Learning Cyber Security: Where to Start?

Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. Companies in every industry are looking for people who have the skills, knowledge and experience to help protect networks, databases, hardware, and data against cyber-attacks.

According to the FBI, identity theft, insidious types of malware, and computer and network intrusions are a constant problem. Businesses, government agencies, schools, nonprofit organizations, and people from all walks of life are constantly under attack.

The country needs cybersecurity professionals

In fact, job opportunities in the field are expected to grow at a rate that's much faster than most other occupations over the next several years (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

In other words, there are opportunities aplenty for cybersecurity professionals. Cybersecurity is an exciting field that offers opportunities to work in all industries, receive personal and professional rewards, and be on the front lines in the battle against those who continuously try to hack, steal and disrupt through cyber-crime and terrorism.

But how do you get your foot in the door?

Not everyone is qualified to protect companies, government agencies, and individuals against cyber-crime. It's a very specialized field, and you're going to need skills, knowledge, and experience in order to land your first job in cybersecurity.

Here's a look at three things you can do to prepare yourself for success and secure your first job in the field:

1. Earn your degree

It's possible to get a job in cyber security without a college degree. However, earning your degree bachelor’s degree in a cybersecurity-friendly field offers an array of advantages that can't be overlooked.

If you are new to the information security profession, the time you spend in the classroom and in the lab will allow you to gain valuable knowledge and experience. You'll learn the language of the industry. You'll gain valuable understanding about how networks are build, which allows you to analyze their vulnerabilities. You'll gain hands-on experience, allowing you to put your knowledge to the test.

Earning your degree lets hiring managers know that you are dedicated to the field, have the knowledge to hit the ground running, and (if you attend a school that values hands-on learning) possess the experience to start looking for work after graduation.

2. Build your network

Sometimes landing a job is more about who you know than what you know. In other words, sometimes you need a strong professional network in order to break into an industry. If you are new to the industry, it can sometimes be difficult to meet other cybersecurity professionals who can mentor you, introduce you to other professionals, and help you connect with those who are hiring.

School is one great place to start building your professional network. You'll be in contact with instructors who are connected to the profession. You'll have access to a network of alumni who are currently working in the field. And you'll meet other students, who might be able to help you down the road. In other words, building a professional network is another benefit of earning your degree.

3. Get real-world experience

Cyber criminals don't sleep. They are always out there, hiding in the darkest corners of the internet, plotting their next attack. As soon as one of their nefarious hacks is thwarted, they start working on the next. For cybersecurity professionals, there is no time to rest.

That's why employers want to hire people who have records of accomplishments. They want you to be able to hit the ground running, jump right in, and make a positive difference without needing a lot of training.

Earning your degree is one of the best ways to get real-world experience. You'll get opportunities to analyze network systems for vulnerabilities. You'll get to actively monitor and defend networks. You'll get to develop basic security policies and procedures--and then test them.

And you'll get to do it all in a safe, secure environment under the watchful eye of highly trained instructors. In other words, you'll be able to build your skill-set (and resume) without having to worry about costing a company millions of dollars or risking people's personal information.

The experience you'll gain in school will not only help get your foot in the door, it will also help you succeed.

Are you ready to get started?

Cybersecurity is a growing field. There are jobs to be found in every industry, government agency, and area of the country. If you want to join the ranks of cybersecurity professionals, you may want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science Degree with a Major in Cyber and Network Security - Cybersecurity Track from ECPI University. With our accelerated schedule and year-round classes, you could earn your degree in as little as 2.5 years. For more information, connect with one of our knowledgeable admissions professionals 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.