Which Field Will Have More Job Openings: Network Engineers or Cyber Security?
With technology becoming more integral to our daily lives, both network engineering and cybersecurity are expected to experience growth in job opportunities. However, the rapid expansion of cybersecurity is due to the escalating threats of cyber attacks and the increasing emphasis on protecting digital assets.
It's important to note that due to the increasing shift towards cloud-based solutions, traditional roles in network engineering and cybersecurity are expected to shrink. Instead, new roles in DevOps and DevSecOps are emerging, which will adapt to the changing technological landscape. This shift will impact the current job market and the number of job openings in these fields.
The Shift Towards Cloud Adoption
With the growing trend towards cloud adoption, the technology sector is continuously evolving. As more organizations move their operations to the cloud, the demand for specialized cloud security and DevSecOps professionals is increasing. This shift is expected to continue, making it crucial for both network engineers and cybersecurity professionals to adapt to these changes.
Cloud technology is not just a temporary trend; it is a fundamental change in how computing resources are managed, secured, and utilized. Organizations are realizing the benefits of cloud, such as scalability, cost savings, and increased security. Therefore, the demand for cloud-based roles will continue to grow, affecting the job market for traditional network engineers and cybersecurity professionals.
The Future of Network Engineering and Cybersecurity
The recent report by Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that by 2025, the number of open cybersecurity positions will be 3.5 million. This is a significant increase from the current shortage of cybersecurity professionals. In contrast, the demand for network engineers is expected to decline as organizations increasingly rely on cloud-based solutions.
However, it's important to note that these roles are not going away completely. They are simply transforming into roles that are more aligned with the cloud ecosystem. Network engineers will need to adapt to cloud-based network management and monitoring, while cybersecurity professionals will need to focus on cloud security strategies and cloud-based threat detection.
The Emergence of DevOps and DevSecOps
The terms DevOps and DevSecOps are becoming increasingly relevant in the technological landscape. DevOps is a cultural movement that emphasizes collaboration and communication between software developers and other IT professionals. DevSecOps takes this a step further by incorporating security practices into the software development lifecycle.
As technology continues to evolve, these roles will become increasingly important. DevOps engineers are responsible for maintaining and managing cloud platforms, while DevSecOps specialists ensure that security is integrated into every stage of the development process. These roles are more in demand due to the increasing number of cloud-based applications and services.
Adapting to Constant Change
In the rapidly changing field of technology, adaptability is key. Network engineers and cybersecurity professionals should consider learning new skills that are relevant to cloud-based solutions. This includes learning about cloud security, network management in the cloud, and DevSecOps practices.
It's also important to stay updated with the latest technologies, tools, and trends. Continuous learning and professional development can help individuals remain competitive in the job market. Organizations should also prioritize training and upskilling their existing employees to ensure they have the necessary skills to adapt to the changing technological landscape.
Conclusion
While both network engineering and cybersecurity are evolving, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is likely to outpace that of network engineers. The shift towards cloud adoption and the increasing prevalence of DevOps and DevSecOps roles will shape the future of these fields.
It is essential for professionals in these fields to embrace change and stay adaptable. By doing so, they can position themselves for success in the era of cloud technology and the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.