Cyber Security Profession: Is This the Right Choice For You?

Most institutions and companies are incorporating technology in their production processes and service delivery. This means there is an increased need to protect data from falling into the wrong hands. If being in the frontline of cybersecurity defense is your passion, you should consider obtaining a degree in cybersecurity.

Common Career Paths for Cyber Security Graduates

Cybersecurity professionals can work in just about every industry that leverages on technology for its operations. You could find work in government institutions, the health industry, financial institutions, as well as manufacturing and retail. Wondering what job awaits you after you graduate? Below are some of the jobs you could qualify for with a degree in cybersecurity.

Network Administration

The position of network administrators in any company revolves around, making sure the networks are up to date and operating optimally. They install computer networks and systems for organizations, maintain them, and upgrade software and hardware as needed to keep the networks running smoothly.

Information Security Analyst

An information security analyst is responsible for the monitoring, investigation of security vulnerabilities, and protection of the organizations' information against security breaches. As an information security analyst, your job will involve planning and implementing security measures and programs to ensure the organizations’ data is safe.

You’ll also be tasked with designing and planning methods of data recovery in case of cyber-attacks. Information security analysts ensure that computer networks and systems are safe by continually checking and being on the lookout for any suspicious activity.

Security Architects

As the name suggests, security architects are tasked with building complex and hard-to-crack security systems for organizations. They do everything from designing to implementing security systems and structures and ensure that they function as intended. Your main job would be to build a counteractive security system to prevent and combat security breaches like malware and hackers.

Valuable Skills You Need for a Successful Career in Cyber Security

Cybersecurity is critical for every company. It is, therefore, vital that you possess the required soft and hard skills, in addition to your degree, for you to perform your duties successfully. Below are some of the skills that you need to hack the cybersecurity career path.

Interpersonal Skills

As a cybersecurity professional, you would interact with different departments and teams in the workplace. You should be able to work well with others to ensure a collaborative effort in fighting cybercrime.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential in educating staff on preventive measures to keep away malicious cyber-attacks. Since not everyone is an IT expert, you would need the ability to be able to communicate complex IT information in the simplest way.

Think Like a Hacker

To be able to intercept cyber-crime, you have to think like the criminal. To succeed in cybersecurity, you have to examine systems and networks from every angle and be able to predict attacks. This gives you an insight on how to thwart unforeseen malicious activity.

Continuous Learning

With every technological advancement, cybercrimes evolve with it. To stay on top of your game, you should always be updated on what’s new in your field of work. This way, you can adapt quickly to changes, anticipate challenges before they happen, and find effective ways of dealing with sophisticated cyber-attacks.

In Depth Knowledge of Computers and Security Tools

As a cybersecurity professional, you should have a deep understanding of web applications, coding, network and system administration, architecture, and programming. Knowledge of cyber security tools like SIEMs is also essential.

Why Formal Education is Vital in the field of Cyber Security

To begin a career in cybersecurity, you need a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years or around 2.5 in accelerated programs. Studying for a degree gives you’re a firm foundation of knowledge and skills applicable in your daily duties. You get to learn everything from maintaining networks to identifying security breaches and protection of sensitive information.

Formal education also could give you the ability to network with professionals in this field, which can significantly boost your career. Also, employers are usually looking for graduates for this highly critical field, which makes formal education important in your job search and career advancement. You could also complement your degree with cybersecurity and IT certifications to improve your career prospects.

Is Cyber Security the Right Choice for You?

Do you want to join the fight against cybercrime? You can turn your dreams into a career by earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science Degree with a Major in Cyber and Network Security. ECPI University offers this bachelor degree program at an accelerated pace. To find out more information on this program, connect with a helpful admission advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.

Gainful Employment Information – Cyber and Network Security - Bachelor’s

For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.