WHY CYBER CAREERS

Why choose careers in ICT, Cyber Security & Privacy?

  • 216,000 ICT workers needed by 2021 in Canada including cyber security.
  • Globally, it is estimated that there are more than one million cyber security job openings, a figure expected to reach 1.5 million by 2019.
  • In Canada, cybersecurity job growth averaged 9.2% in 2014-15, compared with 0.7% for all other occupations.
  • 1-in-4 ICT professionals in Canada require cybersecurity skills.
  • Lots of job opportunities available with starting salary average $55-65k
  • Cyber Security & Privacy needs will continue to grow
  • Diversity is important – generates new ideas

What skills are important in Cyber Careers?

  • Risk Management – Being calm under pressure
  • Adaptability – OK with change & to help create change
  • Curiosity & Resourcefulness
  • Being different/creative – trying new things
  • Ability to understand BUSINESS
  • Ability to THINK critically & act quick; to troubleshoot & solve problems
  • Technical Skills
  • Communications & Writing

What courses can prepare you for Cyber opportunities?

  • Science; Technology/ Computer Science;
    Engineering; Math (STEM)
  • Business Admin/Management; Audit
  • Communications & Writing
  • Social Sciences/Research
  • Psychology/Human Behaviour
  • Law/Privacy
  • Design/Gaming

And go into programs that include co-ops or internships and if they don’t, volunteer in the community and help them get secure.

How to see if you might be interested in a cyber career?

  • Go to local cyber security meetups/events
  • Start learning how to protect your own network/devices
  • Teach yourself to code or build your own computer
  • Read all about it
  • Write blogs on the topic
  • Take courses in computer science, math, engineering, business, design, law

A few certifications to consider:

  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH);
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP);
  • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC);
  • CompTIA SECURITY +;
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP);
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP);
  • Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC);
    …among others