Cyber ​​attacks are always on the rise, and both the monthly frequency and the criticality are growing because cyber criminals are increasingly determined and precise in their operations.

The victims are the most disparate and no sector is now protected from cybercrime which uses different techniques to pursue the result by penetrating the targeted systems, obtaining data, information or infiltrating malicious software.

On the other hand, digital is increasingly widespread and we all rely every day on computers and smartphones (spoiler: smartphone is a computer!). This exposes us more and more to Cyber ​​risks and threats.

At this point Cybercrime is the main motivation of cyber attacks and more valuable than drugs market. If Cybercrime were a country, it would be the third largest economy in the world after the US and China.

In 2021 Cybercrime causes $6 trillion in damage globally and this figure is expected to increase.

It is therefore a priority to be aware of the situation around us, as well as to stay updated on Cyber ​​Security issues, whose purpose is in fact to protect assets, not only data or IT systems, but everything that has value and is important for companies and people.

In the case of pacemakers connected to the internet or electric cars, for example, we are also talking about human lives because every device connected to the network can potentially be violated.

So, if on the one hand, as we have seen, the value and importance of Cyber ​​Security are undeniable, on the other hand there is still a serious shortage of positions in this sector.

Globally, there are currently 3.5 million job vacancies in the IT security sector, 400,000 in Europe alone, 2 million in the Asia and Pacific regions.

The growth rate in this sector was 350% from 2013 to 2021, a figure never seen before.

And since 2011 the unemployment rate is 0%.

With these tempting premises, why are there no more Cyber ​​Security employees and young people find it hard to choose this course of study?

In part this certainly depends on the still erroneous perception of these functions.

Working in Cyber ​​Security is considered an exclusively technical occupation for which you need a special predisposition, or something reserved only for nerds. Nothing more wrong!

Technical activities are certainly needed, and in this case, the necessary hard skills can be learned.

Positions that are not necessarily technical are also needed to cover managerial, legal, marketing, sales and communication needs.

So, certainly technical skills are useful, but soft skills are equally fundamental: skills such as analytical and deductive reasoning, lateral thinking, predisposition to problem solving, attention to detail, the ability to work in a team and strong communication abilities are more important than you think.

Training it is also essential as well as a good (or better excellent) knowledge of English, curiosity and the desire to continue learning.

But it is above all by leaving your comfort zone that you grow more.

Good job!