Are Veterans’ Skills Helpful in the Cyberworld?
Who would understand security and threats better than our veterans? We rely on veterans for their dedication to ensure our security. Cyber threats exist, not only in the world of military and government agencies, but also in civilian life. Data has become the new currency, both nationally and globally. Data and information needs to be protected at all costs. This protection is the new, necessary way of protecting freedom and security. Those who serve in the active military and our veterans can be best suited for this important job.
Why Cybersecurity can be an ideal career choice for Veterans?
Security and protection are, and always will be a priority for our military. Cybersecurity ensures the security and authenticity of digitally stored data and information. It provides the ability to intercept cybercriminals at a multitude of levels and protect government agencies, financial institutions, organizations and civilians from potential, catastrophic harm.
In this regard, cybersecurity can be a natural career progression and choice for veterans having already developed many of the skill sets, characteristic traits and competencies necessary to serve in these roles, such as:
- Professional integrity
- Dedication,
- Strong work ethics,
- Problem-solving skills,
- Ability to analyze threats.
Veterans could be the best and the most deserving population to fill the wide supply-demand gap in the cybersecurity market.
According to a March 2022 article on the World Economic Forum, “There has never been a better time to create a new, more diverse cybersecurity talent pool, one that includes under-represented minorities, veteran populations, young women, and those in previously untapped geographic locations.”
As far as technical expertise is concerned, they surely are irreplaceable; however, the next set of the most important skills include keenness to learn and grow, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking, all skill sets veterans have demonstrated the ability to master. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, around 200,000 personnel leave U.S. military service and return to civilian lives. This process is called the ‘military-to-civilian transition’.
According to the 2021 Census data, the U.S. is home to approximately 16.5 million veterans, which makes up about 6.4% of the adult population in the country. Translating the percentage into numbers, every 1 in 15 Americans is a veteran. The veteran population is important not only in terms of statistics they represent but their contribution to shaping the country’s past and future. Their sacrifice and service are unmatchable, making it extremely important for federal, state, and local governments as well as corporates, community service providers, and academia to successfully reintegrate this growing population. It requires collaborative efforts on the part of government agencies, public agencies, and state-wide networks to educate, certify, and employ these well-deserving veterans with promising career opportunities.
Application of military experience to cybersecurity
Skills sets and abilities that veterans can provide in the field of cybersecurity:
- Fulfill difficult tasks and assignments in stressful environments.
- Impeccable teamworking and problem-solving skills.
- Self-motivated, loyal, and proven leadership skills.
Both government and private organizations recognize the skills and experience veterans bring with them to their work. Having served with various levels of security clearance can also provide a great insight into the level of urgency and necessary when working on the cybersecurity field. These clearances are granted on the basis of character and conduct and other pertinent areas including reliability, honesty, financial responsibility, trustworthiness, credit, emotional stability, etc.
According to Recruit Military, which is a connecting agency between employers and job candidates from the forces, “most military security clearances can last up to 24 months after discharge.” Some employers that require their cybersecurity workforce to have security clearances are often keen on recruiting qualified veterans.
The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs offers The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP). Under this program, veterans who got unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic are offered education and training for high-demand jobs.
About cybersecurity Education
The most important question that is asked is how veterans can prepare for careers in cybersecurity? Finding a reputable, credible, accredited university or education partner is the first step.
EC-Council University is one of the leading universities in the domain of cybersecurity studies. It is dedicated to creating superior educational programs equipping graduates to face the latest IT security risks and lead their colleagues in strategically handling those challenges. It offers programs in the following categories:
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security: It is a degree completion program specifically designed to give students who have started but have not been able to finish their undergraduate degree. It is a two-year degree completion program that is ideal for undergraduates, spans 20 courses and 60 credit hours.
Master of Science in Cyber Security: ECCU’s Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS) program prepares aspirants for cybersecurity and information assurance leadership positions in agencies, corporations, and organizations.
Graduate Certificate Program: Born from the ECCU Master of Security Science Curriculum and mapped to industry standards, each graduate certificate contains a series of benefits:
- Preparation for Industry Recognized Certifications
- NSA Program Mappings
- Executive Leadership Development
- Master’s Level Education
- Promoting Critical Thinking
- Ethical Practice
- Scholarship & Research
ECCU offers these graduate certificates in six broad domains: Information Security Professional, Security Analyst, Enterprise Security Architect, Digital Forensics, Incident Management and Business Continuity, and Executive Leadership in Cyber Security.
Why choose ECCU to advance your cybersecurity career
EC-Council University’s (ECCU) courses offer cybersecurity students the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity fundamentals and how to provide the protection necessary in today’s world of cybercrime. Our online degree and non-degree programs are perfect for those who want to start a career in cybersecurity and prepare or advance in this field. ECCU courses are 100% online and come along with the following benefits:
- Career-focused, Industry-ready courses
- Trends and best practices in computer science, cybersecurity, and leadership
- High-impact skills to keep you industry ready
- Collaboration with industry experts
- Deep-rooted knowledge in the computer science domain
- Globally accepted instructional methods
ECCU recognizes the sacrifices made and services done to the nation by the veterans and in that spirit offers the Cyber Security Hero Scholarship – Honoring Military Veterans.
