My Dear LinkedIn Family,
Thank you for showing an overwhelming response to the announcement of my bi-weekly newsletter – Infortified. I feel even more responsible to write on topics from which you can benefit most.
Ever since I read the book by Simon Sinek, titled – hashtag#startwithwhy, I try to find the answer to WHY before I do anything. I have hundreds of titles associated with cloud security in my mind and I was confused about which one should i start my first article with. Whenever I am unclear about something, I start with finding the answer to WHY! According to Simon Sinek –
Knowing your “why” is essential because it provides a sense of direction and motivation that goes beyond the immediate goals or tasks at hand. When you have a clear sense of purpose, you are better able to make decisions, prioritize your time and resources, and stay focused on what really matters.
And hence presenting you – Why should you consider cloud security as a career option? In this article I am going to discuss below topics –
- What do I mean by cloud security as a career option?
- Why should you consider cloud security as a career option?
- Myths around cloud security as a career option
- How to jumpstart a career in cloud security (subsequent newsletter)
Read along …
What do I mean by cloud security as a career option?
Cloud security as a career option means pursuing a career in the field of securing cloud computing environments. As more and more organizations move their data and applications to the cloud, there is an ever-increasing need for professionals who can help ensure the security and privacy of these assets.
A career in cloud security involves working with one or more cloud-based platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), or Alibaba Cloud to develop and implement security strategies that protect against a wide range of cyber threats. Some common job roles in cloud security include:
- Cloud Security Engineer: Responsible for designing and implementing security solutions for cloud-based applications and infrastructure.
- Cloud Security Architect: Designs and oversees the implementation of security solutions for cloud-based systems, networks, and applications.
- Cloud Security Analyst: Conducts risk assessments, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to identify and address security vulnerabilities in cloud-based environments.
- Cloud Incident Responder: The cloud incident responder is responsible for responding to security incidents and breaches in cloud-based systems. They work with other security professionals to investigate incidents, contain the damage, and develop remediation plans.
- Cloud Penetration Tester: The cloud penetration tester performs security testing and assessments on cloud-based systems to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. They also work with other security professionals to develop and implement mitigation strategies.
- Cloud Security Consultant: The cloud security consultant provides expert advice and guidance on cloud security best practices and technologies. They also assess the security posture of cloud-based systems and develop recommendations for improving security.
- Cloud Compliance Officer: Ensures that cloud-based systems and applications are compliant with relevant laws and regulations, such as HIPAA or GDPR.
Depending on the cloud infrastructure footprint, organizations have these roles distributed and aligned with other cybersecurity teams, in many cases, a single individual also holds multiple hats. We will talk about these roles in a future newsletter when we discuss the skills required for different roles and how you can acquire those roles. A career in cloud security requires a strong foundation in information security principles and a deep understanding of cloud computing concepts and technologies. Pursuing a career in cloud security can be a rewarding and challenging option for individuals interested in working in the rapidly-evolving field of cybersecurity.
Now that you understand what I mean by considering a career in cloud security, let us try to find the answer to another question – WHY?
Why should you consider cloud security as a career option?
Cloud computing has emerged as a game-changer in the technology industry, by making it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to scale and deliver services to customers around the world. However, with these benefits come significant security challenges, which require specialized skills and expertise to manage effectively. As a result, cloud security has become a rapidly growing and in-demand field, with many job opportunities for professionals with the right skills and qualifications. Here are a few reasons why you should consider a career in cloud security –
- High demand for cloud security professionals: Gartner forecasts worldwide public cloud end-user spending to reach nearly $600 billion in 2023, creating a wealth of job opportunities for professionals with the right skill set.
- Skill shortage in the field of cloud security: the rapid pace of cloud adoption has outstripped the supply of qualified security professionals, creating a significant skills gap in the industry. According to a recent report by (ISC)², the global cybersecurity workforce needs to grow by 145% to meet the demand for cybersecurity talent. The shortage of skilled cloud security professionals has made it challenging for organizations to find the right talent to help secure their cloud environments.
- Fastest-growing segments: Cloud security is one of the fastest-growing segments within the cybersecurity industry, and the demand for skilled professionals in this area is only expected to increase in the coming years.
- Competitive salaries: Due to the high demand for skilled cloud security professionals, salaries in this field are typically very competitive. According to data from PayScale, the average salary for a cloud security engineer is around $118,000 per year, with opportunities for advancement and higher earning potential.
- Constantly evolving technology: Cloud computing is a rapidly evolving field, with new technologies and services being introduced all the time. This means that as a cloud security professional, you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and continually learn and develop new skills.
Cloud security offers a rewarding and challenging career path for professionals interested in technology and cybersecurity. With the right skills and qualifications, you can build a successful career in this rapidly growing field and help organizations secure their operations in the cloud.
It’s imperative for me to mention that it is one of the most challenging and dynamic fields where there is a new breach found every day and you constantly need to re-skill and up-skill yourself in order to remain relevant in the industry. You CAN’T sit idle for many years by acquiring one skill or certification. I just do not want to give you a false message here! It requires a fair amount of sweat and it is worth sweating trust me!
