In the beginning of 2012, credit card processing company Global Payments experienced a data breach that affected 50,000 credit cards. Although social security numbers, names and addresses were not accessed during this breach, the damage was done and it was big. Global Payments not only lost an industry safety credential that attracts clients to use their services, they will also have to spend in excess of $84 million in providing credit protection and identity monitoring services to card holders affected by this breach.
$84 million is an expensive lesson to learn about the increasing need for advanced cybersecurity. Everyone from retailers to leaders of government agencies are beginning to recognize this, including the cybersecurity director of one of the South’s leading electronics retailers.
Paul Dirmann, Director of Internet Security for BrandsMart USA, gives his take on the need for cybersecurity, “It’s essential in today’s world with the level of reliance that both businesses and consumers have on technology.” Mr. Dirmann also agreed that breaches could be detrimental to a company’s bottom line, “A breach at your business could result in shutting your doors permanently and that’s not a risk I’m willing to take.”
“The bad guys know that cybercrimes bring bigger payloads in less time, with a much lesser risk of getting caught,” added Dirmann. This is one of the many reasons he has decided to further his education and continue to enhance his cybersecurity skills.
Regardless of whether you are actively involved in the cybersecurity industry or are interested in joining, having the proper training, experience and credentials are crucial to being qualified in the eyes of your future employer. Why is this? Among other things, employers look for dedication and industry body of knowledge, which are demonstrated with the degrees and certifications you have earned.
It should be no surprise that cybersecurity is a rapidly growing industry that is needed at all sectors from the government to retail. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an impressive 22% growth from now through 2018 for cybersecurity professionals. If you aren’t sure what area of cybersecurity you’d like to join, here is a list of career titles and paths that belong to this fast-growing industry:
To learn more about getting started in the challenging and exciting career of cybersecurity, click here.
