How are cyber security jobs developing in Europe?

Since the European Commission has created a cyber security strategy, this is having a strong influence on the development of cyber security jobs in Europe.

Cooperation

One of the main objectives of the European Commission is increased cooperation. This means that cyber security personnel will be expected to exchange information with their colleagues in other European countries.

To help the process of communication, the EU is setting up a cooperation group to support the sharing of information. Part of its job will be to make sure that any cybersecurity incidents are reported and information on risks shared among cyber security personnel.

New technologies

As new technologies emerge such as smart devices, driverless cars and connected roads, the EU will create policy initiatives that focus on security for these devices. Cyber security personnel will need to follow these directives when developing or installing these new technologies.

Critical infrastructure

The EU has passed a directive on networks and systems that operate in what is defined as the ‘critical infrastructure’. These include networks in the energy, transport, health and banking sectors. People working in cyber security jobs in these areas will be obliged to report any security breaches. This will become mandatory in 2018, and many cyber security professionals in Europe are working on systems to comply with this directive.

Changing threats

Cyber security jobs have to adapt to the changing nature of cyber threats. The two major threats that are increasing are from nation-sponsored hackers and organized cybercriminals gangs. These groups have access to both sophisticated technology and ample finance to fund their activities.

To combat these threats, cyber security workers will need to update their skills on a regular basis.

British cyber security jobs after leaving the EU

It will be at least two years before Britain leaves the EU. Until then, cyber security workers in the UK will need to follow its cyber security directives. Even if and when Britain does exit the EU, UK cyber security personnel could voluntarily continue to follow the European directives. Communication and cooperation between cyber security people in Europe will beneficial whether Britain remains in the EU or not.

The European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO) is a private organisation with an objective of supporting all European cyber security projects. Any European company or organisations concerned with cyber security can become a member. When Britain leaves the EU, British members of the ECSO will probably retain their membership and continue to support European cyber security jobs.

European cyber security jobs will increase

There are many cyber security threats currently aimed at Europe, as this number is predicted to increase in the future as threats become more complex. To address this, many more European cyber security jobs will need to be created.

Training organisations will have to increase the number of students, as well as their skill levels. Failure to do this will lead to a lack of highly skilled people to fill the expansion of European cyber security jobs.