People whose jobs revolve around removing computer viruses from systems, safeguarding corporate and private networks, and teaching best practices for staying well-protected online are ideal candidates to serve as cybersecurity career advocates, to urge individuals to follow a workforce path similar to theirs.
If you want to encourage others to become part of the all-important cybersecurity sector, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Show People How Previous Experiences Help Them
Many who become interested in cybersecurity don’t necessarily have years of IT experience in their backgrounds. It’s up to you to remind them that’s not a deal-breaker.
Lance Spitzner wrote a blog post for the SANS Institute, which focuses on thought leadership in information security. He’s a senior instructor at the organization and has more than two decades of relevant experience. Spitzner said:
“I can attest to the notion that you can have a successful career in cybersecurity, even if you bring a non-technical background to the table. In many cases, having a non-technical background can actually be an advantage in the industry.
“The key is not a technical background, but your willingness and desire to learn how technology works and to never stop playing. In addition, there are a growing number of fields in cybersecurity that do not focus on solving technical problems, but instead more human-focused problems.”
Additionally, many experts say military veterans are prime candidates for cybersecurity careers. As a case in point, BAE Systems is a contractor specializing in internet security and advanced defense technologies. The company hired nearly 1,400 veterans in 2019 through an IT training program offered by Fortinet.
2. Remind People of Cybersecurity’s Influence
Being a cybersecurity career advocate makes you well-positioned to make people aware of the broad range of potential roles. Since the average data breach cost companies $4.24 million in 2021, many company leaders task internet security professionals with developing preventive measures at organizations.
People in cybersecurity also test new products and websites, seeing how easily a hacker could access them. They play important roles in keeping society safer by alerting manufacturers and web developers to problems that could cause widespread security threats or outages.
Cybersecurity experts also help businesses protect their bottom lines and reputation. For example, Arti Lalwani is the risk management and privacy knowledge leader at A-LIGN. She specializes in audits and accreditation at the corporate level. Lalwani, who earned a degree in finance before transitioning to tech, said:
“I’ve overcome a ton of obstacles, and the best way I can give back now is to ensure the females on my team will never endure the same obstacles while working with me.
“I want to prepare them as well. If they move on and experience issues in another organization, I want them to be set up to handle it. Life is about how you handle these issues because they will always arise.”
Her example highlights how cybersecurity careers are not always easy, but they’re more rewarding with career advocates leading the way for others.
3. Take Initiative in Your Industry
You could also make a positive impact as a cybersecurity career advocate by approaching decision-makers at companies and convincing them of the benefits of starting a mentorship program.
From there, offer to launch the initiative or at least become heavily involved in it.
A Skillsoft study asked women in tech to detail whether their employers met expectations regarding supporting them in their careers. The results showed that 43 percent of respondents wanted employers to provide career coaching, mentoring, and counseling to encourage more females to pursue tech roles.
The results also confirmed cybersecurity as one of the subject areas the people polled found most interested. Meanwhile, a related Skillsoft report cited within this research showed that 76 percent of organizations experience IT-related skills gaps.
If you’re a cybersecurity professional equally passionate about piquing interest in your career choice and expanding the workforce to meet current and future needs, think about how serving as an advocate could fulfill both of those ideals.
Keep in mind that there’s more than one way to do that, too.
(ISC)², a membership organization for cybersecurity professionals, lists numerous advocacy-based activities on its website. For example, you might talk to a local news station about a recent cybersecurity issue and explain how IT professionals help mitigate it.
Alternatively, advocacy similarly extends to leading and participating in industry events or supporting scholarship programs that make it more financially feasible for people to pursue cybersecurity careers.
Make a Difference as a Cybersecurity Career Advocate
You’ve undoubtedly heard about the labor shortages in the cybersecurity industry, as well as the challenges in attracting women and other underrepresented groups to the sector. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred the so-called Great Resignation, which pushed many people to change careers or leave the workforce.
As a cybersecurity career advocate, you can provide encouragement and updated information to people considering working in the field. Giving them support and an accurate perspective can set them up for success.
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