Four Reasons the Cybersecurity Field Is Rapidly Growing (2024)

In recent years, many high-profile data breach cases have made headlines. Companies like Yahoo!, Uber, and Target faced security threats that exposed possibly millions of Americans' private information like usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. As hackers and cybercriminals develop new ways to access sensitive systems and information, even the largest companies in the world must stay vigilant about security vulnerabilities. Information security analysts, or cybersecurity specialists, are more in demand than ever, and here’s why.

Hackers Are Getting Smarter

Hackers find new ways to access data every day. The role of an information security analyst is to identify security risks before hackers do. They then develop and implement new preventative security controls for defending against cyberattacks. As hackers’ skills become more sophisticated, a growing number of cybersecurity specialists are needed to develop and implement advanced security solutions.

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Cybercrime Is Expensive

One reason the cybersecurity field is growing is that most businesses simply can’t afford a data breach. According to IBM, data breaches cost businesses an average of $3.62 million—a number that can put many companies out of business. The number of data breaches and the cost of cybercrime worldwide have also rapidly increased: the total cost by 2021 is expected to be double that of 2015. When a company’s future is on the line, it can’t afford to not hire the best information security analysts to defend its information.

Everything Is Automated

As companies’ processes become automated, more of their infrastructure is rooted in technology. Every automated system is created by code that can be accessed when cybercriminals break in. Thus, the more processes that are done digitally, the more opportunities hackers get to steal private information. This is bad news for businesses, but good news for Cybersecurity Management graduates who find an increasing demand for their skills.

Vulnerabilities Are Everywhere

Hackers aren’t just targeting computers, websites, and servers; any technology based in code offers an opportunity in. From airplane systems and car alarms to power grids and security systems, more products and systems than ever before are at risk for takeover by cybercrooks. Businesses need the best online security professionals to identify and mitigate security threats for every technological innovation.

Career Outlook for Cybersecurity Professionals

These are just a few reasons the cybersecurity field is experiencing such rapid growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 28% increase in the demand for information security analysts between 2016 and 2026—that's an increase of 28,500 jobs. With demand for cybersecurity professionals at an all-time high, positions are available in virtually every industry. The pay isn't shabby either: the median salary was over $98,000 in 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you’re interested in a career fighting cybercrime, a master’s degree in Cybersecurity Management from the Tulane School of Professional Advancement can propel your career forward. We also offer an online graduate certificate in Cyber Leadership to help our students become industry leaders in the cyber defense sector. Read more about our degree requirements to start expanding your career in cybersecurity.