field in the tech industry that addresses this concern. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems and digital information from unauthorized access in order to prevent theft, damage, or attacks. Cybersecurity enables technology users to trust that their information is being kept safe. 

Trust is one of the most important values in a relationship. For example, governments need to protect the sensitive information they handle, healthcare organizations need to safeguard patient records, and financial institutions must secure financial transactions. Every organization needs to protect its users and ensure integrity, availability, and confidentiality. Trust is something that is built up step by step, and in this digital era, cybersecurity - a field that is present and crucial in our daily lives - is the main key to this. The need for cybersecurity professionals is growing as more and more organizations are seeking to protect their digital systems from potential damage.

Professionals in nearly every industry rely on some form of cybersecurity in order to protect lucrative, yet confidential, pieces of information. Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for ensuring people’s private information remains protected, so they design cyber systems in order to defeat and catch cybercriminals. Without them, cybercrimes would continue to increase and sooner or later would affect everyone with a smartphone, tablet, or any digital device. 

The cyber workforce offers a variety of roles that many can succeed in.  There are many cyber roles such as Cybersecurity Consultants, Cybersecurity Managers, Network Engineers, etc. Roles such as Cybersecurity Engineer or Cybersecurity Analyst entail working tirelessly to build systems where organizations will be able to protect users’ privacy and ensure the safety of their digital lives. Each day they utilize their diverse skill set (analytical thinking, knowledge of procedures, quick response, understanding of computers and code, etc)  in order to overcome the challenges posed by cyber threats. 

The reality, however, is that cybersecurity hasn’t targeted as many hackers as possible, and this is largely because of the gaping hole in the cybersecurity workforce. In December 2022, Cyber Seek estimated that there were around 1.1 million cybersecurity workers in the United States. This statistic may sound impressive, but in a wider context, it is very alarming. A cybersecurity workforce study conducted by ISC in 2022 estimated that there is a 3.4 million global shortage of cybersecurity professionals. It is frightening that there are not enough people employed in this field in order to fill all of the vacant spots. This shortage of cybersecurity professionals means that many organizations which strive to protect users’ digital footprints are understaffed, a tremendous risk for users. 

Another issue that needs to be highlighted in the cyber workforce is the gender gap. This is a recurring problem in STEM fields, and cybersecurity is not excluded from this. Just 25% of all employees are women, earning a salary that is 46% less than men’s salaries for the same jobs. This needs to change as soon as possible because encouraging women to join this field will give the industry more diversity. Diversity provides individual organizations with different perspectives, which in turn provides them with more effective and comprehensive strategies for dealing with cyber threats. 

The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, and we are falling behind in filling this quota. Gartner Predicts 2023 claims that “by 2025, lack of talent or human failure will be responsible for over half of significant cybersecurity incidents.” To find a solution to this issue, many experts believe that it is time to start cultivating cyber skills in younger people. If the educational system starts including cybersecurity programs, challenges, or activities in the classroom, it would largely benefit the digital world. By developing cyber skills early on, or at least the skillset necessary to succeed in the industry, then the next generation can help meet the increasing need for cybersecurity professionals. They will also learn how to engage with the digital world in an ethical and positive way by learning to respect the rights and the privacy of others. This in and of itself can mitigate the number of cyber threats by promoting safe and respectful online practices. 

Cybersecurity is a field full of opportunities where professionals are valued immensely. Cybersecurity professionals are the unsung heroes of the digital world, tirelessly protecting and maintaining the safety of our online lives. By investing in cybersecurity education and fostering diversity, we can bridge the pay gap, defeat the shortage of cybersecurity professionals, strengthen our defenses, and ensure a secure digital future for all. Together, let us recognize the importance of cybersecurity professionals and work towards a safer and more resilient cyber landscape.