Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomadism
    • Events
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • UK
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Digital Nomadism
    • Events
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • UK
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR EXPATS, DIGITAL NOMADS, AND DREAMERS.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Finance

How Cybersecurity Became a Money-Making Career Path

  • BY Mike James
  • February 25, 2022
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

For a long time, cybersecurity was simple. Yes, every business would need to have some cybersecurity protection in place, but generally this could take the form of catch-all software such as firewalls and antivirus. However, while these forms of cybersecurity still have a role to play today, businesses are increasingly dependent on the skills of cybersecurity professionals. 

In the UK, the average cybersecurity professional earns £62,500 per year – more than double the national average. And given the range of possibilities for career progression and fast pace in the industry, skilled staff can earn much more. 

So, how did it happen that this relatively small industry has grown into such a lucrative profession in a relatively short time? Here we take a closer look at how cybersecurity has grown to a money-making career path. 

High Stakes

When we consider the things that are most likely to make a career path financially rewarding, it is generally the case that the higher the level of responsibility, the more the staff are likely to be paid. This simple truism gives us a real initial insight into how cybersecurity has become one of the most lucrative career progression opportunities for IT professionals. 

“Data breaches, exfiltration and high ransoms are making headlines daily and the costs to organisations, their brand reputation and their customers has become astronomically high,” says Anthony Webb, writing for BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT “But there are also high rewards for working in the industry, cybersecurity professionals have the opportunity to, not only solve critical problems, but use technology for good.”

Getting cybersecurity wrong can come with drastic financial and reputational consequences for businesses of all sizes and across all industries. Perhaps it is no surprise that companies are happy to pay cybersecurity professionals very well to minimise and mitigate the risk they face. 

Cybersecurity Skills Shortage

Another major issue affecting cybersecurity pay is a major ongoing challenge for the industry. The simple fact is there are more cybersecurity jobs than there are qualified and experienced staff to do the work; this is the cybersecurity skills gap. 

Despite some positive trends in recent years, the size of the cybersecurity industry workforce remains 65 percent below where it needs to be. That is extremely significant, as it shows that the problem still exists and that the current measures to counteract it are not doing enough. 

And while this is undeniably bad news for the industry, it does mean that it has pushed up the wages of the cybersecurity professionals themselves. With more jobs than applicants, skilled candidates can effectively name their price. And the aforementioned need for these professionals across virtually every organisation means that they will achieve them. 

Rise of Cybercrime 

Perhaps one of the key factors that have influenced the earning power of cybersecurity professionals comes from the fact that cybercrime itself is on the rise. Again, this is a problem for the industry (and for the businesses the industry protects) but it has also had the effect of skyrocketing the demand for cybersecurity professionals. 

One of the most important factors in this rise has been the COVID-19 pandemic. With a huge number of companies taking their business online, it has created new opportunities for cybercriminals. In turn, these businesses have been forced to seek out professional cybersecurity help and advice. 

This has the effect of driving up the demand (and therefore the wages) of the cybersecurity staff.

Something Every Business Needs

It is worth noting at this point that a key reason for the growing wages in cybersecurity is because it is something that is needed by virtually every business in every industry. If your company has any kind of online presence—whether that is customer-facing or behind the scenes—then you can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. 

The consequences of these types of attacks can be disastrous. A famous but shocking statistic shows that 60 percent of small companies that suffer a serious cyberattack will be closed within six months. Put simply, no business can afford to be without powerful cybersecurity, and they are willing to pay well to get it. 

Varied Possibilities

Another key reason for the growth in cybersecurity wages is that there are many different specialisms that all need expert input. Cybersecurity is too broad a subject to be left to just one individual. For example, the expertise needed for pen testing – “a form of ethical cyber security assessment designed to identify and safely exploit vulnerabilities” is completely different from the skillset of data analysts. 

The range of potential options available to those interested in working in cybersecurity means that they can specialise and potentially up their salary even more. 

