Millions of Cybersecurity Jobs

October 9, 2018

Did you know?

There’s a shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals to help safeguard the world’s ever-expanding cyber ecosystem. It’s estimated the shortfall will be over 3 million open jobs by 2021. Raising the next generation of interested and capable cybersecurity professionals is a starting point to building stronger defenses, and tomorrow’s cyber defenders are sitting in classrooms today. Veterans, individuals looking for a career change, or those reentering the workforce should also consider a career in cybersecurity.

  • The number of cybersecurity jobs isn’t keeping pace with the amount of cybercrime, which cost the world $3 trillion in 2015 and may rise to $6 trillion by 2021.
  • The growth rate of cybersecurity jobs will grow about 28% each year through 2026, much higher than any other occupation.
  • The national average salary for computer-related positions in 2017 was $84,480. Information security employees make even more!

But I’m not an IT professional!

You still play a role in helping others to be fully prepared for the future. Every person on campus – students, faculty, staff, and administration – has a responsibility for helping ensure Valpo’s cyber security, especially considering technology is used in nearly everything we do. From incorporating coding into projects, to promoting educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, or working toward professional certifications, everyone can do something to help promote cybersecurity education and careers.

What can I do?

Share information about Valpo’s Cyber Security program (https://www.valpo.edu/computing-information-sciences/academics/graduate-programs/ms-in-cyber-security/) to promote interest in this career path. Additionally:

  • Learn about the educational steps to a career in cybersecurity and about organizations that host cyber camps for kids, like GenCyber. (https://www.gen-cyber.com/)
  • Volunteer at a school, after-school program, or community program to help kids learn about online safety or coding.
  • Create an internship for hands-on learning.
  • Mentor a team in a cyber challenge or a program like CyberPatriot. (https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/)
  • Encourage students of all ages and majors to consider taking classes in computing and information sciences, even as an elective.

All month long, we’ll be sharing helpful information, tips, and resources. Partner with us in making the internet a safer place for everyone! Here are a few easy ways to be involved.

  1. Get a free sticker from the Help Desk to show your support.
  2. Join the #CyberAware conversation on social media.
    1. Facebook.com/itatvalpo
    2. Twitter.com/itatvalpo
    3. NEW! Instagram.com/itatvalpo
  3. Request a cyber security workshop customized for your department or organization. Submit an ITicket via the Help Desk to get started.

Got questions?

Contact us through social media or the Help Desk so we can partner with you. https://helpdesk.valpo.edu, helpdesk@valpo.edu, 219.464.5678