Why You Should Consider a Career in Government Cyber Security

Cyber crime is a serious and growing problem, with experts predicting that it will cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021. And as seen in recent high-profile hacks and data breaches involving U.S. government agencies (the NSA, the Office of Personnel Management, the Securities and Exchange Commission and others), the federal government is not immune from the threat of a breach.

This high-tech crime wave means that thousands of new jobs are being created to protect sensitive information and intellectual property as well as financial assets that are at risk. And these next-generation cyber security jobs are not limited to the private sector. The U.S. government is mobilizing efforts to update legacy systems and modernize IT infrastructure with the goal of strengthening America’s national cyber security profile.

For cyber security professionals who want to make a meaningful impact on national security in particular, the government offers many attractive career options and incentives.

Why Work in the Public Sector?

Whether you are just starting out or looking to gain exposure to different areas of cyber security, the public sector can be a great place to learn and to develop a long-lasting foundation for the future

“Public sector cyber jobs can have more opportunities to learn, grow and try new things. I have repeatedly heard staff that have worked both government and non-government jobs tell me that public sector cyber jobs taught them so much and gave them a great foundation for the long term,” said Dan Lohrmann, cyber security leader, former NSA employee and DoD contractor. “Conversely, I have heard many who move into the private sector from government to be disappointed with their lack of responsibilities and scope of duties.”

Working for the public sector can offer a greater sense of purpose than you might (Read more...)