Information Technology and Cybersecurity
The career and development potential within the IT and cybersecurity sectors is enormous. Organizations are investing more each year to protect and facilitate their information assets. Steer your career in IT by taking a course in one or both of these exciting fields.
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Register for an information technology or cybersecurity course
The cybersecurity and information technology (IT) sectors are currently enjoying rapid growth that’s showing no sign of slowing down. With business leaders facing continuously evolving risks and changes in regulations around data and network security, it’s no wonder that the global cybersecurity market is predicted to more than double before the end of the decade. Valued at $112.01 billion in 2019, it’s forecast to reach $281.74 billion by 2027, with an expected CAGR growth of 12.6 percent from 2020 to 2027.1
Similarly, the IT services sector is large and growing, with global IT spending estimated at $3.4 trillion for 2020.2 In most countries, the tech sector contributes significantly to economic activity. In many US cities and states, for example, this sector has a greater economic impact than most other industries, including construction, retail, and transportation, as shown by a recent CompTIA report.3
In line with the growth in these sectors is the heightened demand for people who have the requisite skills. Due to rapid advancements in technology, the cybersecurity workplace gap isn't being bridged quickly enough, with a global skills gap of over four million professionals.4
GetSmarter has a rich portfolio of courses available in both IT and cybersecurity, providing professionals with university-backed knowledge applicable to these in-demand fields. These short, online courses are available on a flexible learning platform that’s well-supported and personal, ensuring ease of learning for professionals with demanding work schedules.
What is information technology?
In 1958, at what could be considered the official start of IT as an area of business, Harvard Business Review stated that IT consists of three basic parts: computational data processing, decision support, and business software.5
As vast as the sector is wide, services in IT play a central role in the operation of many companies and include software development, systems integration, hardware deployment, as well as user training and support.6 All of these activities serve those in organizations with the creation, management, and delivery of data and information to fulfill organizational functions; improve communication, processes and customer relations; and reach business objectives.7
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is used to guard organizations’ computers, data, and networks from electronic, malicious attacks.8 It’s a broad term that covers a vast number of security concerns, including network, application, information, and operational security, as well as some aspects of disaster recovery.9
The primary goal is to keep digital threats at bay. These include malware, phishing attempts, ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, cross-site scripting, man-in-the-middle attacks, and credential stuffing.10
Careers in IT and cybersecurity
A career in either one of these fields promises continued demand, with growth predicted to be much faster than the average for all other occupations before 2030.11
Cybersecurity-related roles, including those filled by cybersecurity engineers, architects, specialists, consultants, and analysts, are in high demand, with some roles forecasted to grow at an exceptional rate of 32 percent before the end of this decade.12 Other security-focused careers, such as roles in security engineering and security architecture, also play an important role in the industry.13 Management roles in cybersecurity include those of chief security officer and chief information security officer – professionals responsible for strategy, operations, and budgets.14
As for a career in IT, options span everything from roles in software development, data analytics, database administration, data science, web development, and more.
Skills needed for a career in IT and cybersecurity
A wide range of skills are required for those wanting to succeed in the IT and cybersecurity sectors.
For IT developers, for example, being able to code in JavaScript remains important, followed by SQL, Java, and HTML programming skills.15 There’s also an increased demand for professionals who have invested in developing a more balanced skill set than just the requisite technical abilities. Skills such as analytical thinking, effective communication, leadership, and creativity are worth acquiring in order to be prepared for the workplace of the future.16
The same applies to cybersecurity: a holistic set of competencies are required, including technical abilities, people skills, management skills, and implementation skills, coupled with evidence of a solid work ethic and a firm grasp of the changing cybersecurity landscape.17
The opportunities are vast, and promise steady growth in years to come,18 boding well for anyone considering a career in IT or cybersecurity. Whether you already work in one of these sectors, and want to advance your career by updating your skills and knowledge or wish to transition into either one of these exciting, high-potential fields, there’s an online short course that will meet your needs.
Backed by globally respected institutions, and supported by a flexible learning model, earning a certificate in the skills needed for IT and cybersecurity is now easier and more accessible than ever before.
Sources
1(Feb, 2020). ‘Cyber security market size, share and industry analysis, by solution, by deployment type, by enterprise size, by end-user, and region forecast, 2020-2027’. Retrieved from Fortune Business Insights.
