A Career in Cybersecurity is for Everyone

By Kim Allman, Head of Corporate Responsibility and Government Affairs

October is one of my favorite months at NortonLifeLock. It’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure that everyone has the resources they need to stay safe and secure online. Now in its 18th year, NCSAM has grown exponentially, reaching consumers, small businesses, corporations, educational institutions, and young people across the globe.

This week, NCSAM focuses on cybersecurity careers with the Explore. Experience. Share. campaign. The cybersecurity field is growing rapidly, and it has something for everyone.

At NortonLifeLock, we’re working to build awareness about the wide range of cybersecurity job opportunities that are open to everyone. There are multiple pathways to enter our exciting career field, including programs dedicated to bringing people of color, veterans, people with diverse abilities, women, and more into cybersecurity.

As an example, we launched the Cyber Security Skills Development Initiative for Women in partnership with the NASSCOM Foundation. This program is designed to create greater employability opportunities for under-resourced female engineering graduates in India by equipping these women with key job skills. The initiative provides in-depth cyber knowledge, as well as faculty support that can really make a difference. Our teachers and mentors help participants to find jobs, prepare for interviews, and train for standardized tests in the field.

The initiative also builds confidence, and often helps place women directly into well-paying jobs.

Like Rupa Sama, the daughter of a daily laborer in India. Rupa faced a litany of difficulties in completing her education and, after several failed attempts at schooling, successfully enrolled in our cybersecurity initiative. While she has always had a passion for cybersecurity, a lack of proper training and financial strains made it impossible for her to gain employment in the field. The Cyber Security Skills Development Initiative’s training, guidance from experts, and the specialty skills she gained were the final steps in empowering Rupa to secure her dream job in cybersecurity.

Sangam Yamini also participated in the program and completed her Master of Computer Applications accreditation. Sangam, whose father is a farmer, aspired to receive a formal education and a career that would provide upward mobility for her and financial relief for her family. Through the initiative, she learned the skills needed to become a Cybersecurity Specialist. Said Sangam, “My parents and I are very happy, and we are always grateful to NortonLifeLock for offering this training.”

To date, this initiative has trained 121 women and 25 women have been placed into secure jobs with a real future. We’re proud that our work with NASSCOM is truly changing the lives and trajectories of these women, helping empower them to achieve their dreams.

To learn more about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and careers in cybersecurity visit their website here.