How Does Cybersecurity Work: Could I Be a Part of It?
As global connectivity has spread, so has the ability to do business at previously undreamed-of speeds. Along with that speed has come the intrusion of the web into almost every facet of our lives, and with it, ever greater risks to our digital security.
The Equifax and Cambridge Analytica incidents were perhaps the most notorious cybersecurity breaches to grab the headlines in recent years. However, each of us probably knows someone who has become the target of internet fraud and theft on a much smaller scale.
The devices we depend on to communicate with our relatives, friends, and business associates and from which we stream entertainment by means of videos, books, and other media can also be used to ruin our lives.
From phishing scams, to theft of personal data with the intent to steal from bank accounts and pension funds, to credit card theft, the cyber crooks have thought of it all. It seems for every advancement in cybersecurity, the crooks are soon a step ahead with some new means of breaching security.
Greatest Cybersecurity Risks
Thieves are breaching security in so many ways it would be impossible to list them all, but here are a few that are considered top risk, for businesses and individuals.
Data leaks continue to be the biggest worry for cybersecurity pros. As mentioned, there was the Equifax hack, and the equally heinous Cambridge Analytica scandal. There is no one way to fully protect yourself, but here are a few suggestions:
- Use a so-called "burner" email address for unimportant services like signing up for websites to peruse promotions, newsletters and the like
- Check to see if your main email address is showing up in Firefox Monitor or Have I Been Pwned
- Secure logins with two-factor authentication
- Exercise care about giving away personal information on social media.
Malicious apps have become problematic in Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. These apps are harvesting data that is being used for phishing scams. What's more, some smart phones have been shipped with malware already installed on them. Some protections against this theft:
- Avoid buying cheap smartphones of unknown brand. Do research first
- Update apps right away
- Read reviews about an app before installing it. Avoid those without reviews
- Back up smartphone data every month.
Ransomware attacks on cloud services are being ramped up, with thieves targeting business, organizations, and home users. Criminals encrypt your data, and then demand large ransoms to release it. One of the worst ransomware strains, Petya, was spread through Dropbox. You can minimize damage by backing up data.
These are just some of the most egregious threats. Some of the others are: IoT (Internet of Things) devices such as smart locks or smart assistants being hacked, social engineering scams, thefts that target cryptocurrency trading, and crypto jacking, which uses a computer's hardware to mine cryptocurrency for criminals.
What Does a Cybersecurity Specialist Do?
If you have an interest in being on the front lines to fight these and cybercrimes of the future, you will need to research the various jobs that are available so you can decide which appeals to you most. The level of education you will need for a job in cybersecurity depends on the job type. More than likely you will be responsible for designing, testing, implementing, and monitoring security measures.
Some of the jobs a cybersecurity specialist might do for a company or in a government job are:
- Configure firewalls, patch management systems, and anti-virus software
- Prevent unauthorized access, destruction, or modification of systems
- Establish security requirements for networks
- Define privileges for access
- Provide security trainings for employees
- Develop disaster recover protocols
- Monitor and oversee security administration
- Report violations and identify abnormalities
- Perform risk analyses and security assessment
- Recommend security upgrades
- Design, conduct security audits
Some job titles that might require some of the above skills are:
- Network administrator
- Security administrator
- System administrator
- Information security specialist
- Network security specialist
- Security architect
- Security manager
Training in Cybersecurity
For most jobs, you will need a four-year degree in information technology and a specialization in cybersecurity or a related field. Enrolling in a bachelor's program, where you will have access to experienced instructors and a state-of-the-art computer lab, is your best bet for building a strong foundation in cybersecurity.
Your program should offer you training in the latest cybersecurity tools for penetration and vulnerability testing, anti-virus and anti-malware measures, firewall and intrusion detection/prevention protocols, and secure coding practices.
Ready to Become a Part of Cybersecurity?
If you want to be a cybersecurity expert, it all starts with your education. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security, could be just what you need. For more information about this exciting opportunity, connect with a helpful admissions counselor 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.