What Does a Cyber Security Expert Do in their Everyday Duties?
Cyber security and information security jobs are in high demand right now, and for good reason. The number of data breaches has skyrocketed in the last decade, and has shown no signs of slowing down. The problem is heightened by the fact that there is a major shortage of cyber security workers, with more than 300,000 unfilled cyber security jobs in the United States alone.
If you have been considering a career in cyber security, you might have some questions. What does an information security analyst do on a day-to-day basis? How might a formal education prepare you for the job? Is it better to pursue a degree or to try to make it self-taught in the cyber security field? Here are some answers that will clear up common questions you might have about being a cyber security expert.
What does a cyber security analyst do?
Cyber security and information security analysts specialize in protecting an organization's computer networks. In addition to ensuring that an organization is employing best practices when securing sensitive data, as an analyst you will also monitor for attempted breaches, stop attacks and minimize damage in the event of a breach, and prepare regular reports documenting breach attempts.
Additionally, you will help your organization keep up to date with the latest security practices and technology. Lastly, you will conduct regular penetration tests, in which you simulate a security breach in order to find and repair vulnerabilities in your security plan before attackers can exploit them.
How can a formal education prepare me for the day to day duties of a cyber security career?
Getting a degree in cyber security is a great way to make sure that you are fully prepared the day you begin your job, minimizing the amount of time you will have to learn on the job. While it's certainly possible to teach oneself the skills needed to launch a cyber security career, it is a major challenge to make sure that your knowledge is well rounded enough to succeed in the field. A formal education will give you a thorough, well-rounded expertise in all aspects of cyber security.
Are there any other benefits to getting a formal education as opposed being self-taught?
Even if you can acquire the knowledge needed to begin a cyber security career yourself, there are plenty of other benefits to a formal education. For starters, a degree program should prepare you to take certification exams, which are essential for getting the best available cyber security jobs. Certification exams test specific areas of expertise, which are appealing to employers. A good degree program will make sure that you are ready to take a number of different certification exams after you graduate.
Additionally, in a field as competitive as cyber security connections are essential. You might finish your formal education with a network of professionals who understand the industry and contacts who might help you find opportunities that you wouldn't find on your own.
Are you interested in becoming a cyber security expert? It all could start with 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 pace. For more information, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.
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Gainful Employment Information – Cyber and Network Security - Bachelor’s
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