What Education Do You Need to be a Cybersecurity Specialist?

In an immensely connected world, there is a critical necessity to protect the networks that support the global information infrastructure. Due to the growth and advancement of technology, there is a prominent use of computer systems in businesses, in our daily lives, and, our money, as well as reputations, have gone digital.

Information is moving to the cloud and securing it is a great challenge. However, this high dependence on computer systems leaves organizations vulnerable to the rising threat of cyber-attacks.

What is a Cyber-Security Specialist?

As a cybersecurity professional, you will be involved in the monitoring, testing, and troubleshooting of security systems and networks. You'll need extensive knowledge on the security tools at your disposal, including how to install and operate them. You could be tasked with instructing colleagues on security policies, procedures, and techniques, as well as how to protect their data.

What Education, Certifications, and Hands-on Experience are Needed to Earn This Title?

To be well versed when it comes to cyber security, you need to have the knowledge of programming along with computer science. A bachelor's degree in a relevant program can help build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge related to this field.

Once you have secured a solid knowledge base, acquiring industry certifications is essential. There are many cyber security certifications that you can earn: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Systems Administration and Network Security (SANS) certifications, depending on your area of specialization.

Hands-on experience is a plus in any industry, but particularly for complex technical fields such as cybersecurity. Have you ever fended off a cyber-attack? It requires extensive knowledge, quick reflexes, and a dash of creativity to anticipate the cyber criminal's next moves. A formal degree program should include some hands-on work in the form of practical labs, workshops, and even competitions such as hackathon--in which one team attempts to hack another, who must mount a substantial cyber-defense. Because experience is so important, you may also consider volunteering your cyber-skills at non-profits, religious organizations, or any other local business which may not be able to afford professional cyber security services. Remember, every little bit of experience counts.

Why is Education so Important to This Position?

Knowledge is a serious concern if you want to achieve your goal of becoming a cybersecurity specialist. Being accomplished in the field of cyber and network security can expose you to a variety of methods hackers use in gaining access to systems. You can also learn the tried-and-true methods of combatting "black-hat" hackers.

Are you interested in a degree in cybersecurity? If you think you have what it takes to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security, ECPI University offers this degree program at an accelerated course of study. For more information about this degree program, be sure to connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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