If you're thinking about a new career direction, you might want to consider cybersecurity. After the recent ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, private companies are looking to hire professionals to keep their businesses safe from foreign hackers.
A number of recent cyberattacks has Corporate America thinking about how to boost their online security.
Every day, foreign hackers target U.S. government agencies, think tanks, and private companies. It's a growing problem that many in the industry say has been a long time coming. However, cybersecurity expert and college professor Steven Weisman says corporations aren't prepared for the large number of attacks.
“Unfortunately, there’s been a lot of stupid in Corporate America when it comes to cybersecurity,” Weisman said. “It’s kind of like head-in-the-sand and ignoring the problem. Consequently, we’re paying the price now.”
There's another problem: a massive labor shortage in cybersecurity. A 2020 survey found there was an unfilled need of more than 300 thousand cybersecurity related positions.
“The good side is it’s a tremendous growth industry,” Weisman explained. “Companies and governments are seeing that they need people. There are programs out there at colleges and universities to train people.”