Most people think about cybersecurity only when something goes wrong. But for cybersecurity professionals on the front line, it’s always top-of-mind. With Labor Day around the corner, we’d like to share just some of the reasons we’re grateful to the people directly responsible for protecting our privacy, valuable data and the technology and resources that enable us to do our jobs.
1. There are never enough qualified workers.
The demand for trained and skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to grow faster than supply. It’s no surprise then that your information security staff is stretched thin, required to work long hours to accomplish the work of many. A Stanford University analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics cited in CSO projects that the demand for information security professionals will grow 53% through 2018.
2. Cyber threats are everywhere.
The PWC Global State of Information Security Survey 2016 reports a 38% rise in the number of security incidents detected from 2014 to 2015. The report also shows a 56% increase over the same period in “hard” intellectual property theft. To reverse these trends, cybersecurity teams are constantly on guard not only to detect and stop threats; but also to mitigate the damage when they do penetrate your defenses.
Even more challenging is predicting where threats are most likely to come from— especially as the use of mobile and IoT (Internet of Things) devices grows and opens more network attack vectors. Keeping the upper hand takes research, focus, skill, and regular testing and fine-tuning of network security technology to optimize their detection, defensive and communication capabilities.
3. Cybersecurity experts are sharp.
In 2015, 79% of cybersecurity professionals said they detected a security incident, making last year a record-high. When threats are detected, they can be diffused and any damage mitigated. Cybersecurity pros work hard to stay up on the latest technologies and best practices, and have the skill and foresight to strategize ways to outsmart the sneakiest threats.
4. It’s a high pressure job.
Cybersecurity stands between your organization and the hackers out to cause harm. Successful incursions can cost millions and expose clients’ personal information; leading to losses in revenue and trust that can impact performance and reputation for years to come. Now that’s pressure.
5. New technology means new challenges.
Advances in digital technology, product introductions and new business practices often create new vulnerabilities that stealthy cyber criminals are quick to exploit via zero-day attacks and other advanced persistent threats threats. Conscientious teams are always staying on their toes to ensure that new changes don’t mean new problems.
6. Balancing security and ease of use takes skill.
Security needs to be nearly invisible to users and yet effective enough to keep out dangers. Ensuring that you can protect resources, data and systems without impeding the user experience requires an understanding of the best practices and technology solutions that strike the right balance between security and performance.
Xiologix appreciates and understands the challenges cybersecurity experts face every day, and offers the resources and expertise to lessen the burden. Contact us to learn more.
