Globally, more than 10% of Internet user computers experienced at least one malware attack in 2020. Furthermore, in the same year, Kaspersky solutions blocked over 665 million attacks launched from online resources. Meanwhile in Africa, the most recent common cybersecurity concerns have been phishing attacks, malware threats, ransomware, and mobile-related cyberattacks. As cybercriminal activity and cyber related attacks across industries remains rife, especially as organisations continually expand their digital transformation, it has become apparent that cybersecurity skills are in high demand.
However, there is a shortage of talent in this sector – not just locally, but across the globe. In fact, it is estimated that 4 million cybersecurity professionals are needed worldwide.
“As organisations become more digitally-driven, they are exposed to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. Since the onset of the pandemic in March last year, cybercriminals have used their time to master their skills and test out new methods. Kaspersky saw a sharp rise in cybercrime of all kinds, from malware to advanced persistent threats (APTs). Also, new hacking groups have emerged, and with them, new kinds of cyberattacks. The reality is that cybercriminals will hardly ease their efforts once the pandemic is over. We believe that cybercriminal tactics and threats will grow in sophistication,” says Rashed Al-Momani, Kaspersky Head of Enterprise in Africa & Turkey, Qatar & Kuwait.
This has resulted in a more urgent need for organisations to take cybersecurity more seriously. This not only requires investment in comprehensive solutions, but also the need to internally build what Kaspersky refer to as human firewall protection, especially as human errors are among the main reasons behind successful cyberattacks. Building a human firewall means building up employee cybersecurity skills through various relatable and easy to digest training programmes, to ensure a cybersafe corporate environment.
But beyond internal skills development, organisations are also in dire need of cybersecurity specialists – those who are continuously learning on the job and adapting their expert skill set as the cyberthreat landscape evolves. This extends to people who are equally skilled in technology and legal, considering the impact compliance will have on data protection going forward.
“This need certainly makes a career in the field of cybersecurity attractive and is a career path Kaspersky encourages anyone with a passion for technology and problem solving, to pursue. While tertiary institutions will always be an important component of developing cybersecurity skills, with new job opportunities appearing in a mixture if disciplines that require a fairly deep knowledge, self-education is also key for current and aspiring cybersecurity specialists. This involves being proactive, as well as working on new tasks and self-development. Fortunately, there are plenty of educational materials, sources and communities of cybersecurity specialist, like Kaspersky, that can help aspiring specialists improve their knowledge and learn new skills,” concludes Al-Momani.
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