The Digital Future

It is also worth noting that the earning potential for cybersecurity professionals is likely to increase as time goes on. The fact is that all businesses are having to embrace digital technology to a much greater extent—this has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The future is digital and that will inevitably mean that more cybercrime is on the horizon. It will be up to businesses to find ways to minimise the risk that they face and mitigate the damage that criminals can do. This will mean investing more in cybersecurity staff, driving up wages across the industry. 

Is Cybersecurity a Good Career Path for Making Money?

Cybersecurity takes a great deal of training and a high degree of knowledge. It also requires constant learning to keep up with the latest trends in cybercrime. However, it can be extremely rewarding and not just from a financial perspective. For the right person, a cybersecurity career can be highly lucrative. 

If you’re considering traveling or moving abroad, be sure to explore your healthcare options. Visit International Citizens Insurance to learn more and get a free quote.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Previous Article
  • Finance

Ahead of the Game in Crypto

  • BY Charlotte Tweed
  • February 5, 2022
View Post
Next Article
  • Finance

How to buy privacy coins and protect your freedom

  • BY Charlotte Tweed
  • March 5, 2022
View Post
You May Also Like
Global Diversification Tips from Experts
View Post
  • Plan B
Staying in One Country Could Be Your Biggest Financial Risk
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • September 3, 2025
Low-Tax Countries to Save Money in 2025
View Post
  • Plan B
Where Expats Are Moving to Keep More of Their Money
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • August 27, 2025
Belize Offshore Banking
View Post
  • Plan B
Why Belize’s Waters Run Deep in Offshore Banking
  • BY Luigi Wewege
  • August 20, 2025
International Banking Structures
View Post
  • Plan B
Tax-Friendly Banking Solutions for International Investors
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • August 13, 2025
View Post
  • Interviews
Meet the Legal Strategist Guiding Portugal’s New Wave of Expats
  • BY Isha Sesay
  • July 19, 2025
Reduce Your Taxes by Moving Abroad
View Post
  • Plan B
Legally Reduce Your Taxes by Moving Abroad
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • July 16, 2025
best place to retire
View Post
  • Plan B
Retiring Abroad: Where Can You Actually Afford to Live?
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • June 18, 2025
Not all retirements are created equal—especially when taxes are involved.
View Post
  • Plan B
How to Retire Tax-Free Abroad
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • April 23, 2025
Trending Posts
  • Global Diversification Tips from Experts 1
    • Plan B
    Staying in One Country Could Be Your Biggest Financial Risk
    • September 3, 2025
  • Low-Tax Countries to Save Money in 2025 2
    • Plan B
    Where Expats Are Moving to Keep More of Their Money
    • August 27, 2025
  • Bolivia's incredible salt flats. 3
    • Natural Wonders
    The World’s 10 Most Breathtaking Countries
    • August 31, 2025
  • Friendly locals and relaxed daily life in The Gambia 4
    • Africa
    Could The Gambia Become Africa’s Next Digital Nomad Safari?
    • August 29, 2025
  • England: where history lingers in the mist. 5
    • England
    Top 10 Things to Know If You’re Moving to England
    • September 5, 2025
InterNations
Know Before You Go
  • England: where history lingers in the mist. 1
    • England
    Top 10 Things to Know If You’re Moving to England
    • September 5, 2025
  • Friendly locals and relaxed daily life in The Gambia 2
    • Africa
    Could The Gambia Become Africa’s Next Digital Nomad Safari?
    • August 29, 2025
  • Croatias Tourism: Aerial view of Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline, where historic towns meet turquoise waters 3
    • Croatia
    Croatia’s Journey to Wonder
    • August 22, 2025
  • Moving to Morocco: a palette of Tradition, Texture of Tradition 4
    • Morocco
    Top 10 Things to Know if You’re Moving to Morocco
    • August 18, 2025
  • Albania Travel Guide: City views in Tirana, Albania on a summer afternoon 5
    • Albania
    Albania’s Bold New Beat
    • August 15, 2025
Learn More
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Newsletter Subscription
Our Spring Sale Has Started

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/