Cyber security jobs will continue to skyrocket in 2020 – here’s why
The number of cyber security jobs in Australia is skyrocketing and employers are falling over themselves to find job candidates with cyber security qualifications. The statistics speak for themselves. In the last five years, the number of cyber security jobs in Australia increased by 16.9%. The trend for increased computer system employment is set to continue with Computer Design and Related Services job numbers predicted to grow to 279,500 by May 2023.
All you need to know about cyber security in 2020
- A secure and well-paid job in cyber security.
- Cyber security careers at the centre of our economy.
- Cyber security careers at the heart of our lifestyles.
- Cyber security and cloud computing.
- Cyber security and social media.
- Working in cyber security.
- The skills required for a cyber security career.
- Cyber security courses for a specialised industry.
1. A secure and well-paid job in cyber security.
One of the great things about joining a booming industry is the pay. When fewer applicants apply for each job, wages tend to increase.
According to SEEK, wages in Information & Communication Technology increased by 7.31% between 2013 and 2018. One of only two industries to attract average salaries of over $100,000, ICT was Australia’s fifth highest paid industry for this time period.
Entry-level cyber security analysts currently earn around $67,000 a year with lucrative increases available to those with qualifications and experience. The best paid cyber security analysts live in Adelaide and Brisbane.
2. Cyber security careers at the centre of our economy.
When you look at the statistics, it is easy to see why so many Australians are making the move to cyber security careers. Our dependence on computer systems for trade is growing.
By the end of 2017, over 95% of all Australian businesses (total estimated businesses 831,000) had internet access and almost 40% received orders via the internet. This dependence means that protecting computer systems, particularly databases, has become a top priority for many business leaders.
3. Cyber security careers at the heart of our lifestyles.
Data now has a commercial value and malicious systems to access it are becoming more and more sophisticated. Without knowing it, we have all become dependent on those who can protect our data and the IT systems we use to access it.
4. Cyber security and cloud computing.
Over 42% of Australian businesses are now experiencing the benefits of using paid cloud services. Cloud computing has led to increased productivity and employment as well as improved customer service.
Over the last five years, the increase in productivity related to cloud computing has added an impressive $9.4 billion to Australia’s economy. With this cloud-computing boom, it has come with a rise in cyber security risk and the increase in cyber security jobs that analysts have been anticipating.
5. Cyber security and social media.
Social media for business is experiencing a steady pick-up in Australia (40% of businesses had a social media presence in 2016-2017). In our private lives as well, we Australians are embracing social technologies and use social media for an average of 1.5 hours each day.
Cyber security is important to protect social media information from theft. Cyber security specialists are often required to work swiftly in order to keep ahead of external threats.
6. Working in cyber security.
The top two industries for cyber security jobs are Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (29%) and Public Administration and Safety (24%). Most cyber security workers take a full time role and their average age is 39. Women are currently underrepresented in this industry (14%) but it has a fairly even age spread between 25 and 54 years.
7. The skills required for a cyber security career.
- Setting up and integrating security systems
- Maintaining security systems
- Writing user documentation
- Training system users
- Keeping updated with the latest security solutions
- Disaster recovery
You will need a keen interest in information technology to get a job in cyber security. Employers in this industry will also be looking for candidates who can:
- Communicate well with other people
- Demonstrate a high level of accuracy
- Work independently as well as in a team
- Work within existing and new systems
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn
Experienced cyber security specialists are likely to earn the highest salaries but other factors such as qualifications and specific skills also play a part. These skills include:
- Risk management
- Network security
- Intrusion detection
8. Cyber security courses for a specialised industry.
IT skills are amongst Australia’s most in-demand skills for 2019. One of the exciting things about a cyber security career is that it offers plenty of opportunity for development and training. The majority of ICT security specialists (64%) are educated to Bachelor or Postgraduate level. However, Certificate IV level qualifications are a great place to start off your cyber security career.
Whatever level of qualification you are looking for, online training in ICT fits easily alongside your day-to-day responsibilities. Taking further qualifications can improve your skill level and help advance your career. Upskilled also offers the ICT50120 - Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) if you want to take your cyber security career to higher levels.
Make a career move into cyber security today
Looking at the overall picture, the future of IT and Business Careers in Australia is bright and exciting. If you want to take advantage of this boom in IT and cyber security jobs, check out Upskilled’s range of nationally-recognised IT qualifications, particularly in cyber security.
These courses are a great study pathway to those wanting to work towards specialist degrees that can help them gain work in cyber security. Get in touch with one of Upskilled’s education consultants to find out more.
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