For this blog post, Get Cyber Safe has partnered with the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre, who, like us, understands how important cyber security is to businesses as well as individuals. This blog presents their perspective, and we thank them for being a dedicated partner in the cyber security of Canadians.
Cyber attacks happen on average every 39 seconds and any device that is connected to the internet is at risk. In Canada, the number of jobs in cyber security grows every year and skilled individuals are in higher demand than ever.
The skills necessary to thrive in a cyber-focused role are diverse and can be built through an unexpectedly wide variety of experiences. For example, tech-savvy youth can find their ability for navigating software useful to learn the architecture behind these systems. And professionals in non-tech fields can find their management and implementation skills beneficial to lead teams and holistically examine their company’s security.
While knowledge of coding languages or experience assessing vulnerabilities can be beneficial for some tech-focused roles, many surprising skills are transferrable to the cyber space. That’s why the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre thinks it’s important to highlight that unique experiences online are valued within the lawful cyber industry. As the cyberspace grows increasingly challenging and diverse, there has never been a better time to explore your skills in cyber security.
What do cyber security professionals do?
Roles in cyber are extremely varied. This field includes both highly technical roles and other pathways towards supporting an organization’s security posture. Broadly, jobs in cyber can be categorized into four groups.
- Innovators – developing and testing software and systems
- these roles can be creative, dynamic and tech-focused
- potential roles include security engineer, developer and architect
- Operators – these professionals maintain and support the performance of cyber security tools, a crucial component to healthy cyber security
- potential roles include security operator and technical support
- Protectors – detecting and responding to incidents and threats
- these positions can be fast-paced and engaging
- potential roles include threat assessor, data analyst and vulnerability assessment analyst
- Supporters – providing resources and support to assist an organization in maintaining effective cyber security
- while many envision work in the cyber field to be highly technical, many crucial components of maintaining robust cyber security require little-to-no prior technical knowledge
- potential positions include legal advisor, policy analyst and communications advisor
Careers in cyber security
If a business or organization uses any form of internet connectivity, it has cyber security needs. Along with the maintenance of good cyber hygiene, organizations must protect their sensitive systems and information. As a fundamental business practice, both private sector companies and government agencies will offer exciting ways to use cyber or cyber-adjacent skills in a creative, lawful way.
If you’re interested in a career in cyber security, consider the following.
- The Government of Canada jobs page and sign up for notifications when positions you’re interested in are listed
- The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security’s career guide for a detailed resource for those wishing to explore career pathways in cyber security and browse their careers page
- Public Safety Canada’s Cyber Careers page is a great starting point to learn about opportunities to engage your skills in a cyber-focused role with the Government of Canada
- Follow the RCMP’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for the most recent information on Canada’s cybersecurity landscape
- Many Canadian universities and colleges offer professional development courses in cyber security for those wishing to expand and diversify their cyber skillset
Conclusion
In today’s digital world, cyber skills are essential for personal and professional growth. The Government of Canada is committed to helping people make informed choices online and to use their cyber skills in a legal and meaningful way. Alongside welcoming professionals to the cyber field, let’s empower our youth to use their digital skills and encourage a positive future. Amid such a dynamic period in the cyberspace, the time to explore a career in cyber security is now.