Is Cyber Security For Me?

Cyber threats are a white-hot global problem that every organization dreads. It’s nearly impossible to listen to the news or read through social media feeds without coming across new cyber threats, data breaches, or computer attacks. In fact, according to a U.S. News & World Report, almost half of U.S. adults have suffered a personal information breach from cyber-attacks. Online cyber security is a growing concern for every organization.

Why Cyber Security is Important

Living in the age of big data means that every organization, big or small, must embrace the interconnection that allows us seamless communication and collaboration in infinite ways. Data brings a wealth of information and insight, but it can also be detrimental if it falls into the wrong hands. With massive information traveling online and the increasing rate of cyber terrorism, it’s important to defend and protect information assets.

What it takes to be a Cybersecurity Specialist

Cybersecurity specialists are on the front line of cybercrime defense and protecting vital computer systems from internal and external threats such as malware, hackers, viruses, spyware, and social engineering.

Someone who works in cyber security also needs to be inventive and quick to react. You will need to come up with solutions on the spot to stop breaches from becoming massive problems of your company. It’s important to remember that thinking creatively is probably how the hackers got in. A cyber security expert must be twice as creative to realize how they got inside the system and then push them back out.

Who is Qualified to become a Cyber Security Professional?

A bachelor’s degree in cyber security or a related computer science field is a requirement in this field. A bachelor’s degree in cyber security is an indication that you take cyber security seriously.

Additionally, if you’re adequately experienced in cyber security, getting information security related certifications can help you get into this field. Some common certifications include CISSP, Security+ (entry level), SSCP (junior level), and CISSP (mid to senior level) – the list is not exhaustive, though.

Skills of a Good Cyber Security Professional

Since the field of cyber security is extremely fast-paced and dynamic, there’s no doubt the skill sets required to fill various positions are constantly evolving. As technologies advance, the risks of attacks also progress with them – and so do the antidotes to thwart them. This is what forms the criterion for identifying a great cyber security professional.

Innovative Thinking

A great cyber security professional should think outside the box and keep track of the development in the security field. Staying tuned in to the buzz ensures that you never miss any valuable developments that could threaten digital security.

People Skills

As much as you need technical expertise to perform your duties as a cyber security professional, soft skills are just as important. Effective communication skills will help a great deal in liaising with various stakeholders in the entire organization to ensure a high awareness level and mitigation.

Data Analytics

Working in cyber security requires data whisperers. Information security relies on the ability to analyze huge amounts of data with a scientific mind, to funnel data from multiple sources and turn it into something that is useful for accurate decision-making.

Think like a Hacker

Many companies hire “ethical hackers” to try and purposefully hack into their system, and in the process, discover their vulnerabilities. Thinking like a hacker means you can develop foolproof security protocols that will thwart the attempts of real hackers out there.

Do you think you have what it takes to defend a company against cyber-attacks? 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, consider ECPI University for your education. With accelerated classes and a year-round schedule, students could earn their bachelor’s degree in as little as 2.5 years. For more information about this degree program, connect with a friendly ECPI admissions counselor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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