IT tech news and insights | April 2022

Are we entering an era of hybrid warfare?

On December 23, 2015, the power grid of Ukraine was hacked, causing power outages for 230,000 citizens. This event was an indicator of how cyberattacks would soon focus on the critical infrastructure of an entire nation. Many experts believe that the escalating cyber-conflicts combined with conventional military invasions are evidence of new hybrid warfare. 

 

In recent weeks, we have also seen a series of high-profile cyberattacks with North Korean hackers targeting gamers in a $615m crypto heist. Here in the UK, it was revealed that more than 42 million people were affected by data breaches last year. The staggering 1,800% increase was announced just a few weeks after a ransomware attack on KP Snacks hit the headlines for impacting the supply chain of crisps and nuts.

 

Even Downing Street has been a victim of a major security breach when powerful spyware linked to the United Arab Emirates was found on a Number 10 device. A series of attacks on individuals, businesses, and governments is proof if it were needed that everyone should be focussing on bolstering their digital defences. But where do we go from here?

 

 

More Widely

Research firm Gartner recently revealed the top security and risk management trends for 2022. The report states that the principal areas of concern for CISOs are currently Attack Surface Expansion, Identity Threat Detection, and Digital Supply Chain Risk. The seven most significant areas for concern highlight why cybersecurity should be seen as a business enabler and why managing risk is an increasingly attractive way to grow businesses and careers.

 

Elsewhere

Dark Reading released its enterprise application security survey, which revealed how many security experts are becoming concerned with the risks caused by low-code/no-code applications. Although initially seen as a quicker way to bring in new applications without bothering an always busy IT department, we are just beginning to understand the business impact and security risks such applications introduce.

 

These recent headlines are a timely reminder of how security has become everyone’s business, increasing the number of weak cybersecurity points from phishing, smishing, and human error to outdated software all fueling the demand for cybersecurity professionals.

 

 

IT, Cyber Security, and Cloud skill gaps and salaries in 2022 (and beyond)

With the world of business focused on improving their cyber hygiene, the cybersecurity profession still has a 0% unemployment rate and rising salaries. Demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to outstrip supply, creating more opportunities for anyone considering switching careers.

 

According to ISACA’s State of cybersecurity 2022 survey of more than 2,000 cyber security professionals globally, 63% reported that they had unfilled cybersecurity positions. Predictably, the lack of available talent is responsible for large salary raises for cybersecurity workers with some areas including salary increases of up to 45.6%. With wages starting at £43,700 and quickly heading towards six figures with 3-5 years’ experience, it has never been a better time to consider entering a career in cyber security.

 

With 76% of IT departments admitting they are facing critical skills gaps, many are also struggling to fill positions around cloud technology. There is no escaping that Cloud computing now touches every aspect of our personal and work lives. So, unsurprisingly, the need for cloud professionals is rising at breakneck speed, paving the way for a mouth-watering average salary of £64k for qualified individuals. 

 

Roles in short supply are solutions, technical, and cloud solutions architecture. But there is a wide range of courses that can enable anyone to turn this skill shortage into an opportunity and transform their career to secure a lucrative salary and fulfilling career in the job of their dreams.

 

 

How to gain confidence and overcome imposter syndrome as an IT career changer

Everyone from Holly Willoughby to 58% of tech employees has experienced imposter syndrome. Doubting your abilities and feeling like you are not good enough or feeling like a fraud are all normal feelings that everyone has to push through to achieve success. Despite the knowledge that there is zero unemployment in cyber security and a wealth of opportunities to pursue a career in cloud technology, a lack of technical background will prevent many from going after the job of their dreams.

 

The prospect of learning new skills and moving into unchartered digital waters will immediately feel daunting and overwhelming. But as George Addair once said, “everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” But here at Learning People, we pride ourselves on mentoring our students and ensuring they always have someone in their corner cheering them on and unlocking the greatness they have been keeping under wraps.

 

If you are looking to enter a career in tech, you will likely have less experience and expertise than in your current field of work. So, by preparing yourself for a career change, it won’t take long until you feel like you are an impostor who is faking it until you make it. But by choosing a more supportive learning experience, it will become much easier to overcome imposter syndrome once and for all.

 

Business benefits of embracing a neurodiverse workforce

Neurodiversity refers to the different ways people’s brains work and how they interpret information. If we look at the most celebrated minds in business, we quickly learn how they were brave enough to think differently, which many believe was the secret to their success. For example, according to Inc magazine, Elon Musk was diagnosed with autism/Asperger’s, while Richard Branson and Steven Jobs had dyslexia.

 

In the tech world, neurodiverse employees offer unique perspectives and problem-solving skills. They also help businesses be more creative and bring innovative qualities to give businesses a competitive edge. In the UK, between 15% and 20% of the population of the UK is neurodivergent. As a result, many companies are challenging misconceptions and are unlocking the vast benefits a neurodiverse workforce offers.

 

Events over the last two years have taught us that there is no such thing as a single ‘right’ way of thinking and learning. By throwing away the one-size-fits-all approach, we are seeing the emergence of new flexible working models where introverts, extroverts, and the neurodiverse can thrive together.

If you’d like to experience world class career education and support from the experts in tech, simply get in touch with one of our specialist career consultants today.