For years now, slowly but surely, the world has been changing. In some ways for the better, as new advancements in technology have brought an unparalleled era of convenience and access to each other. And in some ways, for the worse, as anti-science rhetoric and the dawn of a deadly, constantly mutating virus ravages the globe as millions participate in an ever-adapting apocalypse. In spite of both of those things (or perhaps because of them), technology is continuing to grow and adapt, integrating itself into just about every aspect of our lives.
With another technological revolution in its embryonic stages, it’s becoming clear that irrespective of other circumstances, the consistent growth of technology will be a clear constant in our lives moving forward. We have already adapted to the presence of devices that are able to connect us to digital spheres at any time around us at all times, from smartwatches and tablets to the widespread use of cell phones in our culture.
We were already becoming accustomed to conducting more of our business remotely, hanging out with friends and family members online through social media, visiting e-commerce sites to get our needs met, and accessing the wide database of information available online whenever necessary. The pandemic took this change, which was taking place slowly, and accelerated it rapidly, forcing businesses to adapt to remote models and forcing consumers to conduct their business online or risk losing all semblance of normalcy.
Even with governments and institutions prematurely announcing the end of the pandemic and trying to return to normal, there is no chance that we will ever go back to the way business was conducted pre-COVID. The influence of technology has grown, and we have adapted to its more prominent presence in our daily lives. Unfortunately, with the growth of technology comes the development of new threats, evolving in lockstep with ever-changing modes of communication and information distribution, invading spaces where vulnerable people exchange information none the wiser.
That threat is none other than cybercrime.
Cybercrime: The Virus of the Net
For individuals with few moral compunctions and sufficient know-how, cybercrime has become an increasingly lucrative, low-cost endeavor. With hacking kits being sold online for as little as a dollar, rates of cybercrime have steadily increased over the years, as it’s one of the most accessible and rewarding forms of crime.
Back in 2017, a study by the Clark School at the University of Maryland found that cybercriminals tried to hack into computers in their computer lab that were connected to the internet an average of once every 39 seconds. If they were successful, they contended, the hackers would quickly build a backdoor into personal systems, either sabotaging the computer and stealing the data for kicks or joining personal computers to a network of proxies through which they could conduct future crimes, such as identity theft, illegal data transfers, and more. And this was back in 2017 before the advent of the coronavirus pandemic made all of us retreat inside, forcing less tech-savvy businesses to switch to a remote means of conducting business rapidly. What this means is that these businesses, who were not properly protected and not prepared for unwanted incursions, were vulnerable to cyberattacks.
As mentioned previously, cybercrime has been and is becoming an increasingly profitable venture for ne’er-do-wells as businesses struggle to adapt to a remote, online means of conducting business. As a result, thousands of dollars of data have been stolen from a number of prominent companies and industries, with no industry or sector being safe. 2021 has been a record year for data breaches, and there’s no sign that this threat will ever recede completely. Companies are becoming wise to this trend, however, and are starting to look for any means to effectively protect themselves online, paying ridiculously high salaries to those who can help them create a bulwark against these unwanted invaders.
These officials, known as cybersecurity specialists, are in high demand, but there’s not nearly enough supply to satisfy every employer, meaning now, in the midst of the labor shortage when so many people are switching career paths, might be a really good time to become one.
Cybersecurity Bootcamps: An Alternative to Higher Education
The cybersecurity profession tends to be very good to those who join it, with a high entry-level salary, consistent opportunity for growth, fantastic levels of job security, and a wealth of opportunity; if things don’t work out at one firm, someone else is always looking for a cybersecurity expert. This puts jobs in cybersecurity among the most viable career paths for people who are thinking towards the future.
Even for those who have realized this, however, the idea of switching careers late in life can be a terrifying one. The thought of going back to a higher-education institution and spending tens of thousands of dollars (and four more precious years of your life) to get a degree and enter a new field is a daunting one; and really, who could blame you for being reasonably put off by that concept?
However, going back to a higher education institution is not the only way. As it turns out, cybersecurity boot camps offer an affordable, short-term alternative to more traditional modes of education. These intense trade school programs usually last a matter of months and cost around the same price as a single semester at college, shaving off the fat most academic institutions add to your courseload to take more of your money and give you only the essentials needed to enter the workforce after graduation. Cybersecurity boot camps have both full-time and part-time schooling options, so you can choose to treat it like a traditional college experience, staying on campus and finishing your courseload quicker, or you can balance it with your day job as a part-time student.
With the sheer volume of providers on the market, there’s a cybersecurity Bootcamp program to meet your every need. If any of the above has piqued your interest, boot camps might be the fastest, most reliable way to enter your new field!
The need for cybersecurity officials is only increasing, and with companies willing to pay through the nose for qualified cybersecurity professionals, it’s a good chance that switching to cybersecurity will set you for life. Check out cybersecurity boot camps and make the switch to an ever-growing field always in need of top talent.
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