Survey finds high schools not mentioning cybersecurity as career option

A recent study commissioned by Raytheon and conducted by Zogby Analytics finds that less than a quarter of young adults age 18 to 26 express interest in a cybersecurity-related career.

According to the survey, 82 percent of millennials reported that no teacher or guidance counselor ever mentioned cybersecurity as a viable career option. The survey also found that 86 percent said that it is important to increase cybersecurity awareness programs in the workforce and in formal education programs.

“Given that we need to add thousands of cybersecurity professionals to the workforce in the coming years, the data shows we have a long way to go in engaging young people in the idea of a career path in cybersecurity,” said Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber Security Alliance.

“We have to work together to ensure that young people are prepared to use technology safely, securely, ethically and productively and are aware of the interesting and rewarding jobs available protecting the Internet,” he said.