Having worked in cybersecurity for over a decade, I understand clearly the advantages and disadvantages of being a cybersecurity specialist. These are things I’ve seen and experienced myself.
This post will give you a clear picture of what it’s like to protect digital systems and information in this role. So, let’s dive in and explore its ups and downs together!
Overview
Cybersecurity specialists play a role in safeguarding companies and people against cyber threats. Here are their tasks:
- Use tools and techniques to find and stop cyber threats (viruses and hackers) before they can harm computers or steal data.
- Create security plans, including setting up digital locks and alarms, to keep out digital burglars.
- Use digital barriers to ensure only the right people can log in to the systems.
- Ensure the sensitive data’s confidentiality and integrity.
This field is growing and opening up many jobs with attractive incomes. Yet, it has challenges to overcome to do well in this role. Let’s explore these aspects!
The high demand for these specialists currently leads to many job opportunities and attractive income levels. Besides, you can choose your desired working form and environment. Dive into this section for more details!
1. High Demand and A Lot of Job Opportunities
The first reason why this is a great career choice is there are lots of job opportunities. In fact, the demand for cybersecurity specialists can grow by 32% from 2018-2028. Why does this happen?
First, everything is going online. So, we need more people to protect our digital stuff like emails and bank accounts. Who does that? Cybersecurity specialists!
Second, there are more people trying to steal information and cause problems. So, we need experts to stop them. That’s what cybersecurity specialists do.
Moreover, governments have made many rules about how we should protect digital information. Cybersecurity specialists help companies follow these rules.
2. Attractive Salaries
The salary range for this position is between $81,000 and $138,000/year, including a base salary of $75,000 to $127,000/year, plus extra pay of $6,000 to $11,000/year.
The reason for these good salaries is there’s a high demand for cybersecurity specialists, as I’ve mentioned. Companies and organizations want to protect their computer systems and data from hackers and other bad actors and are willing to pay well for these experts.
In short, if you consider a career as a cybersecurity specialist, the potential for good money is definitely one of the perks.
3. Flexible Work Location
Today, much of the cybersecurity job can be done online, such as:
- Monitoring networks
- Analyzing threats
- Implementing security measures
So, you can work remotely and choose your desired work location: from home, a coffee shop, or even while you’re on vacation.
With this flexibility, you can set your work hours to fit your life better. And if there’s a cyber emergency, you can jump into action from wherever you are.
4. Career Satisfaction
One thing that makes me never stop enjoying working in this role is its career satisfaction. Besides the benefits of income and flexibility, I love that I can help people and companies by protecting them from cyber threats. It feels good to know I am stopping them from causing harm.
Regarding this career’s cons, the stress, technical demands, need for perfection, and fast-paced nature of the job can make it challenging.
5. Stressful Job
In this field, not only cybersecurity specialists like me but also all other positions feel pressure when working.
Imagine always being on guard to protect computers and information from bad people. The stress comes from knowing that even a tiny mistake can let the bad guys in, and that’s a big responsibility. I often feel the pressure of keeping everything safe.
6. Technical Skills Required
This job requires you to know a lot about computers and how they work. You must understand complex knowledge and skills like:
- Computer systems
- Networks
- Coding
You might find this challenging if you’re not already a tech expert. You also have to keep learning because the bad guys keep coming up with new tricks, and this constant learning can be challenging.
7. Requires Perfection
In cybersecurity, there’s no room for mistakes. I must be almost perfect in my work, as cybercriminals can use any slip-up to break in.
This pressure to be perfect is tough because I have to be vigilant all the time. One mistake, and there could be a security breach.
8. Fast-Paced Environment
The world of cybersecurity moves fast, with new threats popping up, and you have to react quickly to stop them. This means sometimes working long hours, even on weekends, to keep things safe.
These cons can make the job challenging, but the pros often outweigh the cons for those passionate about protecting digital information and systems.
Is A Career In Cybersecurity Is For You?
Deciding if a career in cybersecurity is right for you depends on various factors, including your interests, skills, and tolerance for the challenges.
First, do you like technology and keeping things safe online? Cybersecurity is your thing if the answer is yes.
Next, think about your ability to learn techie knowledge and keep learning. Cybersecurity is complex, and you must stay up-to-date with hackers’ latest tricks. It’s a good sign if you enjoy solving technical problems and love learning.
However, be ready for stress. The job is super stressful. You must be nearly perfect because even a small mistake can be a big problem. Also, consider your work-life balance. Cybersecurity often means long hours and quick responses.
So, if you’re tech-savvy, love learning can handle stress, and want to protect the digital world, a career in this field is a great fit. Just remember to ensure it aligns with your values and lifestyle, too.
Wrap Up
I’ve shared what I’ve learned from my experience about the eight pros and cons of being a cybersecurity specialist. I hope this discussion has given you a clear picture of what it’s like in this field.
On the bright side, there’s job security and the chance to do something meaningful by protecting digital systems. But it’s not without challenges, like the stress and the need to keep learning.
Thank you for reading!