Kickstart Your Digital Career with a Cybersecurity Course in Ireland

Ireland is facing a shortage of cybersecurity professionals, with an estimated need for 10,000 more workers in the field. This skills gap is your opportunity to enter the market and land your dream job in the cybersecurity space.

If you’ve been hoping to pursue a career in cybersecurity, now’s your time. However, just having interest in this field isn’t enough to start your digital career. Instead, you need to learn  skills and knowledge required to become an outstanding cybersecurity expert.

Enrolling in an online cybersecurity course from a reputable platform like the UCD Professional Academy is the best way to start your journey. Here’s everything you should know about becoming a cybersecurity professional in Ireland.

Why UCD Professional Academy for Cybersecurity Training?

Ireland is a rising powerhouse in the global tech arena. According to Hiscox's 2023 cyber readiness report, cyber-attacks have become 22% more frequent in the country. As we mentioned, businesses are hungry for trained experts to protect their expanding databases. 

The question is, if you’re going to pursue cybersecurity training, why choose UCD Professional Academy. Let’s look at a few of the many reasons:

Thriving Tech Ecosystem

Ireland's cybersecurity boom isn't slowing down. With a predicted growth rate of 10% annually, the sector could add up to 10,000 jobs by 2030. This translates to a potential €2.5 billion in annual economic impact for the nation.

But here's where it concerns you: to fuel this growth, Ireland needs over 1,000 new cybersecurity professionals every single year. This isn't just a shortage; it's a massive opportunity. Those with the right skills are in exceptionally high demand.

Ireland's booming tech ecosystem is centred in its "Silicon Valley" capital of Dublin. Global giants like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple have chosen Ireland as their European base of operations. 

This concentration of tech giants fuels industry development and creates tons of opportunities for people like you. Training in Ireland positions you for success in the field of cybersecurity.

Leading Educational Institutions

Ireland is home to a variety of prestigious universities and institutes offering specialised cybersecurity courses. That includes the UCD Professional Academy, whose certification in cybersecurity will equip you with in-demand skills and certifications.

As one of Ireland’s leading educational providers, our intensive course, designed and delivered by industry experts, will help you tackle every aspect of cybersecurity. Encryption, network security, threat detection, incident response – the list goes on.

Supportive Government Policies

Our government is highly proactive in promoting cybersecurity careers.

They’ve created a conducive environment for cybersecurity professionals to grow with the help of initiatives like the National cybersecurity Strategy by the DECC. The DECC National Cybersecurity Center keeps the country at the forefront of the global technological landscape and creates more jobs.

Leading Educational Institutions

Ireland is home to a variety of prestigious universities and institutes offering specialised cybersecurity courses. That includes the UCD Professional Academy, whose certification in cybersecurity will equip you with in-demand skills and certifications.

As one of Ireland’s leading educational providers, our intensive course, designed and delivered by industry experts, will help you tackle every aspect of cybersecurity. Encryption, network security, threat detection, incident response – the list goes on.

Course Curriculum and Learning Outcomes

The Certification in Cybersecurity at UCD Professional Academy covers many cybersecurity topics to prepare you for a successful career in this in-demand field. Plus, it’s delivered in a live online format, so you can learn from anywhere in the world.

Here's a quick breakdown of what you'll learn:

• Cryptography and Encryption: You'll learn about the different types of cryptography and how they are used to secure data.

• Network Security: You'll learn how networks work and how to secure them from threats.

• Incident Response and Forensic Analysis: You'll learn how to respond to security incidents, such as major data breaches and malware attacks.

But these are simply the core topics – the course also covers a variety of other subjects, including:

• Risk Management and Business Continuity: You'll learn how to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks.

• Cybersecurity Policy and Governance: You'll learn about the principles of security governance and how to implement them in an organisation.

Expert Instructors and Industry-Relevant Training

At UCD Professional Academy, we understand that the best cybersecurity education comes from those who are already at the forefront of the field. That's why we carefully select instructors based on their deep industry expertise and proven track records. Here's what sets our cybersecurity instructors apart from the competition:

• Certified Practitioners: Our instructors aren't just academics; they're actively working cybersecurity professionals. They bring fresh perspectives, real-world insights, and the latest threat intelligence to the classroom. 

• Irish Cybersecurity Leaders: At UCD Professional Academy, we focus on tapping into Ireland's rich cybersecurity talent pool. Many of our instructors have years of experience leading security initiatives for top Irish companies, government agencies, and even multinationals with a presence in Ireland. Their localised experience is exactly why your training will be invaluable in Ireland’s cybersecurity industry.

• Passionate Educators: Our instructors do more than just relay technical knowledge. They're invested in your success, serving as mentors and sharing their experiences to help you navigate the competitive cybersecurity landscape in Ireland.

Of course, UCD Professional Academy’s cybersecurity course isn't designed in a vacuum. Our industry-relevant training uses multiple avenues to make sure you're prepared for the specific challenges you'll face on the job:

• Case Studies with Irish Context: During our course, you'll dissect real-world cyberattacks and breaches that are currently affecting the top Irish organisations. Currently, digital fraud is the most prevalent cybercrime – the republic has the highest fraud risk index in Europe with a rating of 7.44. This analysis, along with instructor insights, will help you build the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to combat Irish cyber threats.

