With the increased prevalence of cybercrime, it's no surprise that companies have been looking for more experienced people to defend against these types of attacks.
The Information Security Analysts Outlook from the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics predicts a 33% increase in cybersecurity jobs through 2030.
There's no question that veterans are a great fit for the cybersecurity industry, but what are the main reasons?
According to The New York Times, military veterans are 37% more likely to be underemployed than non-veterans. There are 5,064 cybersecurity job openings in Tennessee right now, according to Cyber Seek.
If you make hiring decisions, it's important to know why. Take a look at these 8 reasons and see how great of fit veterans are.
Why Veterans are Good Fit for Cybersecurity?
"Veterans have an unparalleled set of skills developed through their military careers," said Chris Duvall, managing director at Robert Half Technology.
Veterans are a growing and valuable asset to the cybersecurity field. They bring the valuable experience of serving their country and defending our freedoms. Military veterans are good fits for cyber security because they have the following:
1. Experience with Complex Systems
The military trains its personnel to work within complex environments where mistakes can be costly — and sometimes deadly — so they're used to thinking through problems carefully and working with others toward a common goal.
This training can help them succeed in IT positions that involve working with complex systems like network devices, databases, or software applications.
2. Strong Attention to Detail and Problem-solving Skills
Veterans are trained to be observant and solve problems on their feet. These qualities are especially important in cybersecurity, where picking up on small details that may otherwise go unnoticed is critical.
Veterans also have strong problem-solving skills from years of training and practice in high-pressure situations such as combat zones or emergency rooms. These skills translate well into cybercrime, where quick thinking is essential for spotting security flaws before they result in major damage or data loss.
3. Understand Security Protocols and Procedures
Veterans are familiar with military protocols such as SOPs (standard operating procedures) and ROE (rules of engagement). These protocols help ensure that personnel follow best practices when it comes to physical security, digital security, and operational security.
Veterans understand how important it is to follow these protocols because they help protect lives while ensuring mission success. In addition, these protocols make sure that information is shared only among approved individuals so that military secrets aren't leaked unintentionally.
4. Ability to Work Well Under Pressure
Veterans are used to working in high-stress environments where lives depend on their ability to make quick decisions under pressure. They've learned how important it is to have a calm demeanor during challenging situations because it helps them perform at their best when under pressure.
This is an essential skill for anyone who wants to succeed in cybersecurity — whether you're working with clients or trying to stop zero-day attacks from happening before they happen.
5. Strong Sense of Integrity and Loyalty
Veterans are trained to act with honor and integrity, which means they will never do anything to harm their country or fellow servicemembers. They also have a strong sense of loyalty and will work hard to protect their fellow veterans. This makes them an ideal candidate for the private sector because someone is always trying to break into a company's network or steal sensitive data.
6. Veterans are Adaptable
Cybersecurity is an ever-changing industry requiring employees to be flexible with their skill sets. Cybersecurity experts need to quickly learn new protocols, technologies, and procedures to keep up with the fast pace of technology changes occurring every day.
Veterans have been trained in different environments and know how to adapt quickly when faced with new challenges or situations. They can easily adjust their skill sets according to what the company needs, making them great candidates for security positions.
7. Maintain Awareness of a Critical Situation
Veterans can maintain awareness of a critical situation, one of the most important skills in cybersecurity. They've been trained to be aware of their surroundings, and this skill can be applied to cybersecurity. For example, when someone walks into a room or approaches your cubicle, you should be able to tell if they are approaching with malicious intent or if they're just there to say hello.
8. Have Strong Teamwork Skills
Veterans are known for their strong teamwork skills. When they joined the armed forces, they were put into teams with people from all across the country with different backgrounds and personalities. They learned how to work together despite their differences and cooperate with others on missions where lives were at stake. These same skills can also be applied in cybersecurity since working together as a team saves lives and improves efficiency.
How Can We Encourage Military Veterans to Serve in Cybersecurity?
Veterans are an important part of our nation's workforce. They have unique skills and experience that can be transferred to the private sector. But only a small number of veterans work in cybersecurity.
Why is this?
There are many reasons, but one big factor is that veterans need more opportunities to enter this industry. Here are some ways we can encourage more veterans to become cyber professionals:
● Offering Training and Education Opportunities
The first step is to educate veterans on what cybersecurity entails and how it can benefit veterans with their existing skill sets. This includes offering training opportunities specifically geared toward military veterans who want to learn about cybersecurity.
These courses would focus on teaching veterans how to use their existing skills and knowledge in new ways or apply these skills in different environments.
● Building a Network of Veteran Professionals
One of the best ways to bring more veterans into the cybersecurity field is to create a network among them. This means creating opportunities for veterans to connect and share resources and ideas. It also means building their confidence to feel welcome and valued in their new jobs or careers.
● Creating a Supportive Work Environment
In addition to offering training programs, employers should create supportive work environments that allow employees to grow professionally while encouraging them to stay on track with their career goals.
This includes providing flexible schedules so employees can balance work responsibilities with family obligations or other commitments outside the office environment without jeopardizing employment status or security clearance eligibility.
MAC Group Technologies: Safeguarding Your Digital Assets with Industry Veterans
By ensuring that veterans have access to these high-demand jobs, companies can save money by avoiding extensive recruitment costs and tapping into a pool of qualified candidates with unique skill sets and experiences.
Ultimately, it's good to take a step back and examine how you can improve your security. MAC Group Technologies has been developed from the ground up to be a comprehensive security solution for your digital devices, giving you peace of mind knowing that your digital assets are protected and backed up.
