Tech Jobs for Good: Why Cyber Security Matters

In our increasingly digital world, cyber security is one of the most critical fields in technology. Every day, cyber attacks target individuals, businesses, and even governments, putting personal data, computer systems, and sensitive information at risk. In fact, the number of cyber attacks is increasing every year, with experts projecting global cyber crime costs to reach $10.5 trillion annually by next year.

As more of our daily activities shift online, the importance of cyber security cannot be overstated. Let’s explore why it matters, how can it impact the world in positive ways, and how cyber security professionals are essential to protecting not just individual privacy, but entire economies and societies. 

Why is cyber security important?

Through these attacks, cyber criminals can steal personal information, disrupt services, or gain unauthorized access to systems, posing serious risks to both individuals and organizations. The impact of these cyber attacks can be devastating: identity theft, financial losses, damaged business reputations, and even threats to national security.

Their work ensures that personal data and computer systems remain protected from hackers and malicious actors. But the importance of cyber security goes beyond just defending against attacks — it also involves the proactive identification and mitigation of vulnerabilities and potential risks before they become much larger problems. 

Overall, cyber security experts play a key role in the “tech for good” movement, helping create a safer, more secure digital environment for all. Here are some real-life examples:

Protecting critical infrastructure

One of the most pressing reasons cyber security matters is the need to protect critical infrastructure. Computer systems that control essential services like electricity, water, transportation, and healthcare are increasingly connected to the internet, creating efficiencies but also vulnerabilities. Cyber security experts use their skills to protect these infrastructures, ensuring they remain operational and secure from hostile attacks. 

One of these ransomware attacks happened in 2021 on a major US oil pipeline, which led to widespread fuel shortages and price hikes across the nation. This event demonstrated how crucial it is for cyber security measures to be in place to prevent similar disruptions to vital systems. Experts predict even more cyber attacks will hit the energy sector, specifically in the growing renewable energy industry as our nation becomes even more electrified and vulnerable to malintent.

Securing personal data

Cyber security is essential to protecting individual privacy. We constantly share personal information online — from banking details to health records to social security numbers — and without proper cyber security measures in place, this personal information becomes vulnerable to theft and misuse. 

Data breaches have affected millions of people worldwide, resulting in identity theft, fraud, and significant emotional and financial distress for those affected. In 2017, the Equifax breach exposed the sensitive personal information of 148 million people, showing just how vulnerable our data can be. And in a more recent example, Change Healthcare was the target of a ransomware attack, exposing the private health information of around a third of Americans.

A strong cyber security framework ensures that personal data remains private and secure, and that companies are held accountable for how they manage and protect this information. This is particularly important as regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe have enforced stricter data privacy standards. Cyber security professionals play a vital role in making sure these regulations are met, helping to restore confidence in the digital world.

Improving account security

On a related note, even platforms that store less sensitive (but still private) user data can be compromised, underscoring the need for stronger security measures. In July of 2020, for example, hackers gained access to high-profile Twitter accounts, including those of Elon Musk, Barack Obama, and Jeff Bezos, using these compromised accounts to promote a cryptocurrency scam.

While the immediate financial impact was relatively small (around $121,000 in Bitcoin was stolen), the breach raised serious concerns about the security of social media platforms and their ability to protect user accounts. Beyond the stolen funds, the attack illustrated the broader risks to personal data, as millions of Twitter users' privacy and account integrity were called into question. The attack revealed vulnerabilities in Twitter's security protocols, including insufficient access controls for employees and weak monitoring systems. 

In a situation like this, cyber security professionals can quickly mobilize to assess the damage, investigate the breach, and implement improved security protocols to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Safeguarding business futures

Businesses rely heavily on digital tools to operate, and any security breach can lead to catastrophic consequences. A single cyber attack could result in massive financial losses and irreparable damage to a company's reputation. The cost of recovering from a data breach can be excessive, not to mention the loss of customer trust that follows. 

Small businesses, in particular, are increasingly being targeted by cyber attacks, with 43% of attacks aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs). These businesses often lack the resources to recover quickly from such attacks, making the need for robust cyber security measures even more pressing. 

These measures – encryption, multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, and more – are all essential to helping to prevent attacks. By implementing them, businesses can focus on growth and innovation without the looming threat of cyber crime. Companies that prioritize cyber security and data responsibility may also build better relationships with their customers, since they want more transparency and control over how their data is managed.

The role of cyber security professionals

The demand for cyber security professionals has never been higher. With cyber crime growing exponentially, experts in this field can make a direct, positive impact on global security. These professionals detect and respond to threats using a wide range of skills, including ethical hacking, network security, and forensic analysis.

One inspiring example is the work done by ethical hackers, also known as “white-hat” hackers, who find and fix security vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. These cyber security specialists often collaborate with organizations to ensure that their systems remain robust against attacks, helping businesses and governments alike.

Is cyber security right for you?

Given the importance of cyber security across various industries, it’s no wonder more people are considering a career in this field. If the idea of protecting people, businesses, and critical systems from digital threats excites you, cyber security might be the perfect career path. 

If you answered yes to most of these, then a career in cyber security could offer you not only a high-demand, well-paying job, but also the chance to make a meaningful difference in society.

The future of cybersecurity

Cyber security is no longer just a back-end concern; it’s a front-line defense against some of the biggest threats facing the modern world. From protecting critical infrastructure to ensuring the privacy of individuals and supporting businesses, cyber security professionals are key players in building a safer, more secure future.

Whether you’re interested in finance, government, or healthcare, the field of cyber security offers limitless opportunities for meaningful impact. Your career in tech can do more than just pay the bills — it can help protect the world.

Ready to start your journey? Explore our career quiz and find out how you can be part of the solution.