Why you should pursue a career in cybersecurity

For many of us, choosing which career path to take ultimately comes down to following what you are passionate about. Although other factors such as salary and job security are also undoubtedly very important, at the end of the day, we all want to try to do something meaningful with our careers and ensure that we enjoy the work we do.

It can certainly be a challenge to find a career where you can simultaneously pay the bills and make an impact on the world, but luckily, cybersecurity is an emerging field that checks off both of these boxes. Whether you are just getting started in the workforce or are looking for a career pivot, cybersecurity is definitely a promising field to consider.

This article will explore why cybersecurity is so prevalent in today’s world, and will list the many reasons why this lucrative and in-demand job might be right for you. If this kind of job does happen to peak your interest by the end of the article, we’ll also dive into how you can launch your career in cybersecurity with a bootcamp at Lighthouse Labs.

Why cybersecurity is important

One of the main reasons a career in cybersecurity is so important and impactful is because the primary job function is to protect confidential and/or sensitive data.

With a 7.7% year-over-year increase in cyber attacks recently, sensitive details such as one’s address and banking information can become subject to data breaches, which can ultimately lead to significant financial losses. In fact, one study found that the global average cost per data breach was 4.88 million dollars in 2024.

Cyber attacks like ransomware and phishing can impact both small and large corporations alike, and can also affect a variety of different industries including healthcare and finance.

For this reason, organizations of all shapes and sizes are increasingly committed to investing in cybersecurity measures that will keep their data secure. This includes hiring skilled cybersecurity professionals who can detect and prevent potential attacks, in turn leading to financial savings and enhancing brand reputation.

Why you should pursue a career in cybersecurity

Beyond the fundamental purpose of protecting and securing data, there are so many other reasons to consider becoming a cybersecurity professional. Keep reading below to discover why this may be the perfect job avenue for you.

Number of jobs available

Since cybersecurity is critical to all organizations, there is an incredibly high number of open roles and opportunities available — and they are expected to keep growing. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics “forecasts a 32% increase in cybersecurity jobs from 2022 to 2032.”

However, as the demand for cybersecurity jobs continues to rise exponentially, the reality is that we are facing a shortage of talented professionals in the industry. An article from 2022 found that “despite high compensation packages”, one in six cybersecurity jobs in Canada goes unfilled. This means that if you do have the relevant skills and knowledge, you likely won’t be facing much competition when applying for roles.

Cybersecurity skills gap

Since the demand for cybersecurity jobs is outpacing the number of available skilled workers, it is clear that the shortage of cybersecurity professionals is due to a gap in knowledge. The World Economic Forum recently found that 52% of organizations say “that a lack of resources and skills is their biggest challenge when designing for cyber resilience.”

With this gap, however, comes a great opportunity for prospective cybersecurity professionals to gain the sought-after skills that companies need. If you’ve ever considered pursuing some kind of cybersecurity education, now is definitely the time to start and get ahead of the crowd.

Demand across all industries

As touched on earlier, cybersecurity is a concern for all kinds of industries such as government, education, finance and more. This means that opportunities may arise for mixing your passions: for example, if you are interested in healthcare and medicine, you can leverage your cybersecurity skills by working at a hospital.

As well, you can also tailor the industry you choose based on your working style or personality. For instance, if you are someone who likes having more autonomy, you can opt to work in a field that typically has smaller teams, such as the non-profit sector. Since many different industries are looking to fill cybersecurity roles, choosing a field that you are particularly passionate about can help make your work all the more meaningful.

Many different pathways/specialties

Another reason to consider a career in cybersecurity is the variety of paths that you can take within the field itself. Cybersecurity is a broad field, so there is truly an opportunity for everyone. This includes different roles including (but not limited to) the following:

• Cybersecurity Analyst: Monitors and responds to security incidents, investigate potential threats and take action to mitigate risk.
• Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: Responsible for an organization’s entire security infrastructure, monitoring and analyzing efficiency of the system.
• Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Evaluates and identifies potential vulnerabilities in security systems, and takes proactive measures such as testing to prevent cyber attacks.
• Security Engineer: Responds to and documents threats, creates firewalls and enhances security measures.
• Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst: Research, track and analyze cyber threats to assess potential impact.
• Chief Security Officer (CSO): The most senior executive in an organization, responsible for safeguarding important data by overseeing compliance and security strategies.

Challenging but rewarding career

Working in cybersecurity means you will be involved in high-stakes situations where important and confidential data is at risk. In our ever-evolving and technologically savvy world, this also means that you will face new challenges, such as navigating the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and how they can impact cybersecurity.

If you’re a problem-solving and solution-oriented kind of person, this career path might just be for you. Although there likely won’t be a ‘how-to’ book for how to handle the complex tech challenges that come your way, it can also be incredibly satisfying when you do find a resolution.

Opportunities for growth

As noted in the different pathways section, there is a diverse range of specializations one can find within cybersecurity. On top of that, though, cybersecurity is also a field that is conducive to career growth, as there are so many opportunities ranging from entry-level, mid-level and senior level.

Since there is such a high demand for cybersecurity professionals, organizations want to hold on to great talent that can be further developed. Of course, with these growth opportunities also comes increases in compensation, with entry-level salaries starting at approximately $95,000 per year and more senior positions (like a Chief Security or Information Officer) making up to $206,000 per year.

Supportive professional community

Cybersecurity professionals share the mission of defending against cyber threats and protecting sensitive data, so there is a strong sense of community within the industry. Especially since upskilling is such a necessary component, cybersecurity professionals often come together to discuss emerging trends, whether it be at in-person events or online forums like Discord.

Although working in tech or IT is often mistakenly seen as an isolating or solely independent kind of job, this assumption is not always true. In fact, working in cybersecurity often requires collaboration to find solutions to new challenges. This kind of cooperation also lends itself well to mentorship opportunities, which can be great for new and prospective cybersecurity professionals looking to launch their careers.

Industry is constantly evolving

The shortage of cybersecurity professionals is often attributed to the constant upskilling that is required in the industry. Since software and technologies are rapidly evolving and changing, cybersecurity professionals must stay up-to-date with new skills and resources.

While this can be seen as a negative aspect, it could also be a point of attraction for those who consider themselves life-long learners. If you love to gain new knowledge, then this fast-paced industry might be perfectly suited for you.

Opportunities to make a real impact

Those who work in cybersecurity are known to have a high rate of job satisfaction, with 79% of cybersecurity professionals in North America reporting that they are satisfied with their jobs. This may be because cybersecurity professionals make a real, tangible impact by preventing data breaches and keeping sensitive information secure.

If you are the kind of person who enjoys seeing the fruits of their labour, the satisfaction that cybersecurity can bring might mean that it is a good career choice for you. It is truly a line of work where you can understand exactly why your job matters and the value you bring to the organization.

How to break into cybersecurity

Are you interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity but not sure where to begin? Consider enrolling in Lighthouse Labs’ Cybersecurity Bootcamp as a first step. Download the curriculum to find out more about what you will learn in the bootcamp, including topics such as encryption, network security, incident response and forensics.

This program will equip you with all the necessary cybersecurity knowledge you will need to enter the workforce. It can be completed completely online in either an immersive 12-week format or a flexible 30-week format.

If you’re interested in the bootcamp, make sure to join our upcoming Info Session to learn how our Cybersecurity Bootcamp can jumpstart your career in this high-demand field. It’s free to attend, so RSVP today to secure your spot!