In a world where cyber threats constantly evolve, it can be difficult for employers to keep up with the latest security standards. Many adversaries are developing more sophisticated attacks that can penetrate traditional security methods and strategies.
That’s why so many companies are turning to eLearning to help overcome the cybersecurity skills gap. Thanks to technological advancements, eLearning platforms allow students and professionals to learn and develop new skills anywhere and anytime.
Here are just some of the ways that eLearning is helping employers and employees alike:
Why Is There a Shortage of Cybersecurity Professionals?
You’re probably wondering why there is such a demand for cybersecurity professionals.
- First, the field of cybersecurity is complex, which means it can be challenging to find people with the right skillset who are also willing to spend time learning new tools and techniques.
- There are more jobs available than there are qualified people to fill them. This means that employers need access to training programs to help their employees build the necessary skills to succeed in their roles as security professionals.
The Cybersecurity Skills Gap Is Only Getting Bigger
You’ve probably heard of the cybersecurity skills gap. But if you’re like most people, you might not know what it is or how it impacts your life.
In short, the cybersecurity skills gap refers to the growing lack of qualified cyber professionals in the workforce and its impact on the ability to keep data secure. According to the (ISC)2 2022 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, there is a global shortage of 3.4 million workers in the cybersecurity field.
This problem is worsening and should alarm everyone who cares about maintaining a secure Internet and preventing cyberattacks. If something is not done now, there won’t be enough people to ensure that nothing terrible happens online, and this lack of cybersecurity professionals could make society vulnerable.
Cybercrime Isn’t Slowing Down
Today, cybercrime is a global problem. Your company may be hacked, your identity stolen, and your credit card numbers sold on the dark web. Cybercrime isn’t slowing down; it’s growing, not just in volume but also in sophistication.
Cybercrime affects businesses and individuals alike. The average cost per data breach is $9.44 million in 2022, according to research from IBM. And as new technologies put more sensitive data at risk of being compromised, there have been increased attacks on national security agencies, infrastructure providers, and other large organizations that possess valuable information.
All the data saved by these agencies and companies can affect people’s personal lives if they fall into the wrong hands.
More Cybersecurity Jobs Are Forecasted Each Year
As more and more companies turn to eLearning, it’s clear that the cybersecurity skills gap is closing. Cybersecurity Ventures estimates that by 2025, this industry will have 3.5 million unfilled jobs globally. According to CyberSeek, more than 1 million cybersecurity workers are in the U.S., but more than 765,000 of those positions remain unfilled.
And this number doesn’t include all people who need the training to build or improve their skill sets. The jobs report only considers those who have already been trained as security specialists.
The good news? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the “information security analyst” occupation will be the 8th fastest-growing occupation over the next decade, with an employment growth rate of 35% compared to the 5% average growth rate for all occupations.
Cybersecurity Education Options Are Growing
With online learning, you have a lot of options. There are hundreds of online courses available and more appear every day. Some are free, while others cost money if you want to earn a certificate or diploma. You can consider enrolling in an online cybersecurity program to enhance your resume if you are a working professional.
Getting a master’s in cybersecurity can help you land a higher-paying job or even get promoted if you already have a bachelor’s degree. These programs can be completed in under two years, and some offer a flexible schedule.
Some schools even allow you to complete the course in your free time, as long as you meet all the requirements. This is a worthwhile effort, as in the United States, information security analysts can expect an average salary of $102,600 per year, per data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
If you’re interested in learning about cybersecurity but don’t want to commit yourself to taking an entire course or program at this point in your life, take advantage of shorter eLearning modules that may be offered by your employer or professional association.
These bite-sized lessons can provide valuable information about up-to-date trends in the field and help set the stage for taking your next step toward becoming more knowledgeable about cybersecurity threats and how they affect all aspects of daily life.
Elearning Makes a Difference for Those Struggling to Find Quality Cybersecurity Education
Elearning is a great way to learn. Not only can you learn at your own pace, but it’s more flexible than traditional education. For example, if you want to take a week off from school and go snowboarding with friends, eLearning allows students to do that without losing their spot in the class or applying for an academic leave of absence.
Elearning also makes learning opportunities available to any person interested in cybersecurity who may not quickly have access to quality cybersecurity education to meet growing demand. The eLearning approach is also more cost-effective than traditional education. It can reduce the cost of faculty and facilities, which means that more people can afford to take cybersecurity courses.
Conclusion
While there are still many challenges in the cybersecurity field, eLearning is helping to meet these challenges and bridge the skills gap. It’s an affordable, accessible option that can be completed at your own pace.
There are also many other benefits, like flexibility and the convenience of completing courses anywhere at any time. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or just improve your existing one, eLearning courses are a great way to learn the skills you need.
