Cybersecurity has become a monumental concern over the years, with big money and even bigger data moving around each and every day.

Looking for a lucrative career move? Robbing a bank in person might make you feel like Woody Harrelson in Natural Born Killers, but nowadays most of the damage is done from behind a computer screen.

In 2015, we witnessed the biggest cyberattack on banking to date, with over R11 billion disappearing after a gang simultaneously infected networks of more than 100 financial institutions worldwide.

Even with beefed up security, 2016 still saw hackers get away with R42 million from Tesco Bank in the UK, and R1,7 billion from the Bangladesh Central Bank in India through rogue SWIFT transfers.

Closer to home, a certain South African bank fell victim to serious cybercrime in 2016, losing around R300 million in an ATM fraud hit from Japan.

We have recently seen some digital banks enter the market to shake things up, which has many questioning how these banks will hold up against the attacks that will surely follow.

Before we get to that, let’s take a little look at some of the cybersecurity issues in play, and how one might capitalise.

Capitalise

With losses being so huge, there are massive amounts of money being invested in security. Entry-level cybersecurity analysts earn upwards of R800 000 a year, whilst those in supervisory roles can earn a cool R1,2 million per year

Management? Oh, they’re cracking in the region of R1,5 million per year. An awesome advantage of working in this industry is that you can work internationally, from the comfort of your favourite coffee shop, or my personal favourite, around the house in your undies.

Hacking

Hacking is not always a bad thing – yes, stealing is, but not all hackers are thieves. “White Hat” hackers actually hack systems to show companies where they are vulnerable and where they would need to beef up security, in contrast to “Black Hat” hackers, who hack systems with malicious intent.

If you have a hacking firm, you can make some serious cash without resorting to crime. With cyber-fraud on the rise, now is the time to get your finger in that pie.

Insurance

A cool spin, if you don’t have a heart for hacking, could be cyber insurance. Companies are running at an increased risk of getting hacked, and if they can’t secure themselves efficiently, there’s always the insurance angle.

Even if companies have the best cybersecurity, they are still going to need a cyber insurer. It’s a sure win tapping into the insurance side of things.

Perhaps the most exciting digital bank heading our way in the near future is Bettr. There are no brick-and-mortar buildings, and if you want to open a bank account, you download the mobile banking app, submit your details and are assigned a virtual account.

Because they don’t have to pay for building rentals and other operational costs, they can offer users a Zero Monthly Fee account when they open to the general public, which will be in the very near future.

Given that their entire product and approach revolves around advanced tech, Bettr has consistently been asked one question – how do they intend to ensure that their systems hold up against cyberattacks?

Turns out they’re working with Gemalto, who are the world leaders in digital security and at the forefront of new security tech, and Bettr have made sure that security is their number one priority.

That’s just one of the ways that Bettr is set to shake up the South African banking market, which has been dominated by a select few for far too long.

If you’re keen to check out their virtual banking experience, powered entirely by your smartphone then you can pre-order your Zero Monthly Fee account and Bettr debit card here.

Safe, secure, and not a single note of truly awful elevator music while you wait for hours on hold.