What Can You Do with a Degree in Cyber Security? What Are my Options?

The Internet has taken a prominent position in everyone's lives. Businesses of all sizes depend on their networks for every facet of operation, from storing customer and employee information to analyzing marketing data and much more. That's not even mentioning the Internet of Things (IoT), which is expanding at an incredibly rapid pace.

Unfortunately, as reliance on the Internet expands, so will cybercrime. As a result, there's an increasing demand for cyber security analysts. If you decide to pursue a career in cyber security, then you should strongly consider getting a cyber security degree.

Cyber security career options

Once you've earned a cyber security degree, you might find that you have a lot of career tracks that you can choose. The following are just a few of the positions that you might have a chance of obtaining if you've graduated from a cyber security program:

• Network security analyst - The job of a security analyst is to protect the computer systems and networks of the organization they work for. This includes implementing data encryption software, firewalls and other security measures. Network security analysts will also be responsible for designing plans to recover data and systems following potential cyber-attacks.
• Forensic computer analysts - Forensic computer analysts focus more on identifying how a network was attacked and by who. As a forensic computer analyst, you would be required to handle all types of data storage devices in addition to using specialized software programs in order to recover data from devices that were damaged or destroyed and to identify additional vulnerabilities in network security. Because you'll be handling sensitive information, detailed and accurate logs and records must be kept of all your findings.
• Penetration tester - The job of a penetration tester is to attempt to hack into the organization's network with their permission. The goal is to find out if their system has any vulnerabilities that can be exploited before they are actually exploited by a cyber-criminal. