Cyber security is the process by which individuals and organizations reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. The primary function of cyber security is to protect the devices we all use (smartphones, laptops, tablets, and computers), as well as the services we use - both online and at work - from theft or damage.

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It's also about preventing unauthorized access to the massive amounts of personal data we keep on these devices and online.

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A strong cybersecurity strategy would provide a good security resistance against malicious attacks aimed at gaining access to, altering, deleting, destroying, or extorting an organization's or user's systems and sensitive data, which is why professionals with the ability to detect, respond to and prevent cyber-attacks. Furthermore, cyber-attacks expect to be growing even more in the future.

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There are countless reasons to consider a career in cybersecurity. Across the board, cybersecurity jobs provide competitive pay, advancement opportunities, job security, exciting day-to-day tasks, and the opportunity to make a difference.

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What makes cyber security important?

Cyber security is critical because smartphones, computers, and the internet have become such an integral part of modern life that it's unimaginable without them.
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From online banking and shopping to email and social media, it's more important than ever to take precautions to protect our accounts, data, and devices from cyber criminals. The issue got worse with the rise in the quantity and level of sophistication of cyber attackers and attack methods.

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Being hacked is a direct threat to the confidential data that businesses require. It can also ruin their customer relationships and put them in serious legal trouble. The threat of cybercrime is becoming more severe as technology advances, from self-driving cars to internet-enabled home security systems.

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As a result, programmers who can guarantee that each of these interactions is safe from cyber-attacks are in high demand. With so many jobs available and an urgent need for qualified candidates, more colleges are offering cybersecurity degrees.

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Reasons why cybersecurity workers are in high demand

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• Hackers are becoming more sophisticated

Finding security weaknesses before hackers do is the responsibility of an information security analyst. Then, to defend against cyberattacks, they develop and put into place new preventative security mechanisms. As hackers' skills advance, an increasing number of cybersecurity specialists are required to develop and implement advanced security solutions.

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• The amount of people and devices online that can be hacked is growing at an exponential rate

Several billion people are now carrying tens of billions of cell phones, tablets, e-readers, laptops, and smartwatches. All of these devices are connected to the internet and contain some level of personal data. And we now carry our devices with us at all times. 

A hacker or scam artist now has several billion more targets to choose from. For the first time, people in developing countries have access to connected technology. In some developing countries, an individual may have a cell phone before they have access to actual necessities, such as job opportunities.

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• Nowadays, almost all financial transactions take place online

Bank robbers used to rob banks because that's where the money was, but the money in banks now consists mostly of online data. Because the majority of the money is now in the data system, that has become the new target. 

Hacking a bank's or retailer's financial network is more lucrative and less dangerous than making an attempt to break into a physical place and attempt a robbery where there are always surveillance cameras.  These financial networks require cybersecurity safeguards working 24/7 to prevent these attacks.

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• Everything is vulnerable and automated

More products and systems than ever before are automated and vulnerable to cybercrime, ranging from airplane systems and car alarms to power grids and security systems. To recognize and reduce security risks related to any technology innovation, businesses need the greatest online security specialists.

 Each automated system contains code that can be accessed by hackers to steal data. As a result, as more tasks are performed digitally, hackers have more chances to acquire personal data. This is bad news for companies.

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• Mandatory laws

Cyber security regulations are laws that govern the types of protective measures that a company must implement to protect itself, its data, and its clients from cyber attacks and data leaks. Cyber security regulations may specify the types of controls organizations must implement, how customer data must be protected, and who is accountable for ensuring security. 

Corporations and industries have always been subject to some level of regulation, but the government is increasingly enforcing security legislation that mandates data protection and compliance with cybersecurity requirements for institutions like healthcare providers and insurance companies.

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Bottom line

While there has already been a significant increase in these jobs and skill sets, it is safe to say that the rise in cybersecurity roles is just getting started. Not only will current professionals be able to easily broaden their skill sets with additional security training, but as colleges expand their offerings, more young talent will fill these roles.

With the world increasingly reliant on technology, now is an excellent time to pursue cybersecurity careers. An investment in innovative and cutting-edge education and training solutions will help you improve your career.