Cybercrime is Accelerating: Preparing the Next Wave of Cybersecurity Experts
Sausalito, Calif. – Jun. 15, 2026
In a rapidly digitalizing world, the landscape of cybercrime has dramatically shifted. Cybercriminals are now more sophisticated than ever, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their methods. This spike in cybercriminal activity presents a growing threat to businesses, institutions, and individuals across the globe.
The State of Cybercrime
The urgency of the situation became glaringly visible earlier this year when the hacking group ShinyHunters executed a significant breach on Instructure’s Canvas Learning Management System. This cyberattack compromised the data of approximately 275 million users across nearly 9,000 institutions, including prominent educational establishments such as DeVry University. This incident serves as a striking reminder of how quickly the threat landscape is evolving, highlighting the need for heightened awareness and preparedness.
The Role of AI in Cybercrime
AI acts as a double-edged sword in the world of cybersecurity. On one hand, it’s a crucial tool for cybersecurity experts; on the other, it’s exploited by cybercriminals to develop more advanced attacks. Cybersecurity Ventures has predicted that ransomware attacks could occur every two seconds by 2031. This alarming statistic indicates a pressing need for action to safeguard our digital spaces.
The Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
Despite the increasing frequency and severity of attacks, a stark workforce gap exists. As of now, there are approximately 1.34 million cybersecurity professionals employed in the U.S., but the demand continues to outpace supply, with over 514,000 job openings in the field, as reported by CyberSeek. The discrepancy is particularly concerning because early-career candidates often face barriers to entry due to their lack of experience, exacerbating the skill shortage.
Dr. Jingdi “Rebecca” Zeng, senior professor and curriculum chair at DeVry University, emphasizes the reality of the cyber workforce gap. “The cyber workforce gap is real, and AI is changing what entry-level jobs look like. That means part of learning that used to happen on the job now needs to happen earlier, in the classroom,” she stated. This shift requires educational institutions to adapt their curricula to equip students with essential skills before they enter the job market.
Educational Initiatives Against Cybercrime
In response to this urgent challenge, DeVry University’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence is proactively addressing the skills gap in cybersecurity. By collaborating with industry leaders, the university has developed a robust curriculum designed to prepare early-career professionals with relevant knowledge and experiences. This initiative aims to create a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity experts capable of tackling the complexities of modern cyber threats.
The curriculum focuses on real-world applications, ensuring that students are not just learning theory but are also equipped to face the practical challenges they will encounter in their careers. This hands-on approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also makes graduates more attractive to potential employers.
Resources for Aspiring Cybersecurity Experts
For those looking to enter the field of cybersecurity, various resources are available to help beginners get started. Cybercrime Magazine serves as a valuable platform for aspiring professionals. The website offers an array of sections covering security awareness training, breaking news on cyberattacks, and insights into cybersecurity investments and trends.
From podcasts that feature victims, law enforcement, and industry experts to an internet radio station dedicated solely to cybersecurity, there are numerous avenues for learning and staying updated on the latest industry developments.
In a world grappling with escalating cyber threats, the call for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more urgent. Educational initiatives like those at DeVry University aim to prepare the next generation of experts who can help mitigate these threats. As cybercrime continues to evolve, mustering the right talent will be pivotal in safeguarding our digital future.