cyber criminals, it’s hard not to get excited.

 security engineer requirements

If you’re interested in information technology, cyber security probably sounds like an appealing career focus. The high demand for these professionals and their impressive earning potential alone is enough to catch your attention.1 But when you add in the fact your work revolves around building IT defense systems and safeguarding valuable information from some of the world’s worst cyber criminals, it’s hard not to get excited.

That being said, you could use some clarification on the details. Even if this career path checks a lot of important boxes, you’ll want to know as much as possible about what you’re getting into and what it takes to become a cyber security analyst.

We dove into the data and secured insider insight from a cyber security professional to help you better understand the cyber security career landscape and what you’ll need to get established in the field.

Why is cyber security important?

If you’ve been at all invested in the world of technology, you know cyber security is a big deal. Even the general population can hardly miss the headlines surrounding cybercrime and data breaches. But shockingly, many organizations and individuals are very slow on the uptake when it comes to protecting their own digital security.

“I was surprised at the level of apathy about cyber security decision-makers,” says Greg Scott, author and cyber security expert. “Even after all the headlines, people still say they aren’t carrying national security secrets, and that nobody cares enough about them to attack them.”

In reality, there are loads of ways a hacker can utilize and monetize even the most innocuous information. Identity theft, intercepting your tax refund or even stealing your health insurance for medical coverage—cyber criminals come up with all sorts of creative ways to profit from information most people don’t take sufficient lengths to protect. This makes everyone a target.

“The public cyber security education gap is larger than the Grand Canyon,” Scott says. “It’s a huge opportunity and a huge threat.” Scott says one of his favorite parts of working in cyber security is seeing people’s reactions when they realize how vulnerable they are without taking precautions. “The most rewarding times are when the message finally gets through and peoples’ eyes light up.”