There is no crystal ball to help us see what lies ahead, but if the present is any indication the outlook will be good for those wishing to future-proof their careers within the cybersecurity field. Cybersecurity roles are currently some of the most desirable and highest paying. With the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Ethical Hacking, this trend is likely to continue.

Security has become a huge concern in these growth areas, and the talent to address security problems is increasingly in demand. According to Cyber Defense Magazine, about 1.8 million cybersecurity professionals will be needed to fill the demand by 2022. Looking even further down the road, here are some things you can expect if you are considering making the move to a cyber career or finding your next big opportunity in cyber.

IoT and Cyber Security in 2025

Quite simply, IoT is a giant network of “things” that connect to the Internet and/or each other. This includes everything from cell phones, coffee makers, and washing machines to headphones, lamps, and wearable devices. As these things become more connected and more entwined with our daily living, the opportunity for data breaches climbs. This creates a strong need for cyber security analysts (sometimes referred to as information security analysts) who can search for and respond to security risks and breaches.

If you’re looking to work in a high-growth area, the role of a CSA may be just for you. Security analysts are expected to see a job growth of 28 percent between 2016 and 2026 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In other words, this is a career that’s here to stay. 

The AI Factor

Will robots replace humans in terms of cyber roles? It’s highly unlikely, says Forbes. The company believes that artificial intelligence will create more jobs over time rather than eliminate them. AI enables computer systems to perform tasks normally requiring human intervention, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translations. According to technology innovator Cisco, 32% of organizations say they depend highly on artificial intelligence, and the positive potential of AI in cybersecurity is immense. Think of its use in identifying malicious network activity, insider threats, and much more. 

As an intelligence and automation tool, AI will provide greater opportunity for those with a cybersecurity skill set to turn away from more time-consuming manual tasks like patch management and toward higher-order tasks such as security and behavior analytics to identify security threats. For this reason, the role of Artificial Intelligence Consultant is an up-and-coming one. Accenture Digital describes the AI Consultant as someone: with a pulse on new technologies, a desire to change the way business gets done, and the ability to implement emerging solutions. This person is responsible for developing cognitive applications to solve business problems using AI technology frameworks.  

Ethical Hacking

To beat a hacker at their own game, you have to think like one. An ethical hacker is a skilled professional who understands and knows how to look for weaknesses and vulnerabilities on a computer or network. This person is equipped to use the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, but in a lawful and legitimate manner to assess a company’s security.

Currently, organizations are struggling to find ethical hacking talent to protect their businesses.  Individuals interested in becoming certified ethical hackers (yes, this is a thing!) can work toward earning certification through the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council), which was formed in response to the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. Data Driven Investor projects ethical hacking will grow by some 37% by 2025. So when it comes to future-proofing your career, ethical hacking is an excellent choice.

Find your path to a lucrative career in cybersecurity by exploring our talent page. There’s no reason to wait until 2025.