How Difficult is a Cyber Security Degree?
It is now easier than before to connect with anybody in any part of the world. Many channels, methods, and platforms exist for interconnected and information sharing. The effects of that ease of connection is twofold. You can communicate with a person who is thousands of miles away while you are on the go. However, such ease of communication could also expose you to privacy invasion by hackers.
In serious cases, hackers can access company networks and compromise their operations. Since such cyber attack cases have been on the rise, firms utilize cyber security experts. The main role of these professionals is to secure their companies from system attacks.
However, you should note the probable challenges you would encounter on your way to becoming a certified information security analyst. Provided you have the drive, the challenges would only make you excel on your quest for becoming a competent information analyst.
Challenges of Earning a Cyber Security Degree
It is worth noting that pursing any degree program is bound to present its unique challenges because of various factors. One of the factors that makes this degree program challenging is its wide scope of work. To qualify as a competent expert in the information security field, your training sessions would have to cover all the major operating system platforms.
Since one of your roles would be maintaining security software and hardware, you would need to understand the different software for each platform and its installation process. In this case, the main operating systems on which you will need to train are:
- macOS
- Linux
- Windows
Individually, these operating systems have many different security tools and features to cover. As such, having to learn how to use all the tools and resources for the three platforms is a daunting task, hence the challenge in earning a degree in cyber security.
The cyber space is dynamic. Such dynamism presents another challenge that students experience when pursing this degree program. For instance, it would be exhausting to have to identify all the security loopholes that could exist on computer systems. This means that it is challenging for cyber security students to have the hands-on experience for handling all the zero-day security exploits that hackers use.
Preparation for Earning a Cyber Security Degree
Despite the highlighted challenges that come with pursuing a degree program in the information security sector, proper preparation can help you succeed. To start with, the basic requirement for pursuing this degree is a background in a computer-related field. That is, you would need at least a degree in programming, computer science, or a similar field to be eligible for this program.
Afterward, students have to meet the minimum number credit hours based on the curriculum requirements. Attending these hours will entail covering theory and practical aspects of the program. Given the fact that your hands-on skills will account for the biggest part of your work, it is important to pay close attention during the practical sessions.
After earning a degree in cyber security, becoming certified will increase your value in a competitive job market. However, the certification process requires applicants to have passed an information security program. As such, you have to pass your exams. To do so, prepare for examinations early. The preparation should entail revising past questions and relevant learning resources.
Qualities of Good Cyber Security Students
As mentioned, the field of system security is dynamic. This means that successful students taking this program should possess certain qualities. The following qualities are characteristic of good cyber security students:
- Detail-oriented
- Good at problem solving
- Analytical
Do you think you’d make a good cyber security analyst? If you are interested in working in the field of cyber security you’ll need proper education to make your start. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security - Cybersecurity Track Degree could be the foundation you need for your new career. For more information, contact a friendly ECPI University admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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