The security and safety of computer networks is essential to modern life. The dangers facing these networks is ever present and increasing, making the field of cybersecurity of primary importance.
The cybersecurity field offers high paying jobs with excellent worker satisfaction. There are 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs around the world (according to Cybersecurity Ventures), and some 500,000 here in the U.S. There has never been a better time to join the field of cybersecurity.
These five short videos developed by the Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) provide background on the importance of cybersecurity in our computer and data-driven world. Practicing cyber professionals across many disciplines talk about their work and their career paths, offering tips on how to prepare for a cybersecurity career. Links to other key resources are also noted. The programs showcase the wide range of cybersecurity jobs that involve the protection of our vulnerable systems from hackers.
Funding for the series was provided through a grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology on behalf of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education. It is one of a number of NIST-funded career development and educational projects the VSGC has undertaken as part of the Hampton Roads Cyber Alliance project led by Old Dominion University.
The video series can be viewed at this link.
VSGC led the development of a DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) chart for a Cybersecurity Analyst that has been used by project partners to ensure curriculum is aligned with workforce needs. The DACUM panel consisted of 10 cybersecurity professionals who described their daily role and identified the tasks and duties typically performed by a cybersecurity analyst. The link to the DACUM chart can be found at this link.