Cyber Security Analyst: Entry-Level Work I Can do With a Degree
If you pay attention to the news, you might be wondering if now is a good time to think about a career in cyber security. After all, cybercrime is in the headlines on a nearly daily basis, and keeping our data and computers safe is a concern for everyone in this digital age.
The truth is, our world is in need of as many new qualified cyber security personnel as possible. A substantial shortage of cyber security employees has left the data of hundreds of millions of people vulnerable to attack, and millions of job postings around the world open. According to Forbes, there will be as many as 3.5 million open job listings in cyber security by 2021.
That's one of the reasons that cyber security is one of the fastest growing job markets in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of cyber security jobs in the US is expected to grow by 28 percent through 2026, a rate four times faster than average.
Getting an entry-level job in cyber security isn't necessarily easy. Like any career, you will need to work hard, and some networking is always helpful. But if you know the right steps to take and have a good education, you will have a better chance of landing the job you want. If you are interested in a cyber security degree and want to know what sort of opportunities you might have as soon as you graduate, here is a quick guide to the entry-level work you could do after graduation.
What are some entry-level careers in cyber security?
Technical Support and Help Desks
Tech support in cyber security is similar to regular IT tech support, just with a specific focus on helping clients with security measures. This could include helping people come up with secure passwords, gain access to their accounts, or even field calls about security breaches.
Network and Security Infrastructure Support
This job is similar to technical support, but it requires a deeper knowledge of the specifics of a client's cyber security strategy. In this line of work, you might be the first line of defense if you company comes under a DDos or ransomware attack.
Information Security and Network Security Analyst
If you finish your degree program with impressive results and pass the required certification exams, you might be able to land an analyst job right out of school. Analysts do more than support work.
They help plan and execute cyber security strategies. They write reports on attacks and assess the damage done. They conduct penetration tests to find vulnerabilities in their systems before hackers can exploit them. It's busy work being an analyst, but it can be a launching pad to a career in management, where you will be the one devising cyber security strategies yourself.
How will a formal education help me at the entry level?
A formal education in cyber security could give you more than a degree. A good cyber security program should prepare you for everything the current world of cyber security has to offer. You could enter the workforce with a completely up to date understanding of the cyber security world.
The program will also prepare you to take certification exams, which can be instrumental in helping you land the job you want when you finish school. Additionally, a formal education will put you in touch with faculty and staff who understand the world of cyber security and how to make a career in it. Networking can be essential in a field as competitive as cyber security, and going to school can help you immensely with networking.
Where do I get started on my education?
If you're interested in cyber security and want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated pace. For more information regarding this exciting program, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Cyber and Network Security - Bachelor’s
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