Dark Reality of Working in Cyber Security

One of the security analysts on my team was fired yesterday. Cybersecurity, as it’s portrayed in the media, is often overhyped and misunderstood. People tend to think of hacking and technical challenges, but the reality is that most cybersecurity positions involve a lot of mundane tasks like meetings, documentation, and communication.

While there are exciting aspects, such as penetration testing and hacking, a significant portion of cybersecurity work is ensuring systems are secure and functional. It’s a constant learning process due to the evolving technology and threats, and this can lead to high turnover rates in the industry.

Unfortunately, some individuals take advantage of the high demand for experienced professionals and pretend to have more knowledge than they actually possess. This can cause problems within the team and the organization. It’s essential for cybersecurity professionals to keep up with the latest advancements and continuously improve their skills.

The combination of the mundane and stressful aspects of cybersecurity, along with the opportunity to move laterally to other positions, means that the field requires a specific type of individual. While the work can be challenging and stressful, it can also be very rewarding, especially for those who love the technical aspects and constant learning.

If you can handle the stress and are passionate about cybersecurity, the field offers many opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact in protecting organizations from cyber threats.

Overall, cybersecurity is a demanding field that requires dedication, constant learning, and a willingness to adapt to new challenges. It’s not for everyone, but for those who are committed to the work, it can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career path.