Hope now you have the answer to your why, let’s clear out some myths around cloud security.
Myths around the cloud security domain as a career option
There are several myths surrounding cloud security as a career option that can dissuade individuals from pursuing this exciting and rewarding field. Let me try to clarify some, based on my understanding –
Myth 1 – You have to be really good at programming languages.
No, you do not have to be really good at programming languages to make a career in cloud security. While programming skills can be helpful, they are not a prerequisite for a career in cloud security. Cloud security is a diverse field that requires a combination of technical and non-technical skills, including knowledge of security concepts and principles, risk management, compliance, and communication skills. cloud security tools and platforms have user-friendly interfaces and do not require extensive programming skills. However, having a basic understanding of programming languages can be beneficial as it can help you better understand the underlying infrastructure of cloud systems and security tools.
Myth 2: Cloud security is only for experts
One of the biggest myths around cloud security is that it is only for experts in the field. This is not entirely true, while having a background in cybersecurity can be helpful, individuals from a variety of backgrounds and skill sets can pursue a career in cloud security. There are various entry-level positions available, and with the right training and certifications, anyone can become an expert in the field.
Myth 3: Cloud security will be stagnant and hence is a risky career option
This is a myth. Cloud security is a rapidly evolving field with constant advancements and updates. As technology continues to evolve, new security risks and challenges emerge that require cloud security professionals to adapt and evolve as well. The role of cloud security professionals is expanding beyond traditional security responsibilities. With the increasing adoption of DevOps and agile methodologies, cloud security professionals are required to have a more in-depth understanding of cloud computing, as well as automation and orchestration tools. This evolution in the field creates new opportunities for growth and development within the field of cloud security. There is no indication that cloud security will become stagnant anytime soon. On the contrary, it is a field that is continuously evolving, creating new opportunities for growth, development, and career advancement.
Myth 4: Recent layoff by the BIG 3 cloud service providers makes cloud security a risky career option
Recent layoffs by all big three cloud service providers (AWS, Azure & GCP) have fueled this concern. However, the opposite is true. Cloud security is a rapidly growing field due to the increasing adoption of cloud technologies by organizations of all sizes. The recent layoffs by cloud providers do not necessarily make cloud security a risky career choice. It is important to understand that the technology industry, including cloud providers, is subject to fluctuations and changes in the market and business landscape. Layoffs can occur for a variety of reasons, such as changes in business strategy, consolidation, or other economic factors. It is important to note that layoffs can happen in any industry or profession, not just cloud security. However, the demand for cloud security professionals continues to grow, as more and more companies are adopting cloud computing and require security experts to ensure the safety of their data and infrastructure.
Myth 5: AI and automation are making cloud security career highly risky
While it is true that the rise of AI and automation has brought changes to the job market, it is a myth that career opportunities in cloud security will be risky due to these advancements. In fact, the adoption of cloud technology is increasing rapidly, and with it, the demand for skilled professionals in cloud security is also increasing. AI and automation can help organizations to detect and respond to security incidents faster and more efficiently. However, it cannot replace the human expertise and decision-making skills required for managing complex security challenges, such as designing secure cloud architectures, assessing and managing risk, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Also, as technology continues to evolve and new security challenges emerge, the need for skilled cloud security professionals will only increase. AI and automation may change the nature of some security roles, but they will not replace the need for skilled security professionals who can assess risks, make strategic decisions, and provide oversight and guidance.
Myth 6: Cloud security is only for IT departments
Cloud security is often seen as the sole responsibility of IT departments. However, in reality, it is a collaborative effort between IT, security, and business teams. Therefore, individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, including risk management, compliance, legal, and audit, can also pursue a career in cloud security.
Myth 7: Cloud security is not a financially rewarding career
Some people believe that cloud security is not a financially rewarding career. However, this is not true. Due to the high demand for skilled professionals, cloud security jobs often come with competitive salaries and benefits.
Summary & Conclusion:
In this newsletter, we emphasized cloud security as a promising career option for individuals interested in cybersecurity. It explains what the cloud security career option means, why it is essential, and debunks common myths surrounding this field. This newsletter also highlights the growth potential of cloud security and the diverse job roles available in this area. The need for skilled professionals in cloud security is on the rise as more companies adopt cloud computing. The article also dispels various misconceptions surrounding cloud security, such as the belief that it is a risky career choice or that extensive programming knowledge is required. With the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field, there are ample opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in cloud security.
This concludes this newsletter. In the next one, I am going to talk about how and where one should start their cloud journey from. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing this newsletter. If you liked it, feel free to share this on your timeline along with your thoughts and also subscribe to this newsletter. You can also book 1:1 with me if you are looking for specific help in cloud security.
Until the next one, learn more with less, grow more with less & protect more with less. In short, DO MORE WITH LESS. – Qamar
