The Importance and Opportunity of Veterans as Cybersecurity Professionals
Post Summary
Veterans bring critical skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and resilience, making them ideal for cybersecurity roles. According to ISC², 16% of cybersecurity professionals have a military background.
• Programs like the Fortinet Veterans Program help military personnel transition into cybersecurity careers through training and education. • NIST Veteran Resources also provide tools and guidance for veterans exploring cybersecurity opportunities.
Cybersecurity offers veterans the chance to leverage their military skills in critical infrastructure roles, with opportunities to protect organizations and contribute to national security.
Veterans can begin by exploring online training programs, certifications, and resources like the Fortinet Veterans Program or NIST’s Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week materials.
The healthcare industry has a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals to protect patient data and care delivery, offering veterans meaningful career paths.
I recently had the honor of joining Gary Berman and three of my fellow veterans (and fellow cybersecurity professionals) - Robert Ungemach, Tyler Cohen-Wood, and Max Justice - for a Veterans Day podcast on LinkedIn titled Veterans & Cybersecurity: The Perfect Force Multiplier! I want to thank Gary for having me, along with all the veterans and active service members in the U.S. Military. Thank you for your service!
You may know Gary as the CEO of Cyberman Security, LLC and the creator/host of the CyberHero Adventure Show: Defenders of the Digital Universe! As for the other veteran and cybersecurity leaders on the podcast: Robert Ungemach is Cybersecurity Sales Engineer at Appgate, Tyler Cohen-Wood is Host of My Connected Life, and Max Justice is a NASA SENSE Security SME who was promoted to Abile Group Chief Engineer.
I enjoyed learning about all their stories, challenges, and opportunities, both from their time in the military and civilian cybersecurity careers. Along with discussing potential career opportunities in cybersecurity, we explored encouraging individuals to join cybersecurity as “Defenders” through education, podcasts, grant/scholarship programs, and poster contests. Cybersecurity is a critical infrastructure role in every company, and as an industry, we must continue to grow the ranks of our community rapidly.
When Gary asked Max Justice of Abile Group about his thoughts regarding the number of job openings, he responded, “Military folks are great resources to come into cybersecurity. In fact, there was a recent study done by ISC², an institute known around the globe for Cybersecurity certifications. They identified that 16% of those participating in cybersecurity have a Military background. One of the reasons why I think there are so many military folks, again it goes back to the military being able to be AGILE: Adapt, Overcome, and Improvise.”
If you are a veteran and interested in a career in cybersecurity, the healthcare industry can use a few good folks - reach out! For Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week October 18-23, 2021, NIST, the National Institute of Standards and Technology U.S. Department of Commerce, released an article on their website highlighting the recruitment of Veterans in Cybersecurity. NIST has a wealth of Veteran Resources directly on their website as well. Additionally, if you are looking to begin preparing for a role in cybersecurity, I recommend you start with online training and education. There are several programs to choose from including, the presenting sponsor for this episode, Fortinet, a Cybersecurity company that created The Fortinet Veterans Program that specifically transitions the military community and fellow Veterans to careers in cybersecurity. This program is just one of the many ways that you can explore the rewarding field of cybersecurity.
For those in cybersecurity who have not heard of the CyberHero Adventure Show, I highly encourage you to check out this week’s episode. Gary certainly has a way with humor and brings light to essential Cybersecurity topics today.
Sincerely,
Ed Gaudet
Key Points:
Why are veterans well-suited for careers in cybersecurity?
- Veterans possess critical skills gained during military service, including:
- Adaptability: The ability to adjust to ever-changing situations and environments.
- Problem-solving: Quick thinking and decision-making in high-pressure scenarios.
- Resilience: Persistence and determination to overcome challenges.
- According to ISC², an institute for cybersecurity certifications, 16% of cybersecurity professionals have a military background, highlighting the synergy between military skills and cybersecurity demands.
What resources are available for veterans interested in cybersecurity careers?
Veterans have access to several specialized programs and resources, including:
- Fortinet Veterans Program: A program designed to transition the military community into cybersecurity careers through training and education.
- NIST Veteran Resources: The National Institute of Standards and Technology provides tools and guidance for veterans exploring cybersecurity opportunities.
- Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week: Organized by NIST, this initiative highlights career pathways and support for veterans.
What makes cybersecurity an ideal career path for veterans?
- Cybersecurity allows veterans to leverage their military training in critical roles that protect organizations, national infrastructure, and sensitive data.
- It offers:
- A sense of purpose: Veterans can continue serving their community and country by defending against cyber threats.
- High demand: The industry faces a talent shortage, with significant opportunities for career growth.
- Transferable skills: Military traits like discipline, attention to detail, and teamwork are directly applicable to cybersecurity.
How can veterans get started in cybersecurity?
Veterans can begin their journey in cybersecurity by following these steps:
- Explore Online Training Programs: Start with accessible online courses or certifications from organizations like Fortinet or CompTIA.
- Leverage Veteran-Focused Programs: Programs like the Fortinet Veterans Program offer tailored resources for transitioning to cybersecurity roles.
- Utilize NIST Resources: Review NIST’s materials, such as their Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week resources, for additional guidance.
- Engage with the Cybersecurity Community: Attend webinars, podcasts, or events like the CyberHero Adventure Show to network and learn more about the field.
What is the Fortinet Veterans Program?
- The Fortinet Veterans Program is a cybersecurity training and education initiative designed specifically for veterans and military personnel.
- Key features include:
- Hands-on training to develop cybersecurity skills.
- Support for transitioning from military service to civilian cybersecurity careers.
- Access to cybersecurity certifications and career placement resources.
What role does healthcare play in cybersecurity career opportunities for veterans?
- The healthcare industry faces growing cybersecurity challenges, making it a high-demand sector for qualified professionals.
- Veterans can find meaningful opportunities to:
- Protect patient data and ensure secure care delivery.
- Address supply chain, ransomware, and other evolving threats.
- Use their skills to support critical healthcare infrastructure.
Why is it important to recruit veterans into cybersecurity?
- Veterans bring unique perspectives, skills, and discipline to the field, enhancing cybersecurity teams’ ability to adapt and respond to threats.
- Recruiting veterans helps address the cybersecurity talent gap, which is critical for protecting national and organizational security.
What is the CyberHero Adventure Show?
- Hosted by Gary Berman, the CyberHero Adventure Show is a podcast and educational platform that highlights essential cybersecurity topics in an engaging and humorous way.
- The show features industry experts, including veterans, to discuss career paths, challenges, and opportunities in cybersecurity.
