BotNet News

Cyber-security is a broad field that encompasses all the technologies and practices that keep computer systems, data and information safe from attack. The threats are many and varied: thieves can swipe customer social security numbers from company databases; hackers may spoof websites to steal login credentials; disgruntled employees can access corporate email systems to send malicious emails or even wipe out entire servers; and malware, including zero-day exploits that take advantage of software vulnerabilities before developers issue patches, can wreak havoc on computer networks.

The solutions are equally diverse: a strong password that takes 62 trillion times longer to crack than one of six characters can prevent some cyberattacks; encryption software allows remote employees to safely use public networks, as it makes thief-in-the-middle attacks impossible; and unified endpoint management (UEM) tools allow IT teams to manage, secure and protect all devices and apps on a company network from a single console. However, no matter how much cybersecurity technology evolves, it’s important to remember that the biggest threat to data and information remains human error: careless employees who ignore best practices; disgruntled current or former workers with access to system privileges; or rogue outsiders seeking to profit from cyberattacks.

People who succeed in cybersecurity jobs tend to be curious, competitive and willing to keep learning, Kamyck says. There are many paths into the field, from undergraduate degrees in computer engineering or engineering to a graduate degree in information assurance or security; professional certifications like the Certified Information Security Professional credential are also available. The job is challenging, but rewarding for those who make it.