The topic of cybersecurity has become increasingly relevant in recent years, with high-profile hacks and data breaches hitting the headlines on a regular basis. As a result, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has been on the rise, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. In this blog post, we will take a look at the future of cybersecurity careers in New Zealand. New Zealand has recently released its “Cyber Security Strategy 2019”, which outlines the government's approach to cybersecurity over the next four years. This strategy emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government, private sector, and academia in order to create a safe and secure online environment for New Zealanders. It also highlights the need for training and upskilling of cybersecurity professionals in order to meet the demand for skilled workers in the field. The New Zealand government has committed to investing NZD $8.5 million to develop a cybersecurity workforce over the next four years. This investment will go towards initiatives like the Cyber Security Challenge, which is a nationwide competition that aims to build the skills and knowledge of young New Zealanders in the field of cybersecurity. As well as the government investment, there are also a number of private sector initiatives that are helping to grow the cybersecurity workforce in New Zealand. One such initiative is the “Cyber Security Immersion Program”, which provides on-the-job training for cybersecurity professionals. Participants in the program work on real-world cybersecurity projects alongside experienced professionals, gaining valuable experience and skills. In terms of specific cybersecurity job roles, there are a number of areas that are expected to see growth in the coming years. One of these is in the area of incident response, where professionals are responsible for identifying and responding to cybersecurity threats as they arise. Another area that is expected to see growth is in cybersecurity consulting, where professionals provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to protect their systems and data. One of the key challenges facing the cybersecurity industry is the shortage of skilled workers. This shortage is not unique to New Zealand, but it is a challenge that needs to be addressed in order to ensure the continued growth and success of the industry. To address this challenge, universities and other educational institutions are offering more cybersecurity courses and degrees, and there are a number of professional certifications that can be obtained in the field. Overall, the future of cybersecurity careers in New Zealand is bright. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and upskilling, and a commitment to investment in the field, there are plenty of opportunities for professionals to build a successful career in cybersecurity. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, it will remain an exciting and dynamic field for those with the skills and expertise to keep pace with the changing landscape of cybersecurity threats.