80 Percent of U.S. Adults Have Never Considered a Career in Cybersecurity
Don’t know what a penetration tester is? You’re not alone; more than 50 percent of U.S. adults surveyed by the University of Phoenix have never heard of pen testers or “White Hat” ethical hackers, among other cybersecurity job titles, and only about one in 10 survey respondents is “very familiar” with the 11 jobs in the industry queried in the survey.
When asked why they never considered a career in cybersecurity, 43 percent of respondents said they had no interest in the field, and 24 percent said they did not possess the proper skills required.
In order to consider a cybersecurity profession, respondents said they would need information on the education required for a cybersecurity career, how to get started, the variety of careers available and what, exactly, a cybersecurity professional does.
Women continue to be underrepresented in cybersecurity roles, comprising just 14 percent of the U.S. cybersecurity workforce. Nine out of 10 women said they have never considered a career in cybersecurity.
Only a third of U.S. adults surveyed said they are confident their company is prepared to combat hackers. Of the respondents who do not believe their company is prepared for a cyberattack, 26 percent said it was because they do not have an expert on staff.
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