Bold reality check: cyber threats are multiplying as technology advances, and so is the demand for skilled defenders.
As digital tools evolve—especially with innovations like artificial intelligence—the tactics used by online attackers also adapt. That means there will always be a need for professionals who protect information and systems.
Threats to online safety come in many forms. “There are so many threats today that listing them all would take years,” notes Sam Laitinen, a professor in Sault College’s Computer Networking and Cyber Security program.
“The old days were dominated by viruses and malware, but the landscape has shifted. Today we face highly sophisticated intruders who can compromise a business and demand ransom after stealing data. They lock up information and say, ‘pay us this amount and we’ll unlock it.’”
Laitinen also warns about phishing—emails and messages designed to deceive. He shares a personal example: in his first week at a company, he received a message claiming he won a $25 gift card for being a new employee. He clicked the link, and the system warned him he’d encountered a phishing scam.
Text-message scams from impersonators of large firms, including well-known brands like Bell, are also on the rise. “They aren’t from Bell or any major company,” Laitinen explains. “Someone is trying to swindle you, and this trend will continue to grow.”
Attackers can be anyone—from a lone individual at home in Canada to organized criminal groups overseas. With so many threats, what can people do to stay safer?
Start with strong, long passwords—aim for 16 characters or more—and keep them private. Laitinen points out a common failure he sees: employees posting long passwords on sticky notes on computer screens. That kind of lax practice offers easy access to sensitive systems.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is increasingly essential. If you sign into a site or email, MFA adds a code sent to your phone in addition to your password, making unauthorized access much harder.
Keeping software and operating systems up to date through regular patching, and maintaining offline backups, are also crucial steps to reduce risk.
Locally, Sault College established a two-year Computer Networking and Cyber Security program in 2021, with its first intake beginning in September.
In simple terms, the program teaches networking—the ways to connect computers within a building or campus to the internet—and then shows how to defend those networks against attacks from both inside and outside.
Students learn to respond to cyber incidents by analyzing what happened and identifying how to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Experts with cybersecurity or networking training—wherever they studied—generally face strong job prospects.
“There’s a global skills gap in this field. In today’s world, almost every organization is a technology company. Whether you’re protecting data for a bank, a hospital, or a retail store, demand for skilled professionals far outstrips supply.”
Cybersecurity professionals don’t just land a job—they can build a lasting career. “It’s a field that’s critical to national and local security, and it’s highly portable. You could end up safeguarding networks around the world.”
To thrive in this field, a specific mindset matters. Technical know-how like coding and networking can be taught, but curiosity is key. You don’t need to be a genius, but a genuine willingness to learn helps. If you enjoy puzzles, problem-solving, or taking things apart to understand how they work, you likely have the right temperament.
Some essential traits for cybersecurity pros include:
- Problem solving: a love of puzzles and logical thinking
- Skepticism: a mindset that constantly questions whether something looks right and how it could be exploited
- Communication: the ability to explain technical risks to non-technical leaders
A career in cybersecurity can be long and deeply rewarding. It’s often described as an ongoing arms race: as technology evolves, so do the tools and methods of attackers.
Cybersecurity isn’t a final destination; it’s an ongoing journey. If valuable data exists online, someone will try to steal it. That’s why professionals in this field need to be lifelong learners, continually staying ahead of the curve.
If you’re considering entering this field, what future do you see for yourself—a stable, globally mobile career protecting critical data, or a focus on specialized niches within cybersecurity? Share your thoughts in the comments.
