The Truth Behind the Hype, Jobs, and VDP Culture
Hey folks,
I’m Raghav Arora, aka the Cyber Boy of Rajasthan, and if you’re eyeing a career in cybersecurity in 2025, you’re probably hearing two sides of the story:
- One side says it’s booming 💥
- The other side says… “where are the jobs?” 🤔
Let’s clear the air.
🔐 Why Cybersecurity Is a Great Career in 2025
- Threats are only increasing
With AI, IoT, and remote work exploding, the number of cyber threats is rising faster than ever. - Companies need security more than ever
A single vulnerability can destroy brand trust. So, companies must invest in security — it’s not optional anymore. - Recognition is growing
From government programs to private orgs, ethical hackers are finally getting respect — and in many cases, swag 🧢👕 and Hall of Fame spots 🏅.
🤷 But… Why So Few Jobs Compared to Development?
That’s the frustrating part. While the demand is high, cybersecurity roles often get centralized:
- Many companies outsource their security to specialized firms or consultants.
- They prefer bug bounty or VDP (Vulnerability Disclosure Program) models rather than hiring full-time researchers.
- Cybersecurity is seen as a “cost” rather than a “product builder” — unlike development, which directly creates what customers see and use.
🧑💻 The VDP Dilemma — Why Researchers Don’t Get Hired
Here’s the real tea:
- Companies launch VDP programs where researchers can report bugs for free or for a small reward.
- While it helps companies fix vulnerabilities, they don’t always offer jobs or contracts to the researchers.
- The mindset is: “Thanks for the report, here’s some swag. Bye.”
As a result, many skilled security researchers remain freelancers, despite helping secure billion-dollar platforms.
⚖️ So, Should You Still Choose Cybersecurity?
Absolutely. But with realistic expectations.
✅ Pros:
- You get to protect real users and systems.
- You earn respect through HOFs, swag, and recognition.
- You can freelance, consult, or join CTFs and bug bounty platforms.
⚠️ Cons:
- Fewer direct hiring opportunities.
- Need to constantly prove your value.
- Companies still undervalue long-term investment in security teams.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Cybersecurity in 2025 is exciting, powerful, and essential. But the job market? Still evolving.
We need more awareness, more companies willing to invest in full-time researchers, and less reliance on “thanks-for-the-bug-now-go-away” VDP culture.
Until then, keep learning, keep hacking, and keep pushing for a safer digital world. Your skills do matter.
Stay sharp,
Raghav Arora