How can Cyber Security be Improved through Formal Education?

If you have been thinking about a career in cyber security, there is no time like now to get started. There has never been a greater need for cyber security workers, and cyber security jobs are expected to keep skyrocketing in number. According to CSO Online, there are 350,000 unfilled cyber security jobs in the United States. Around the world, the number is expected to reach 3.5 million by 2021. The reason for the shortage is simple: there just aren't enough people qualified to fill those jobs.

The lack of people qualified to fill open cyber security jobs leaves our computers and data at risk. It also means that if you want to get into cyber security and have the right qualifications, you have an excellent chance of landing a great job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of cyber security jobs will grow by 28 percent through 2026, a rate four times faster than the average profession.

If you have an interest in cyber security, you might be wondering what path you should follow to land your dream job. Is getting a formal education the right decision? You might think that you can handle learning everything you need on your own. However, there are benefits to a formal education that you will risk missing if you try to go it alone. Here are some of the reasons you might want to consider getting a degree in cyber security before pursuing your career.

Cyber security is a rapidly advancing field, which can be hard to keep up with if you're on your own

Each year, there are major breakthroughs in cyber security. Recent advancements include increasingly intelligent machines designed to stop malware intrusions, and analytics built around studying how users behave, to more quickly recognize when someone has been hacked.

Keeping up with changes in cyber security can be crucial in landing the job you want; when you enter the job market, you want to show potential employers that you understand the latest developments in protecting their data and computer systems. Going to school is a great way to keep up to date with advancements in cyber security; the latest developments will be built right into your curriculum.

It's not just about a degree; certifications are also crucial

If you choose not to go to school to study cyber security, passing third party certification exams might become a much more difficult challenge. Certifications are proof to potential employers that you have a deep and broad understanding of cyber security. Each certification you earn can go long way to helping you get a better job. A good cyber security degree program will prepare you to take multiple certifications exams by the time you graduate.

Like with any job, networking matters

Some people are better at networking than others are. If you have a knack for it, then maybe you don't feel like you need the help that school can provide with making contacts in the industry. But no matter your skill with networking, a good cyber security program will connect you with industry professionals who are invested in helping you succeed. In an industry as competitive as cyber security, that can go a long way toward you landing the job you want.

Are you interested in a career in cybersecurity? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security - Cybersecurity Track, ECPI University offers this course at an accelerated pace. For more information, connect with a skilled admissions counselor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Cybersecurity Track - Bachelor's

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