2(Jan, 2020). ‘Gartner says global IT spending to decline 8% in 2020 due to impact of Covid-19’. Retrieved from Gartner.
3(Mar, 2020). ‘Cyberstates 2020’. Retrieved from CompTIA.
4(Nov, 2019). ‘(ISC)² finds the cybersecurity workforce needs to grow 145% to close skills gap and better defend organizations worldwide’. Retrieved from ISC.
5Leavitt, H. et al. (Nov, 1958). ‘Management in the 1980’s’. Retrieved from HBR.
6(Nd). ‘IT definition’. Retrieved from TechTerms. Accessed June 6, 2020.
7Walters, S. (Aug, 2019). ‘Five IT functions in an organization’. Retrieved from AZCentral.
8Fruhlinger, J. (Dec, 2019). ‘What is cybersecurity? Types, careers, salaries, and certification’. Retrieved from CSO Online.
9Fruhlinger, J. (Dec, 2019). ‘What is cybersecurity? Types, careers, salaries, and certification’. Retrieved from CSO Online.
10Fruhlinger, J. (Dec, 2019). ‘What is cybersecurity? Types, careers, salaries, and certification’. Retrieved from CSO Online.
11(Apr, 2020). ‘Computer and information technology occupations’. Retrieved from BLS.
12(Apr, 2020). ‘Information security analysts’. Retrieved from BLS.
13Fruhlinger, J. (Dec, 2019). ‘What is cybersecurity? Types, careers, salaries, and certification’. Retrieved from CSO Online.
14Fruhlinger, J. (Dec, 2019). ‘What is cybersecurity? Types, careers, salaries, and certification’. Retrieved from CSO Online.
15Kubrynski, J (2020). ‘Top IT skills report 2020: demand and hiring trends’. Retrieved from DevSkiller.
16Marr, B. (Apr, 2019). ‘The 10 vital skills you will need for the future of work’. Retrieved from Forbes.
17(Nd). ‘Six skills you need to succeed in cybersecurity’. Retrieved from Dice. Accessed June 1, 2020.
18(Apr, 2020). ‘Computer and information technology occupations’. Retrieved from BLS.
Register for an information technology or cybersecurity course
The cybersecurity and information technology (IT) sectors are currently enjoying rapid growth that’s showing no sign of slowing down. With business leaders facing continuously evolving risks and changes in regulations around data and network security, it’s no wonder that the global cybersecurity market is predicted to more than double before the end of the decade. Valued at $112.01 billion in 2019, it’s forecast to reach $281.74 billion by 2027, with an expected CAGR growth of 12.6 percent from 2020 to 2027.1
Similarly, the IT services sector is large and growing, with global IT spending estimated at $3.4 trillion for 2020.2 In most countries, the tech sector contributes significantly to economic activity. In many US cities and states, for example, this sector has a greater economic impact than most other industries, including construction, retail, and transportation, as shown by a recent CompTIA report.3
In line with the growth in these sectors is the heightened demand for people who have the requisite skills. Due to rapid advancements in technology, the cybersecurity workplace gap isn't being bridged quickly enough, with a global skills gap of over four million professionals.4
GetSmarter has a rich portfolio of courses available in both IT and cybersecurity, providing professionals with university-backed knowledge applicable to these in-demand fields. These short, online courses are available on a flexible learning platform that’s well-supported and personal, ensuring ease of learning for professionals with demanding work schedules.
What is information technology?
