Cybersecurity is a prevalent issue that’s received increased attention in many companies lately. And it’s no wonder, considering the increase in cyberattacks and the erosion of consumer trust in the ability to protect the internet as a result of significant data breaches reported in the past few years.

According to the PwC Global Economic Crime Report, cybercrime is the second most reported economic crime, which affected 31% of organizations. Other reports show that phishing attacks were responsible for 95% of malware sent to companies, including giants such as Facebook and Google. Any company can become a target of cyberattacks, regardless of its size or resources.

It’s clear that cybersecurity must be an intrinsic part of all business processes. Organizations failing to do this may eventually find their weaknesses exploited by cybercriminals. Thus, building a security culture and investing in solutions that can minimize or stop threats completely is key.

However, while the unprecedented demand for well-trained cybersecurity workers continues to grow, a global shortage of 2 million cybersecurity professionals by next year that some experts predict could hinder this key solution.

So it’s critical to enlist the next generation of skilled cybersecurity workers and training existing employees will help build stronger defenses and restore confidence among digital citizens.

This opens up significant opportunity for young professionals to make a difference in cybersecurity, especially since 3.5 million cybersecurity job openings are anticipated by 2021. Workers in this crucial field will have the chance to work in every type of industry to keep businesses large and small safe against the dramatic rise in cyber crime - which is predicted to cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021, up from $3 trillion in 2015.

Important attributes of accomplished cybersecurity professionals include curiosity and a passion for learning, problem-solving skills, strong ethics and a keen understanding of risks. In addition, job seekers with non-traditional backgrounds may bring new experience and perspectives to the position.

Plus, a variety of industries - ranging from education, financial institutions and banks to fashion, design and retail - are hiring. The bottom line is that the profession is dedicated to helping make the borderless, online world safer and more secure for everyone.

Sources: National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), stopthinkconnect.org, PwC Global Economic Crime Report and Oren Falkowitz, CEO and Kim Del Fierro, vice president of marketing, Area 1 Security