2017 is not even over yet, but it has already been a very eventful year in the world of cyber security. We’ve picked out 4 of the biggest trends of the year so far – trends which show why investing in Online Security Training Courses are a smart investment.
1. This week Equifax admitted that the private information of up to 143 million Americans has been compromised
Equifax, the US-based credit reporting agency, announced this week that the data breach included personal data such as social security numbers, addresses, and even some driving license numbers. Online security breaches like this are becoming increasingly common. The upside – if there is one – is for those working in the field of cyber security. Needless to say, the more hacking and data breaches there are, the greater the demand for more and better online security. This helps to explain the growing number of IT professionals who are choosing to take courses such as the CISSP Online Course (among others) in order to move their careers into the growing field of cyber security.
2. WannaCry and the emergence of healthcare ransomware
Cyber security experts had already warned us about the potential threat of ransomware in the healthcare industry. And earlier this year their predictions hit home when the ransomware “WannaCry” wreaked havoc upon major healthcare institutions, including many government run organizations, such as the NHS in the UK. Due to the sheer size of many of these institutions, maintaining up-to-date computer systems (with the latest security) is challenging, often leaving the proverbial door open for hackers. WannaCry will likely not be the last ransomware designed deliberately to target healthcare software, so as an online security professional, specializing in this field may be a smart career move.
3. State sponsored hacking
That’s right – hacking is not just restricted to computer-literate disillusioned teenage nerds sitting in their parents’ basement – even governments are getting involved! Earlier this year there were allegations that Russia sponsored online attacks against the Democratic National Committee (in the USA), arguably then affecting the result of the American presidential election. Plus there have also been several reports of China state-sponsored attacks. But let’s not lay the blame solely on these two governments – the likelihood is that most major governments are at some level involved in cyber attacks and/or espionage. We could discuss whether it is right or wrong for governments to act like this, but it is unlikely to change their behavior. What is more relevant to us – as IT professionals in the field of cyber security – is that these state-sponsored attacks create a need for defense. And that’s exactly where we come in. No wonder then, that so many people are opting to develop their online security CV’s. If you missed our previous blog post, you may be interested to read about 11 of the Best Security Certifications to Boost your Career in 2017.
4. The trend towards the net provides more hacking opportunities
It’s somewhat obvious, but with more and more industries transitioning to have an online presence, there are more and more opportunities for hackers. Earlier this year, the NRF predicted that online sales in 2017 will grow at 3 times the speed of traditional retail sales. It’s no surprise, but it has meaningful consequences. Let’s think back to the old days – when “big data” meant a warehouse full of paper files. Accessing these files would have been only possible through physical means. However, nowadays companies’ clients’ information is all online, sometimes with a scarily small amount of protection. In other words, it’s happy days for all the hackers out there! And as mentioned previously, this increase in potential cyber security threats, creates a proportional demand for cyber security protection.
What is the best way to start or further a career in cybersecurity?
The best way to break into the cybersecurity market is by getting certified. Employers usually look out for a number of popular certifications, which are listed in our previous blog post 11 of the Best Security Certifications to Boost your Career in 2017.
ISCN – the Information Security Careers Network – partners closely with top training providers to bring you discounts and savings on some of these security certifications and online training courses.
Online Security Training Courses – ISCN is now providing online security discount codes for some of the major online security certifications.
ISCN is pleased to announce that we now have discount codes for the following online security training courses:
- CyberVista’s CompTIA Security+ Online Training ($500 discount)
- EC Council’s CCISO Online Training $500 discount)
- CyberVista’s CISSP Online Training (20% discount)
- EC Council’s Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator Online Course (20% discount)
- EC Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker Online Course (20% discount)
Or view all Security Training Courses here.
Happy learning!