How to Start a Career in Cyber Security
Cyber security grows more prevalent in every person's life by the day. So much of our society is now online, and there's no going back. The internet has become a haven for criminals, whether they are looking to make a profit or simply to unleash mayhem.
The first line of defense against online criminals are cyber security experts. From individual techs working for a company to huge teams working for government intelligence, our world relies more than ever on cyber security experts to protect our day-to-day life from interference from cyber criminals. When our cars, fridges, and phones are all vulnerable to hacking, the demand for cyber security experts is high and rising, and the benefits of cyber security career are great.
You might think that you need a lifetime of experience in technology to begin a career in cyber security. But it's possible to begin, today, with any amount of experience, on a road that will lead you into this profitable and rewarding profession.
What do I Need to Begin a Cyber Security Career?
There are three keys to landing a great job in cyber security: education, certification, and experience. While it can take time and hard work to land the first two, they are also achievable for anyone who has the drive to pursue them. Movies and TV make IT security look like a job for a small handful of super-geniuses; in reality, just about anyone can learn the knowledge required to understand cyber security.
In what sort of fields is cyber security useful?
In the 21st century, the real question is; what fields don't need extensive cyber security? Any business with an online presence needs some level of online security. Companies that use their own servers need extensive cyber security. Large companies and government agencies are constantly under assault from hackers and have huge, dedicated cyber security teams.
The "Internet of Things" has certainly made our lives more convenient, but it has also expanded the number of ways hackers can interfere with our lives. For example, hackers shut down a number of popular websites in October 2016 using hacked appliances, like DVRs and thermostats. The need for cyber security experts has never been higher and is continuing to grow.
What does the job market look like?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the IT security analyst job market will grow by 18 percent by 2024, much faster than the average job. Salaries are lucrative as well; the median annual salary for an IT security analyst is $90,120. This salary is estimated for cyber security experts with a bachelor's degree and less than five years of experience.
How can ECPI University help me launch a cyber security career?
Whether you want to attend classes online or on campus, ECPI University's Cyber Security program offers associates, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Additionally, with accelerated classes and a year-round schedule, you can graduate sooner and get to work faster. In fact, you could earn your bachelor's degree in as little as 2.5 years!
If you're looking to supplement your education with certifications, ECPI University could help you with that as well. Through ECPI University's Professional Development Center, students and working professionals alike can earn the industry-recognized cyber security certifications needed to launch their careers.
Are you interested in a career in cyber security? Want to learn more about getting the education you need to enter this rapidly growing field? Contact ECPI University today to discuss your next step.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Cybersecurity - Master’s
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