What Can You Do With a Degree in Cyber Security and Network Security?
Key Takeaways
A cybersecurity and network security degree enables diverse career paths in private and government sectors, from information security analysts planning protective measures for organizational networks to ethical hackers conducting penetration testing and network security administrators maintaining firewalls and antivirus software. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 29% job growth through 2034, significantly faster than national average, with roles including computer network architects designing LANs, WANs, and cloud infrastructure.
- Information security analysts plan and execute security measures protecting organizational computer networks and systems from cyber threats and data breaches
- Ethical hackers and penetration testers simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in system security before actual exploitation occurs in operational environments
- Network security administrators maintain organizational security systems including antivirus software, firewalls, and security policies while staying current with emerging threats
- Computer network architects design data communication networks including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), intranets, and cloud infrastructure aligned to organizational goals
- Federal positions with law enforcement and the Department of Defense require cybersecurity forensics experts and information security analysts to protect sensitive government information
If you have been paying attention to the news, you probably know what a big deal cyber security is. You might even be considering a career in cyber security. After all, there is a massive shortage of workers; according to Forbes, there will be 3.5 million unfilled cyber security jobs by 2021.
Most people have a lot of sensitive data online, data that hackers want to get a hold of. One successful hack can lead to a staggering amount of stolen data. For example, a 2013 breach of Yahoo.com affected 3 billion accounts. With so much of our spent online, cyber security is becoming the front line in the fight against cyber criminals to preserve our data, keep our privacy, and stop disruptive and destructive cyber-attacks.
If you are interested in a career in cyber security, you might want to know what sort of jobs are available in the field, why these jobs are so important, and how a formal education might help you launch your career. Let's take a look.
Why is cyber security so important today?
Simply put, computers and the internet play a huge part in our daily lives. Cyber criminals know this, and aim to disrupt our lives, either for profit or simply to cause chaos. The methods used by cyber criminals continue to get more sophisticated as well, and anyone can be targeted, from huge corporations to individuals. There is a lot at stake when it comes to keeping our data safe, and cyber security is at the forefront.
While the aforementioned shortage in cyber security workers might bode well for your future job prospects, it creates a real problem for our world's internet security. Companies around the world are desperate for cyber security talent, and as of right now, there just are not enough people with a cyber security education to fill all the jobs.
What can someone do with a degree in cyber security?
There is a wide variety of jobs in cyber security. Information and network security analysts work every day to protect data. Network administrators and applications supervisors create cyber security strategies and make sure they are implemented correctly.
Tech support specialists help those without a cyber security education understand the basics. There are plenty of paths to follow in a cyber security career, and no matter which one you choose you will be playing a big part in the effort to protect the world from cyber criminals.
Is a formal education right for me?
There are a lot of reasons to get a formal education if you are interested in a career in cyber security. A good program will bring you up to date with the latest in cyber security trends and technological developments. It will also prepare you to take certification exams, which are essential to landing the jobs you want in the field after you graduate. A formal education will also provide you with valuable connections and references who can help you as you start your career path.
While it's possible to try to forgo a formal education, you might be setting yourself up for some major challenges. Competition for jobs is high, so to get the best ones available it can be immensely beneficial to have the structure, preparation, and connections that a formal education can provide.
Are you Ready to Start Your Cyber and Network Security Journey?
Cyber security is an essential field in today's world, and will grow in significance as the decade and century progress. It's also a rapidly growing industry; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of cyber security jobs in the United States is expected to grow by 28 percent through 2026, a rate four times faster than the average career.
Do you want to work in cyber security? Are you interested in earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security? ECPI University offers this degree at an accelerated rate. For more information about this exciting program, connect with a friendly admissions counselor 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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