The rise in hacking, ransomware attacks and date breaches over the last two years has led to a rise in demand for security professionals in healthcare.
In fact, the BLS report projects that the number of jobs in the information security analysts field will show an 18 percent rise from 2014 to 2024.
The BLS added that the growth in the IT security field is much more rapid than the average for all other occupations.
“Demand for information security analysts is expected to be
very high, as these analysts will be needed to create innovative solutions to
prevent hackers from stealing critical information or causing problems for
computer networks,” the BLS said.
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The upswing in hiring is partly due to high-profile security breaches that have hit the headlines recently including the ransomware attack on Hollywood Presbyterian, the Los Angeles County Department of Health, Chino Valley Medical Centres and its sister organisation Desert Valley as well as Methodist Hospital in Kentucky and MedStar Health in Washington, DC.
The BLS found that the call for IT security specialists was increasing across all sectors of the economy but stressed the need for it in healthcare.
"As the healthcare industry expands its use of electronic medical records, ensuring patients' privacy and protecting personal data are becoming more important," the BLS explained. "More information security analysts are likely to be needed to create the safeguards that will satisfy patients' concerns."
In terms of salary, the BLS also explained that, as of May 2015, the median salary for information security analysts is $90,120. The highest 10 percent earn $143, 770.
Education background typically includes a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming or a related field. Many employers seek candidates with a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus on information systems.
Source: Healthcare IT News
Image Credit: TomsITpro