• The Skills Employers Need: Our curriculum is continuously refined with advice from industry experts to make sure you graduate with the specific skill sets in demand. Currently, 46% of employers are looking for cybersecurity implementers, making it the focus of our course.

Networking and Career Opportunities

The Irish tech community is known for being friendly and welcoming, regardless of the industry. As a cybersecurity professional, you’ll get many opportunities to network with other professionals.

For instance, Engineers Ireland offers networking opportunities for cybersecurity engineers on both a local and national level. Members can post, chat, and network with their peers on Engineers Ireland's Official LinkedIn group. 

The organisation also hosts several featured events throughout the year, such as the Annual Ball and the National Conference. 

Success Stories and Alumni Testimonials

UCD Professional Academy's cybersecurity courses can unlock many exciting career opportunities. Hear from just a few UCD Professional Academy alumni who have successfully advanced their careers with our cybersecurity course.

Sarah O'Connell, who was originally an IT Help Desk Technician, was promoted to a Junior Cybersecurity Analyst at a financial services after taking the UCD Professional Academy cybersecurity course. Here’s what she had to say about her experience. 

"UCD Professional Academy's cybersecurity course completely transformed my career. It gave me the technical depth to transition from IT support into a more fulfilling security role. Their hands-on projects and industry insights prepared me to hit the ground running at my new company. I'm now part of a team protecting critical financial data!"

Meanwhile, Liam Byrne had a complete career 360. Once a project manager in a non-tech industry, Byrne is now a Cybersecurity Consultant at an IT services company. In his own words,

"I always had an interest in technology, but it seemed too late for a career change. UCD Professional Academy’s course was the perfect bridge. The instructors were supportive, and the focus on real-world scenarios made all the complex concepts stick. Now, I'm advising clients on how to secure their databases!"

UCD Professional Academy courses don’t just open doors for promotions; they also give aspiring entrepreneurs the expertise they need to start their own businesses. Aisling Ni Mhaille had a similar experience, starting off as a web developer at a local company. Thanks to our course, she was able to establish her own Cybersecurity Awareness Training Startup.

Here’s what she said about her experience.

"The in-depth cybersecurity knowledge I gained at UCD Professional Academy was everything I needed to start my entrepreneurial journey. I saw a gap in how small businesses understood cyber threats, so I trained and built a company to address them. This course not only gave me the technical expertise but also the confidence to launch my own venture."

Workers who take an upskilling course earn, on average, 8.6% more than their peers who do not. David Kelly is the perfect example, who started out as a Network Administrator and was soon promoted to Senior Security Engineer. In his own words, this led to a major salary increase.

"UCD Professional Academy’s cybersecurity course didn't just improve my expertise; it significantly increased my earning potential. The focus on advanced threat detection and mitigation landed me a much higher-paying role within the same tech firm I was originally working at. Best investment I made in myself!"

Lastly, UCD Professional Academy’s courses can be a boost for those who feel their career is at a stalemate. John Murphy, unhappy with his stagnating career as an IT Manager, used the course to expand his skills and become the Head of Cybersecurity – a much more exciting role.

"I was feeling stuck in my IT career, but this course ignited a spark. It gave me the specialised skills to become a sought-after cybersecurity leader at my firm. Now, I'm driving strategy and making a real difference in my company's security system."

Flexible Study Options and Support

Most professionals hoping to upskill in cybersecurity typically have busy schedules and diverse learning needs. That's why we prioritise flexibility without compromising on rigorous training:

• Options to Suit Your Lifestyle: Our cybersecurity course offers part-time schedules and online learning formats. This way, you can balance your studies with work and personal commitments with no hassle.

• Study at Your Pace: UCD Professional Academy online learning platform offers recorded lectures and materials that are accessible on demand. When you tailor your learning journey to your preferred pace, you have the chance to fully grasp complex concepts before moving forward. Plus, you won’t be restricted to stringent timelines. 

• Support When You Need It: We understand that learning a technical subject like cybersecurity is not a piece of cake. Plus, our online discussion forums and resources provide support and community outside of classroom hours, too!

• Designed for Working Professionals: Balancing a career and studies is a reality for many Irish professionals. According to a recent survey, over 70% of Irish workers want the flexibility to learn alongside their jobs. UCD Professional Academy’s freeform approach acknowledges this need, making it easier for you to advance your career without sacrificing your current job.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for flexible cybersecurity courses here in Ireland, look no further than UCD Professional Academy. By the end of this short and affordable course, you’ll have a certification in cybersecurity, making you an attractive candidate in Ireland’s competitive job market. 

Are you ready to secure your future in the digital world? 

Enrol in the Professional Academy Diploma in Cybersecurity at UCD Professional Academy and gain the expertise to protect businesses and individuals from cyber threats. Visit our course page today to apply or get more information!