Why is Cybersecurity One of the Fastest-Growing Jobs in Canada?

As more and more daily business activities are online, it is increasingly important for companies to ensure that no one is attempting to steal our data or money. Cybersecurity is crucial in today’s business landscape because it safeguards computer systems and data from unauthorized access or destruction. 

Cybersecurity jobs are well-paid, in demand and diverse. Read this engaging article exploring career opportunities in Canada.

In Canada, cybersecurity jobs offer a range of entry-level and senior positions, making them an exciting career path to pursue. With the increasing need for cybersecurity in response to unforeseeable events in the economy, the role of cybersecurity has become paramount.

The Forecast on the Canadian Labour Market Trend

The Canadian labor market trend has traditionally been reliant on supply-driven policies, which use a points-based system to assess human capital without the need for employer sponsorship or job offers.

In Canada, labor shortages are expected to persist through 2022-2031. According to labor market indicators, the cybersecurity sector recently was unable to fill job openings during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the booming digital marketing in Canada, skilled workers will have broader opportunities and a tremendous role to play.

Canada Business Data Breach

Cybercrime is a major threat that is most likely to affect Canadians and Canadian organizations. In 2020, the estimated ransom demands in Canada totaled $796 million. According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, 85% of Canadian businesses were breached by cybercriminals.

It is crucial that businesses safeguard themselves against the risk of fraud, and other internet risks. This can be done by planning what information assets are critical to the business, what kind of risks they can be exposed to, and what legal and compliance requirements the business is subject to. 

For instance, businesses can be protected by implementing robust cybersecurity measures, training employees on how to identify and respond to threats, and regularly updating software and systems.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Canadian Cybersecurity Profession

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant impacts on the Canadian cybersecurity profession. With the increasing dependence on digital technologies and the rapid advancements in the computing industry, cyber threats have become a major concern for governments, businesses, industries, healthcare, and academic institutions.

The pandemic has further highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in maintaining national security and protecting sensitive information. Post-pandemic, Canada’s labor market will require cybersecurity professionals who are proficient in handling new cyber threats, implementing secure remote work practices, and developing strategies to safeguard against emerging risks.

Reasons Why Cybersecurity Professionals Are in High Demand

Job growth in cybersecurity is witnessing exponential development. The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security provides trusted cybersecurity information to protect critical infrastructure and businesses in Canada.

Cybersecurity professionals develop defense technology and tools to safeguard cyber systems in case of cyber events. The cybersecurity center leads the operational response and provides immediate information for managing incidents. The increased use of gadgets, profitability of the dark web, and financial and reputational risks from data breaches emphasize the need for cyber security professionals.

The rapid pace of technological advancements requires experts who can keep up with the latest cybersecurity threats and trends. Governments and private organizations have introduced regulations and standards to protect sensitive data, increasing the demand for cybersecurity professionals who can help ensure compliance.

Importance of Cybersecurity Professionals

The importance of cybersecurity professionals cannot be overstated. In Canada, there is a high demand for these jobs due to the rising number of cyber-attacks and the need to protect sensitive information.

 These professionals are responsible for ensuring

  • Safety and security of computer-based equipment and information
  • Protecting against unauthorized access, changes, and destruction
  • Protection against ransomware and malware attacks
  • Protecting the defense, banking, telecom, power plant, health, transportation, safety, and food supply

Cybersecurity professionals play a crucial role in this regard by working in teams and being knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities in the event of an attack or system malfunction. They possess the skills and expertise necessary to resolve issues and get the business back up and running.

 Cybersecurity Career Opportunities in Canada 

    • Cybersecurity Analyst: a cybersecurity analyst assesses the security risks of a company’s information systems and develops strategies to prevent cyber attacks.
    • Network Security Engineer: designs and maintains network security measures to prevent unauthorized access, attacks, and data breaches.
    • Security Consultant: advises businesses on how to protect their systems and data from cyber-attacks.
    • Penetration Tester: identifies vulnerabilities in a company’s systems and applications by attempting to exploit them to gain unauthorized access.
    • The chief Information Security Officer (CISO): oversees a company’s overall security strategy and ensures that all security measures are implemented and maintained.
    • Cybersecurity Associates: monitoring security procedures and collaborating with various departments to limit risks by ensuring secure communications and data storage. 
    • Information Systems Quality Assurance Analyst: develops, and upgrades policies and procedures.
    • Cloud Security Engineer: ensures that cloud workloads and infrastructure are designed and implemented securely.
  • Artificial Intelligence and data science developer: deploy machine learning models and build machine learning models.

Qualification and Skills for Successful Careers in the Cybersecurity Sector

In terms of qualifications and skills, most cybersecurity jobs require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or IT systems engineering, along with relevant certifications such as

  1. CompTIA Security+
  2. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  3. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Individuals working on this task must have significant knowledge and skills in

  1. Computer operating systems
  2.  Analytical tools, such as network scanning
  3. Network mapping
  4. Vulnerability analysis
  5. Cognitive task analyses with problem-solving skill
  6. Communication skill
  7. Ethical hacking
  8. Forensics Skills
  9. Blockchain Security

Most In-demand Cybersecurity Industries

To prevent confidential data from being leaked, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, in the below-mentioned specific industries

  1. Finance and banking
  2. Military
  3. Health
  4. Transportation
  5. Government
  6. Energy and utilities
  7. Education
  8. Emergency response teams
  9. Law enforcement
  10. Customer care center
  11. Communication

Salary of Cybersecurity Professional in Canada

Canada added 337,000 jobs in February 2022, bringing the unemployment rate to 5.5% – the lowest since the start of the pandemic. The average salary for a cybersecurity analyst in Canada is around CAD$72,000 per year.

  • A network security engineer can earn around CAD$80,000 per year
  • A security consultant can earn around CAD$84,000 per year
  •  A penetration tester can earn around CAD$68,000 per year
  • The salary for a CISO can range from CAD$100,000 to CAD$200,000 per year, depending on the company and industry

Overall, cybersecurity jobs in Canada offer excellent career prospects and high earning potential for those with the right qualifications and experience. Due to the rising demand for cybersecurity experts, numerous academic institutions have introduced cybersecurity programs. 

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 Conclusion

Canada foresees the global production of digital data on the rise. It is expected that the number of cyber-attacks will increase fourfold in the near future. This means that organizations will require skilled cybersecurity professionals to prevent these attacks. Pursuing a career in cyber security is a smart decision for professionals, as it is lucrative. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to pursue a cybersecurity career in Canada?

Acquiring fundamental knowledge of cybersecurity, practicing technical skills, obtaining a certificate in cybersecurity and applying for relevant job positions in cybersecurity.

Which is the top University in Canada for cybersecurity?

Concordia University ranks among the top Universities in the world.

Which is the best City for cybersecurity in Canada?

Vancouver, British Columbia and Fredericton, New Brunswick.

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