Heading into week three of security awareness, we would like to examine the topic of innovations and how cybersecurity has contributed to many parts of our life. We call this "Explore. Experience. Share." and as the name implies, we will be looking at how cybersecurity has evolved and how the field is welcoming to those seeking employment.

The rise in digital innovations, partnered with an increase in widely accessible information, has resulted in higher demands for cybersecurity job applicants; entering the field has never been easier. Of course, this will require a level of commitment and a willingness to learn for one to succeed.

High demand for cybersecurity experts
Since 2014, many cybersecurity firms have noted the shortage of qualified workers in the field. Today, California (arguably the biggest technology base in the world) has over 55,487 job openings and because of this demand, the field has much to offer for curious and interested applicants.

Cybersecurity in many job sectors
Wherever sensitive data is handled, cybersecurity can be implemented and is present. Despite being touted as a career often associated with technology companies in Silicon Valley, cybersecurity can be applied to many career paths. For example, protecting a database that is associated with purchases in agriculture or a hospital implementing security policies in their IT department are both fitting of this criteria. If you prefer mobile devices such as phones or tablets, there are careers for mobile security as well — it's not exclusive to laptops and desktop computers.

Intertwined with everyday life
As with many disciplines, cybersecurity is practiced on a daily basis. Our campus community uses DUO, a 2-step verification process, to login to email or Canvas. This simple practice is extremely effective in securing our accounts and protecting sensitive data. While strong passwords are a must, including a second layer of security, such as DUO, does wonders for securing our accounts.

Evolving with each new day
The field of cybersecurity changes with each new day and comes with its own set of challenges. For some, keeping up to date with technology in an ever changing environment, may be an attractive career choice. As you can tell, cybersecurity isn’t going away and will be in high demand for many years to come.