In 1958, at what could be considered the official start of IT as an area of business, Harvard Business Review stated that IT consists of three basic parts: computational data processing, decision support, and business software.5
As vast as the sector is wide, services in IT play a central role in the operation of many companies and include software development, systems integration, hardware deployment, as well as user training and support.6 All of these activities serve those in organizations with the creation, management, and delivery of data and information to fulfill organizational functions; improve communication, processes and customer relations; and reach business objectives.7
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is used to guard organizations’ computers, data, and networks from electronic, malicious attacks.8 It’s a broad term that covers a vast number of security concerns, including network, application, information, and operational security, as well as some aspects of disaster recovery.9
The primary goal is to keep digital threats at bay. These include malware, phishing attempts, ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, cross-site scripting, man-in-the-middle attacks, and credential stuffing.10
Careers in IT and cybersecurity
A career in either one of these fields promises continued demand, with growth predicted to be much faster than the average for all other occupations before 2030.11
Cybersecurity-related roles, including those filled by cybersecurity engineers, architects, specialists, consultants, and analysts, are in high demand, with some roles forecasted to grow at an exceptional rate of 32 percent before the end of this decade.12 Other security-focused careers, such as roles in security engineering and security architecture, also play an important role in the industry.13 Management roles in cybersecurity include those of chief security officer and chief information security officer – professionals responsible for strategy, operations, and budgets.14
As for a career in IT, options span everything from roles in software development, data analytics, database administration, data science, web development, and more.
Skills needed for a career in IT and cybersecurity
A wide range of skills are required for those wanting to succeed in the IT and cybersecurity sectors.
For IT developers, for example, being able to code in JavaScript remains important, followed by SQL, Java, and HTML programming skills.15 There’s also an increased demand for professionals who have invested in developing a more balanced skill set than just the requisite technical abilities. Skills such as analytical thinking, effective communication, leadership, and creativity are worth acquiring in order to be prepared for the workplace of the future.16
The same applies to cybersecurity: a holistic set of competencies are required, including technical abilities, people skills, management skills, and implementation skills, coupled with evidence of a solid work ethic and a firm grasp of the changing cybersecurity landscape.17
The opportunities are vast, and promise steady growth in years to come,18 boding well for anyone considering a career in IT or cybersecurity. Whether you already work in one of these sectors, and want to advance your career by updating your skills and knowledge or wish to transition into either one of these exciting, high-potential fields, there’s an online short course that will meet your needs.
Backed by globally respected institutions, and supported by a flexible learning model, earning a certificate in the skills needed for IT and cybersecurity is now easier and more accessible than ever before.
Sources
1(Feb, 2020). ‘Cyber security market size, share and industry analysis, by solution, by deployment type, by enterprise size, by end-user, and region forecast, 2020-2027’. Retrieved from Fortune Business Insights.
2(Jan, 2020). ‘Gartner says global IT spending to decline 8% in 2020 due to impact of Covid-19’. Retrieved from Gartner.
3(Mar, 2020). ‘Cyberstates 2020’. Retrieved from CompTIA.
4(Nov, 2019). ‘(ISC)² finds the cybersecurity workforce needs to grow 145% to close skills gap and better defend organizations worldwide’. Retrieved from ISC.
5Leavitt, H. et al. (Nov, 1958). ‘Management in the 1980’s’. Retrieved from HBR.
6(Nd). ‘IT definition’. Retrieved from TechTerms. Accessed June 6, 2020.
7Walters, S. (Aug, 2019). ‘Five IT functions in an organization’. Retrieved from AZCentral.
8Fruhlinger, J. (Dec, 2019). ‘What is cybersecurity? Types, careers, salaries, and certification’. Retrieved from CSO Online.
9Fruhlinger, J. (Dec, 2019). ‘What is cybersecurity? Types, careers, salaries, and certification’. Retrieved from CSO Online.
10Fruhlinger, J. (Dec, 2019). ‘What is cybersecurity? Types, careers, salaries, and certification’. Retrieved from CSO Online.
11(Apr, 2020). ‘Computer and information technology occupations’. Retrieved from BLS.
12(Apr, 2020). ‘Information security analysts’. Retrieved from BLS.
13Fruhlinger, J. (Dec, 2019). ‘What is cybersecurity? Types, careers, salaries, and certification’. Retrieved from CSO Online.
14Fruhlinger, J. (Dec, 2019). ‘What is cybersecurity? Types, careers, salaries, and certification’. Retrieved from CSO Online.
15Kubrynski, J (2020). ‘Top IT skills report 2020: demand and hiring trends’. Retrieved from DevSkiller.
16Marr, B. (Apr, 2019). ‘The 10 vital skills you will need for the future of work’. Retrieved from Forbes.
17(Nd). ‘Six skills you need to succeed in cybersecurity’. Retrieved from Dice. Accessed June 1, 2020.
18(Apr, 2020). ‘Computer and information technology occupations’. Retrieved from BLS.
