All IT Jobs Are Cybersecurity Jobs Now

The rising tide of cyber threats means that IT professionals, once tasked with setting up basic computer systems, must now prioritize cybersecurity above all else. The shift reflects the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals, who have become more organized, creating a need for constant vigilance in businesses of all sizes.

Increasing attacks highlight a much larger, ongoing issue: the internet was never designed with security in mind. As more devices and systems become connected, vulnerabilities have skyrocketed, and the consequences of a breach can be devastating. Despite businesses spending over $81 billion on cybersecurity in recent years, the situation remains dire, with cyberattacks growing in frequency and impact.

Cybercriminals are Professionalizing

Cybercrime has evolved into a professionalized industry, with attackers operating much like legitimate corporations. Specialization is key: hackers, financial experts, and malware developers work together, creating a streamlined and effective system for carrying out attacks. Matthew Gardiner, a cybersecurity strategist at Mimecast, notes that this division of labor has made cybercriminals more efficient and dangerous than ever before.

Larger organizations may have the resources to bolster their cybersecurity defenses, but small- to medium-sized businesses often struggle to keep pace. As a result, companies must rethink how they allocate their IT resources, focusing heavily on security.

Adapting to the New Cybersecurity Paradigm

To keep up with the rising cyber threat landscape, businesses of all sizes need to make security their top priority. Chris Bronk, associate director at the Center for Information Security Research and Education at the University of Houston, outlines three key steps to building an effective cybersecurity strategy:

1. Retrain or Replace IT Staff: In today’s environment, every IT professional needs to be well-versed in cybersecurity. IT roles are no longer limited to managing servers or troubleshooting technical issues—cybersecurity must be their primary focus. “The good news is that you don’t need a dedicated person to manage your email server anymore. Instead, they can focus on security,” says Dr. Bronk.
2. Leverage Cloud Services: Cloud-based services offer built-in security and scalability, and businesses should utilize them whenever possible. Even government agencies, like the CIA, use Amazon’s Web Services for secure data management. By leveraging the cloud, companies can reduce the risk of on-premises attacks and improve their overall security posture.
3. Invest in Secure IT Infrastructure: Cybersecurity is now a fundamental aspect of every IT investment. Data shows that jobs in cybersecurity are among the fastest-growing fields, reflecting the need for companies to catch up after years of underinvestment in security. Every new piece of technology should be evaluated for its security features, ensuring that protection is integrated from the start.

Cybersecurity as a Priority

Security is no longer a secondary consideration—it is an integral part of doing business. Experts have compared today’s network security to the early days of graphical user interfaces. Just as usability improved over time, security can be prioritized and improved with careful planning and investment.

While the cloud has improved security, it’s not without its flaws. Recent cyber incidents, such as targeted email attacks or large-scale denial-of-service attacks, show that no system is foolproof.

The Future of Cybersecurity

As businesses continue to modernize, integrating technology into every aspect of their operations, cybersecurity will remain a top concern. For small businesses, even basic security measures like regularly updated backups and up-to-date software can be lifesavers, as illustrated by WKSK’s experience.

The takeaway is clear: no matter the size of your organization, IT staff must prioritize security in everything they do. A proactive approach, built on retraining staff, utilizing cloud services, and making security a foundational element of IT investments, will ensure that businesses are better prepared for the evolving cyber threats of tomorrow.