In an era where the digital landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, the demand for cyber security professionals has never been higher. According to the Fortinet 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report, the number of organizations reporting five or more breaches surged by 53% between 2021 and 2022. Many leaders attribute these breaches, at least in part, to a lack of cybersecurity skills among IT professionals.
However, not everyone is cut out for the nitty-gritty technicalities of cybersecurity. The good news is that the realm of cyber protection extends beyond the binary world of coding and configurations. Dr. Christine Izuakor, a distinguished cybersecurity leader with a decade of experience solving complex cyber challenges at Fortune 100 companies, suggests that there are three common areas of cybersecurity careers: Management, Technical, and Senior Leadership. For those who are less inclined towards the technical aspects, the management domain could offer promising career opportunities.
Navigating the Management Domain
The security management and governance domain focus on overseeing and managing cybersecurity within an organization. While a solid understanding of technology is crucial, this area tends to be less technical compared to others. Instead of delving into system configurations, a career path in security management entails:
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Utilizing business acumen
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Good organizational management skills
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Strong soft skills to programmatically manage security with employees
Information Security Officer: A Key Player in Cybersecurity Management
One promising job title in this field is that of an Information Security Officer (ISO). According to the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF), an ISO plays a pivotal role in managing an organization’s cybersecurity strategy and its implementation. Their mission is to define, maintain, and communicate the cybersecurity vision, strategy, policies, and procedures. This includes managing the implementation of the cybersecurity policy across the organization and ensuring information exchange with external authorities and professional bodies.
Cyber Security Educator: Bridging the Knowledge Gap
Another avenue in the cybersecurity management domain is the role of a Cyber Security Educator. According to the ECSF, a Cyber Security Educator is tasked with improving cybersecurity knowledge, skills, and competencies among individuals. Their mission includes designing, developing, and conducting awareness, training, and educational programs in cybersecurity and data protection-related topics. Utilizing appropriate teaching methods, techniques, and instruments, they work to enhance the cybersecurity culture, capabilities, knowledge, and skills of human resources within an organization.
Take the First Step into Cyber Security Management
As organizations grapple with the widening skills gap, individuals who can bridge the divide between technology and business are becoming increasingly indispensable in the fight against cyber threats. So, if you're intrigued by cybersecurity but not so "techy," there's still a world of opportunities waiting for you in the management realm of cyber protection.
Ready to take the next step towards a dynamic career in cybersecurity management? Explore Code Lab Academy’s cybersecurity bootcamptoday or schedule a call with our experts to learn more about how you can make a significant impact in the ever-evolving world of cyber protection. Your journey to a rewarding and less "techy" cybersecurity career starts here!
