According to the White House, America has 700,000 unfilled cyber security jobs in government as of July 2022. Because the shortage of cybersecurity professionals poses a risk to national security, a summit was held in mid-2022 to discuss ways to increase the number of qualified cybersecurity applicants. The summit participants recommended that private and public sectors work with educators to develop a pipeline to fill the growing need for cybersecurity personnel.
Some recommendations included non-traditional education alternatives such as two-year programs with apprenticeships. Other options were on-the-job training for those already in a technical field. Multiple paths should be explored for those looking for cybersecurity jobs in government.
Is Cyber Security a Good Career Choice?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 35% growth in information security positions between 2021 and 2031. That is much higher than the overall employment increase of 0.5% for the same period. In 2021, the country had 163,000 job openings, but employers only filled 56,500, leaving a little over 100,000 vacancies.
What Skills Are Needed?
Since most positions require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions, the gap will only increase unless alternative training options are found. Cybersecurity boot camps are another alternative for those looking for an entry-level position in cybersecurity. Bootcamps offer accelerated instructions in various areas of cybersecurity.
Certifications are an option for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. With the necessary certifications, individuals can change career paths to become cybersecurity professionals. The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) website lists 30 cybersecurity certifications currently available in the United States.
Ongoing certifications should be part of any cybersecurity professional’s career development. Hackers are continually inventing new ways to breach a system or steal data. That means cybersecurity personnel must remain current on what is happening in the world of cybercrime to construct defenses to protect digital assets.
How Much Does a Cyber Security Position Pay?
According to the BLS, the median pay in 2021 was $102,600 per year or almost $50.00 per hour. Some positions pay close to $200,000 per year; however, the higher salaries typically require more than five years of experience. Depending on location, entry-level cybersecurity positions may average between $30,000 and $50,000 per year.
Cyber Security Jobs in Government
Every branch and level of government needs cybersecurity personnel. The federal government posts job openings on its USAJobs site. However, the NICCS has an interactive map that shows the number of openings by state, city, salary, and title. Anyone looking for government cybersecurity jobs should start with the NICCS website.
Are Security Clearances Required for Cyber Security Jobs in Government?
Most cybersecurity jobs in the government require a security clearance. Receiving clearance involves a background check. The process typically repeats every five to ten years. However, the Department of Defense (DoD) uses a continuous vetting and evaluation program for granting and maintaining security clearances. Anyone wanting a DoD cybersecurity job should be aware of the clearance process.
Continuous Vetting and Evaluation
The DoD has adopted a continuous vetting (CV) using continuous evaluation (CE) that automates security investigations according to Federal Investigative Standards. The checks run automatically 24/7/365.
The program looks for actions that might make an individual a security risk. For example, unusual travel plans, suspicious financial transactions, or driving violations might indicate risky behaviors that could compromise an individual. If the program detects suspicious activity, the employer may investigate further to determine if the individual is a potential security risk. The continuous process enables the DoD to be proactive rather than reactive in addressing possible security weaknesses.
Is Cybersecurity a Good Job Field?
Cybersecurity professionals will continue to be in demand for the next ten years. Ongoing threats will place national security at risk. Cybersecurity jobs in government will expand beyond the DoD as every branch of government will need to strengthen its cybersecurity posture. As long as cybercriminals exist, the country will need security professionals to defend against their attacks.
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FAQs
Is Cyber Security a Good Career Choice?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 35% growth in information security positions between 2021 and 2031. That is much higher than the overall employment increase of 0.5% for the same period. In 2021, the country had 163,000 job openings, but employers only filled 56,500, leaving a little over 100,000 vacancies.
What Skills Are Needed?
Since most positions require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions, the gap will only increase unless alternative training options are found. Cybersecurity boot camps are another alternative for those looking for an entry-level position in cybersecurity. Bootcamps offer accelerated instructions in various areas of cybersecurity. Certifications are an option for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. With the necessary certifications, individuals can change career paths to become cybersecurity professionals. The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) website lists 30 cybersecurity certifications currently available in the United States. Ongoing certifications should be part of any cybersecurity professional’s career development.
How Much Does a Cyber Security Position Pay?
According to the BLS, the median pay in 2021 was $102,600 per year or almost $50.00 per hour. Some positions pay close to $200,000 per year; however, the higher salaries typically require more than five years of experience. Depending on location, entry-level cybersecurity positions may average between $30,000 and $50,000 per year.
Are Security Clearances Required for Cybersecurity Jobs in Government?
Most cybersecurity jobs in the government require a security clearance. Receiving clearance involves a background check. The process typically repeats every five to ten years. However, the Department of Defense (DoD) uses a continuous vetting and evaluation program for granting and maintaining security clearances. Anyone wanting a DoD cybersecurity job should be aware of the clearance process.
