From Combat to Cyber: Why Veterans are Winning the Battle in Digital Security

Navigating the transition from a military career to cybersecurity may seem like a leap, but for many veterans, it feels like a natural evolution. Ex-infantryman James Murphy highlights how the instinct and vigilance developed in combat zones is highly coveted in today’s cybersecurity landscape. As cyberattacks proliferate across businesses worldwide, organizations are scrambling to fill a global shortfall of four million cyber professionals.

In the UK, programs like the TechVets initiative are vital, assisting around 15 to 20 veterans each month into tech roles, primarily in cybersecurity. This industry’s expansion is evidenced by the UK’s armed forces, which have initiated accelerated training to enhance their cyber defense capabilities amidst rising threats, including recent attacks that disrupted major retailers.

Veterans often find their military skills especially relevant in cybersecurity. Mo Ahddoud, a former Royal Artillery soldier, describes his natural transition into the tech sector, where he leveraged his military training to address challenges in cybersecurity. His experience underscores the military’s focus on risk assessment and layered defense, which align closely with cybersecurity practices where preparedness and agility are essential.

Catherine Burn, an associate director at a cybersecurity recruitment firm, notes that veterans are particularly suited for roles in blue teams—those responsible for defending networks. Their ability to remain calm under pressure, akin to managing disasters, makes them invaluable.

Similarly, Crystal Morin, who served in the US Air Force, describes her seamless transition from counter-terrorism to cyber threat intelligence. The camaraderie and adrenaline rush found in Security Operations Centers (SOCs) echo military experiences, forming a solid bond among team members.

While veterans bring essential skills, employers are becoming increasingly aware of the value of hiring from the ex-Forces community. Murphy emphasizes that once companies begin to hire veterans, they tend to seek more, given their strong reliability and team spirit. However, the onboarding process can be a challenge due to the variations in job roles and titles that often contrast sharply with the well-structured military environment.

Ultimately, the quest for veterans is to find organizations where they feel they can contribute meaningfully and belong to a tight-knit community, reminiscent of their days in service. As Morin poignantly states, while they may no longer be capturing terrorists directly, they’re still in the fight for digital security, proving that the battle continues—just in a different arena.