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Key Considerations For New Cyber Security Workers

When you're considering a career change after years of basic IT support and system security services, you might be thinking about pursuing a cyber security career path. While this can be a rewarding career, it's not as simple as it might seem. Before you jump headlong into a career change, you should make sure that you fully understand what you're getting into. Here are some of the things you should know about working in cyber security and what it could mean for you.

Cyber Security Is In High Demand

With so many threats out there, from hackers to malware and ransomware, the importance of cyber security has never been greater. In fact, the threats aren't just external. Nearly 60 percent of people responding to a recent survey admit to stealing data from a previous employer. That makes it a great field to get into, because cyber security professionals are in high demand. If you're looking for a career path that you can grow with and work in for the long-term, cyber security is a great option. There are always companies looking to enhance their security, protect their data, and reduce the risk of any potential network intrusions.

Cyber Security Is An Ever-Evolving Field

When you're looking to work in a career path where you'll never stop learning and things never go stale, cyber security may be the answer. New viruses, malware, hacks, and other threats are created virtually every day, which means that those working in cyber security must always be learning and keeping up with the latest threats.

You'll need to keep an eye on all of the new trends and try to stay ahead of any potential upcoming concerns. Thinking like those who launch these attacks may help you with that, but it means having to focus on continuing education and industry news on a regular basis.

Cyber Security Offers Varied Career Path Options

While many careers offer a pretty predictable ladder of advancement and a clear path that you could expect to follow as you start in the field, cyber security isn't quite so cut and dry. There are no clearly defined paths that you can expect to follow. The upside to this is that if you don't have a lot of formal schooling but you have the practical work experience to back up what you know, you will be less likely to be overlooked for a position simply based on your academic background. Because of the delicate nature of technology-based roles like these, many employers value practical knowledge over book learning when hiring staff.

You May Need A Security Clearance

Especially if you're just getting started in any kind of cyber security role, you may find yourself required to obtain a security clearance before you can get a job. Working in cyber security puts you in a position to access a lot of sensitive data, and if the company you're working with does any kind of government contract work or anything of the sort, you will often be required to obtain a federal security clearance before you can take the job. Consider whether or not you could pass that clearance before you apply for a role like this. Even if you aren't required to obtain a security clearance, you may be required to complete a background check and credit check to ensure that you are not a risk for corporate data theft, espionage, or anything else of that sort. Understand that these things are standard in this type of industry because of the information you'll have access to and work with.

Cyber security is a rapidly growing industry, and one that is valuable to work in. If you're considering it, these facts may help you make your decision. Talk with a local cyber security and technology work placement service to see what the options are where you live.