By Chioma Vivian Nzeribe, Cybersecurity Consultant at Vic Tech Consulting Ltd

In today’s hyperconnected world, the cost of a cyberattack goes far beyond financial loss—it affects operations, reputations, and individual privacy. As organizations accelerate digital transformation, integrate artificial intelligence, and expand remote work infrastructure, the threat landscape is evolving just as rapidly. From ransomware targeting hospitals to data breaches compromising millions of users, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has reached critical levels.

Yet for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—which comprise 99% of UK businesses—cybersecurity remains a significant challenge. Limited budgets, staffing shortages, and a lack of specialized knowledge leave these organizations especially vulnerable. This is where the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is stepping in to make a measurable impact.

The Value of CompTIA Cybersecurity Certifications

CompTIA offers a robust suite of globally recognized certifications designed to support cybersecurity professionals at every stage of their careers. These include:
•Security+ – Establishes the foundational knowledge necessary to identify and mitigate common security threats.
•CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) – Emphasizes behavioral analytics to detect, prevent, and respond to cybersecurity threats.
•CASP+ (Advanced Security Practitioner) – Tailored for experienced professionals managing complex enterprise security environments.

These certifications extend beyond technical credentials—they serve as practical frameworks aligned with international standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 and are closely mapped to job roles outlined by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

In my role at Vic Tech Consulting Ltd, these certifications have been instrumental in delivering security solutions across sectors including healthcare, education, and fintech. Whether configuring firewall policies or analyzing threat intelligence, the principles embedded in CompTIA’s curriculum consistently inform our approach to protecting client assets.

Addressing the SME Cybersecurity Challenge

SMEs often represent the soft underbelly of national cybersecurity infrastructure. Unlike large corporations with dedicated IT security departments and ample budgets, SMEs face the same threat vectors with far fewer resources. According to the UK Government’s 2024 Cyber Security Breaches Survey, nearly 32% of businesses reported cyberattacks or breaches within the past year—most of them SMEs.

CompTIA certifications play a pivotal role in narrowing this capability gap. By producing job-ready professionals equipped with core competencies in areas such as access control, incident response, and risk management, these programs empower SMEs to implement scalable, cost-effective security strategies. Trained personnel become the first and often most effective line of defense in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape.

Creating a Culture of Cyber Readiness

While certifications are an important first step, a sustainable cybersecurity strategy requires more than credentials. Building a culture of cyber readiness involves:
•Leadership Engagement: Senior executives and boards must recognize cybersecurity as a strategic imperative, not just an IT issue.
•Continuous Learning: Cyber threats evolve daily. Ongoing training, simulation exercises, and real-time threat intelligence are essential.
•Inclusive Access: The industry must continue expanding opportunities for women and underrepresented groups, supported by CompTIA’s inclusive learning pathways and scholarship initiatives.

As the UK pursues its ambition of becoming a global technology leader, national initiatives such as Tech Nation, Startupbootcamp, and the National Cyber Strategy 2022 provide fertile ground for innovation. CompTIA certifications serve as the connective tissue linking skilled talent to these broader policy and economic objectives.

Preparing for the Future of Cybersecurity

The future of cybersecurity lies in convergence—with artificial intelligence, machine learning, and behavioral analytics playing increasingly vital roles. Professionals who train under CompTIA’s structured frameworks are better positioned to adapt to this evolving landscape.

At Vic Tech Consulting, we are currently developing AI-driven threat detection systems rooted in the principles taught in CompTIA’s certifications. This reflects not only a technical advancement but also how foundational knowledge can enable next-generation cybersecurity solutions.

Conclusion: People Are the Firewall

As we stand at the crossroads of digital innovation and escalating risk, the real question is no longer whether businesses can afford to invest in cybersecurity—but whether they can afford not to.

CompTIA’s work in developing a competent, inclusive, and future-ready cybersecurity workforce is both timely and transformative. To business leaders, policymakers, and aspiring professionals alike, the message is clear:
Make cybersecurity a strategic priority. Embrace structured, standards-aligned learning. Invest in people.

Because the most effective firewall isn’t built from code—it’s built from people who are ready.

Chioma Vivian Nzeribe is a cybersecurity consultant at Vic Tech Consulting Ltd with over five years of experience in network security, risk assessment, and digital infrastructure protection. She holds multiple CompTIA certifications and is a passionate advocate for cybersecurity inclusion, innovation, and SME empowerment.

By Chioma Vivian Nzeribe, Cybersecurity Consultant at Vic Tech Consulting Ltd