In a world where data is king and privacy the queen, having someone who can help protect that information becomes critical. If you like computers and are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, you will be entering a high wage earning field. The projections for growth in this field shows that it will continue to be in high demand for the next ten years or more.
Consider that many companies have begun to increase their online presence and of necessity need security for those transactions. Service based organizations have expanded to include telehealth, video conferencing and often share sensitive information across digital platforms. All of these, and more, require someone to help them keep their datea safe. But how do you break into this type of work? Do you need a degree? Where is the best place to go to get a cybersecurity degree or certificate? The following information can help you get started.
What is a Cybersecurity Professional?
The aim of cybersecurity graduates is to use technology and techniques to deter malicious attacks by cyber criminals on information systems, networks and programs. This is a booming field that expects to employ as much as 400,000 people by 2025 with a median entry-level salary of $75,000. When you finish a cybersecurity program, you will be able to provide the following services:
- Protection of both company and employee information.
- Prevention of website crashes.
- Denying spyware access to company computers.
- Skills to combat potentially virus ads.
- Protection from ransomware.
- Training customers to protect themselves from cyber criminals
Benefits of completing a cybersecurity course
Getting a certification in cybersecurity is the first step. Here are some of the benefits of getting a certification:
- Defining factor: Certifications will differentiate you from someone else applying for the same position. Usually, an equally qualified but non-certified candidate is rejected in favor of an applicant with a credential or several certifications.
- Sense of achievement: It takes time to earn a credential, so getting one conveys a degree of loyalty to your profession and knowledge base. This is important when you begin your career and you are eager to find an employer.
- Highly regarded by many employers: Most employers are looking for employees who are not only computer savvy, but who also offer a degree of knowledge when it comes to cybersecurity. For instance, when applying to many of the security and intelligence jobs, like in the Department of Defense, you are required several baseline certifications, including CompTIA Security+.
- More validation: There are plenty of online and in-person training programs accessible but by the end of the course, many of the candidates are unable to pass the test. Employers also view obtaining a credential as a better validation of knowledge than simply having done any preparation.
Best employment fields
With a degree or certification in cybersecurity, you can find a job in any of the following sectors:
- Military: For cybersecurity, the military and government are industries that have a critical need. They need experts to protect vital information and work to guarantee the safety of the country. Knowledge of high-level encryption and privacy are critical to protect government records. Many of the main positions are cyber experts, programmers and technicians.
- Private industry: Many businesses need cybersecurity specialists for data and network protection. When you have credentials, you can work for a tech and computer firm. Generally, you are required to write code, work to select the best protection mechanism for tech organizations, and then use it to keep the data secret.
Cyber Security Salary
Cybersecurity careers are some of the top paying jobs nationwide with average salaries of $104,498 per year or about $50 per hour according to the Economic Research Institute.
How to get a degree or certification in cybersecurity?
If a cybersecurity degree is right for you, it comes down to the kind of curriculum you are going to pick. Here you have the top 2 choices:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degrees in data security: At most universities, cyber security degrees come in the form of bachelor’s or master’s degrees. In order to begin a cybersecurity career path, an information technology-oriented bachelor’s degree would give you the framework and coursework. A master’s degree in cybersecurity could also be a perfect option if you already have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or another similar sector. Having a master’s degree grants you access to a career transition, to step up in your current job and to learn a new skill in the industry. It also increases the likelihood of bonuses and promotions.
Online college and cybersecurity degrees: Many students who study cybersecurity feel that an online university helps them to go to work and get their degree on their own time. An online college is a popular way to achieve a necessary certification in the high-demand work industry. Online colleges also use apps that offer students the ability to learn about software with their own computers. For your cybersecurity future, an online bachelor’s degree or master’s degree is a positive step forward.
