How do I stand out in a 12 million-plus person industry?

By Susie Moore

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), a prominent voice and champion of the global information technology ecosystem worth over $5 trillion, represents the estimated 75 million professionals who create, implement, oversee, and secure the technology that fuels the world economy. As an internationally renowned certification provider, CompTIA empowers certified professionals to ascend to the pinnacle of their field and secure their desired roles.

CompTIA certifications align with IT infrastructure and cybersecurity career paths, with each added certification representing a deepening of your expertise. Core certifications, like CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, or CompTIA Security+ lay the groundwork for the specialized pathway certifications, and additional professional certifications cover necessary IT skills, like project management.

For Individuals - Gaining industry-recognized certifications sets you apart within a challenging job market. Validating your skills through credentialing makes your resume more impressive and enhances career advancement potential.

For Organizations - With technology evolving on a daily basis, even the pros must continue sharpening their saw. CompTIA certifications ensure skills meet the needs of the industry and organization. Save time and resources by using certifications to evaluate candidates. Feel confident that your staff has the knowledge and expertise to get the job done.

Cybersecurity threats grow in their complexity on a daily basis as Cyber-Criminals find more creative and devastating ways to disrupt integral parts of our lives. Presently, the IT threats have expanded to include:

• Ransomware: is a type of malware that blocks access to a computer or system until a fee is paid. These attacks are increasing in frequency and severity and can cause significant business disruption. According to Security Intelligence, such attacks grew by 41% in 2022 and identification and remediation for a breach took 49 days longer than the average breach.

• Date Breaches: can result in the loss of sensitive information, such as financial or personal data, which can be used for identity theft or other malicious purposes.

• Phishing Attacks: use fake emails or websites to trick users into providing sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords, or to install malware. According to Security Intelligence in the first half of 2022 such attacks had increased by 48%, with reports of 11,395 incidents costing businesses a total of $12.3 million.

• IoT Vulnerabilities: The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to an increase in the number of devices that can be hacked. IoT vulnerabilities can allow attackers to gain access to sensitive information or control IoT devices remotely.

• Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): are attacks on a targeted network that are designed to remain undetected for long periods of time, allowing the attacker to steal sensitive information or cause harm over an extended period of time.

• Cloud Security: The adoption of cloud computing has increased the attack surface for businesses and individuals. Cloud security concerns include data breaches, misconfigurations, and insider threats.

• Insider Threats: are attacks that come from within an organization. These can include employees who deliberately or accidentally cause harm to the organization’s security.

• Nation-State Attacks: are cyberattacks carried out by state-sponsored hackers. These attacks can cause significant harm to Governments, Businesses, and Individuals alike. According to Microsoft, nearly 80% of these attackers targeted government agencies, think tanks, and other non-government organizations.

  

According to CompTIA’s Cyberstates 2020 report, the technology industry employed over 11.5 million individuals in the United States, including 5.7 million in technical positions. These numbers have only swelled in the years since. In fact, according to CompTIA, it is estimated there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by the end of 2025.

Furthermore, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow 33% between 2021 and 2031. BLS also estimates the average wage for a cybersecurity pro is $102,600. Suffice to say, CompTIA's presence also illuminates a path for all professionals wishing to enter and grow within this expanding industry.

The Computer Workshop will help you find the best certification path to match your career goals. View our CompTIA certification paths below!

CompTIA Core Skills CompTIA Cybersecurity CompTIA Infrastructure