The need for skilled cybersecurity professionals is already huge. And it's getting bigger.

It's estimated that upwards of 38 billion devices around the world will be internet-connected by 2025.

And with more of us working remotely and relying on online services for everything from grocery deliveries to medical consultations, people who can keep those systems secure will find their skills in ever-greater demand.

But is a university degree necessary to get started in cybersecurity?

The short answer is no. Many job postings do call for a degree, but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't land those roles without one.

In many cases, employers are more interested in what you can do rather than what credentials you hold. It's more about proving your skills on the job rather than in the classroom.

Exactly what skills do you need and what are employers looking for? Here's what you need to know.

Few fields are as hot as cybersecurity.

The massive shift to remote work and online services during the pandemic has generated huge demand for IT security experts.

The Government of Canada Job Bank estimates that the country will be short thousands of systems analysts (including security analysts) over the next few years.

And these are high-paying roles, with a median salary of more than $80K.

So you're smart to be thinking about getting into this field.

But if you're completely new to IT, it can be challenging to choose the ideal training program (especially if you want to avoid a 4-year university degree).  What course should you choose?

In this post, we outline the top traits of a quality cybersecurity diploma. A diploma is a good alternative for people seeking comprehensive training that is much shorter than a degree.

Here's what to look for in a good cybersecurity diploma for beginners.

Cybersecurity focuses on protecting information systems and electronic devices against malicious digital attacks.

If you’ve ever had your email or social media accounts hacked, you’ve seen what happens when cybersecurity measures fall short.

And attacks on major companies are constantly in the news. Facebook, LinkedIn, Yahoo, and Uber are just a few of the big names that have had their systems compromised in recent years.

So you’re probably aware that cybersecurity is a hot field. But before you make it the focus of your career, you need some more information.

In this post, we explain exactly what the cybersecurity field involves, what job options it offers, and how you can get started in the industry.

Here are the facts you need.

The demand for cybersecurity professionals has never been so high. Some experts say millions of IT security positions are going unfilled because there just aren't enough people with the right skills.

Herzing's accelerated Cybersecurity Specialist training program was specifically developed to turn out grads who can fill that shortage.

Derek Lewis is the Vice-President of Academics at Herzing College Toronto. He has extensive experience in both cybersecurity and education.

We spoke with Derek recently to learn about the latest trends in the IT security field, what employers are looking for, and what makes Herzing's program so unique.

Here's what we found out.

It's no secret that skilled cybersecurity professionals are in huge demand.

Some experts project that by 2022, the world will have close to 2 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs.

And in a 2020 survey of Canadian IT security executives, more than three-quarters said they were having trouble hiring and retaining cybersecurity talent.

There simply aren't enough qualified people. That spells big opportunity for newcomers with the right cybersecurity skills.

But which specific skills are currently in demand? Which ones can boost your employment potential the most?

In this post, we round up the 7 most important cybersecurity skills right now, based on market research and employer surveys. 

Cybersecurity is a hot field. We're seeing a massive skills gap in this industry with huge demand for trained professionals all over the world.

Some experts say there are over 3 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide. The shortage of talent is making it easier for newcomers to land their first job - and giving salaries a good boost, too.

Hoping to ride this wave and break into the industry? One way to begin is by earning globally recognized cybersecurity certifications

Certifications can make a big difference for beginners. In a survey by ESG and ISSA, 44 percent of cybersecurity pros said certifications were just as important as hands-on experience when it came to finding a job.

But there are so many options at so many skill levels. Which ones are best if you're just starting out?

In this post, we take you through 5 of the best cybersecurity certifications for beginners plus tips on how to prepare for exams.

Let's dive in.

There's never been a better time to become an ethical hacker. Demand for IT security professionals who can root out security flaws and outwit cyber criminals just keeps growing.

Globally, it's estimated that cyber attacks cause $6 trillion in damage each year. By 2025, that figure could grow to $10.5 trillion.

Ethical hackers are a company's best defense against costly security breaches.

And they are paid very well for their skills. According to PayScale, the average salary for certified ethical hackers in Canada is almost $78,000.

So how can you launch a career in this field? What training and certifications do you need?

This post provides a clear roadmap. We outline the skills and credentials employers want in ethical hackers and training options for complete beginners.

Here's what you need to know.

Updated June, 2021.

Quick summary: Get the latest stats on demand for cybersecurity jobs in Canada and around the world. Compare popular job titles, skills, salary and info on cybersecurity training and certification.

Almost everyone is familiar with the idea of cybersecurity. Many of us have had our emails or social media accounts hacked, or lost personal information in corporate data breaches. 

Over the last few years, we’ve seen some major companies fall prey to cyber-attacks, including Equifax, Adobe, Yahoo, LinkedIn, and eBay.  

How is it possible that even these giants can't stay ahead of the hackers? It all comes down to talent.

We simply don’t have enough qualified people. There is huge demand for cybersecurity specialists in Canada and across the globe.  

Interested in IT security? This is the ideal time to start a career in this field. Here’s what you should know about cybersecurity jobs, training, skills, and salaries.