Why is cybersecurity so hard - and seems getting harder? (2024)

FAQs

Why is cybersecurity so difficult? ›

Technological complexity.

Any IT system offers an “attack surface” that an attacker can exploit. Cloud-based technologies and API-based architecture continue to enlarge this attack surface. At the same time, legacy systems are far too layered and complex to easily secure against cyberattacks.

Cloud Security

As businesses increasingly rely on cloud computing, vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure have become more apparent. Misconfigurations and inadequate access controls are the most common issues that lead to unauthorized access and data breaches.

One of the hardest things with cyber security is deciding which area to specialize in, as there are many career paths. From penetration testing to audit and compliance, blue teaming to malware analysis, there is something related to cyber security that will appeal to many different types of people.

Constant Threat Landscape Changes

Professionals' roles are incredibly demanding since they must respond fast and effectively to complex, growing cyber threats. Because of how quickly these evolutions occur, it is necessary to continually learn and adapt, which adds more pressure and stress.

Yes, cybersecurity professionals are still in demand. As Steve Morgan, founder of Cybersecurity Ventures, put it, “Our industry has hung out an enormous 'Help Wanted' sign. We expect brisk hiring in the cybersecurity space for the rest of this year and through 2025.”

The numbers show that cybersecurity risk is not going away — in fact, it is actually increasing. In the RSM US Middle Market Business Index Special Report: Cybersecurity 2024, 28% of middle-market executives surveyed reported suffering a data breach in the previous year, tying a record high in RSM's research.

The reduced level of awareness, the lack of IT&C security education and the absence of security policies reinforcement, especially in the public sector and large corporations are responsible for most of the damages, both in terms of compromising systems and networks, but also when it comes to disclosing sensitive data, ...

What Is the Easiest Role To Get in Cybersecurity? There are plenty of entry-level jobs for security architects, security analysts, digital forensic examiners, and penetration testers. The easiest ones to land are the ones that you are interested in and have a working knowledge of.

Is cyber security harder than coding? ›

Is Cybersecurity Hard to Learn? Indeed, the journey to mastering cybersecurity is challenging, but it's an achievable feat with dedication and time, much like any other field. Unlike some tech domains, cybersecurity doesn't demand coding or advanced mathematical skills, making it more approachable for many.

What are the main challenges of cybersecurity in the world today? The biggest challenge in cybersecurity today is the ever-changing nature of cyber threats. Cybercriminals are constantly inventing new techniques and strategies to exploit vulnerabilities in networks and systems.

Cloud jacking involves illicit entry into a cloud environment for a range of activities. This includes blocking access to legitimate users, sending out phishing emails or malware under the guise of business activity or even inflicting wholesale financial and reputational damage on the host.

Poor configurations can allow for sensitive data theft and even cryptojacking. Open ports and misconfigured services are exposed to the internet. This is one of the most common vulnerability findings. Cyber actors use scanning tools to detect open ports and often use them as an initial attack vector.

Many people hold the idea that cybersecurity is hard - hard to study, hard to become an expert in, and hard as a career. While cybersecurity does require highly technical skills, attention to detail, and excellent time management, the rewards for developing your skills in this field are well worth the effort.

Like any other profession, learning cyber security is not difficult if you are ready to put in the necessary effort and time. Because it doesn't require complex arithmetic, it is simpler to understand than most other subjects.

Cybersecurity majors with a computer science focus often need a strong background in math, particularly in areas like calculus, discrete mathematics, and statistics. On the other hand, cybersecurity-focused degrees like information technology may have fewer math requirements, occasionally skipping advanced calculus.