Need for digital security spurs growth of cyber security field
The growing need for digital security has made the shortage of cyber security professionals in the United States even more apparent, and the U.S. government is now engaged in a campaign to train, hire, and retain thousands of cyber professionals; the private sector is doing its share, too: Raytheon initiated the MathMovesU program in 2005, to inspire middle school students to consider math, science, and engineering education and careers; Raytheon awards more than $2 million annually in scholarships and grants to students, teachers, and schools nationwide
As the Internet becomes an ever more important tool in both the corporate and government arenas, the need for cyber security increases as well, and with it, the need for skilled cyber security professionals.
The growing need for digital security has made the shortage of cyber security professionals in the United States even more apparent, and the U.S. government is now engaged in a campaign to train, hire, and retain thousands of cyber professionals (see “U.S. intensifies campaign to train, hire, retain cybersecurity professionals,” 31 August 2010 HSNW; “As demand for cybersecurity professionals grows, shortages are felt,” 4 August 2010 HSNW; “Uncle Sam wants 10,000 new cybersecurity professionals,” 10 June 2010 HSNW).
Also note that the National Cyber Security Alliance has established October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
“We are all increasingly vulnerable,” says Gary Cluff, Manager of Corporate Recruiting for MITRE Corporation, adding that the government especially is very concerned about cyber threats. To address that effort, government contractors are looking for talent, “ethical hackers, if you will,” says Cluff.
Carol Sorgen writes in the Washington Post that according to the Department of Labor, demand for computer security specialists will grow as businesses and government invest more heavily in cyber security, in order to protect vital computer networks and electronic infrastructures from attack. “The information security field is expected to generate many new system administrator jobs over the next decade as firms across all industries place a high priority on safeguarding their data and systems,” according to the DOL’s Occupational Outlook Handbook for 2008-9.
“We need people who can keep cyber enemies from infiltrating the many operating systems that are now out there,” says Cluff. “This is as great a threat as nuclear warfare when it comes to ensuring our national security.”
Sorgen writes that those interested in joining the ranks of cyber security professionals have several options through which to receive training.
The Federal Cyber Corps Program, for example, managed by the Department of Justice, is open to students currently completing their junior year of undergraduate school or first-year of graduate school. In addition to a stipend of approximately $1,000 per month, the program pays for each student’s tuition for two years, room and board, and travel to conferences. After one year of training, students complete a summer internship in a federal agency, learning first-hand about computer security issues and putting into practice what they’ve learned in class. By
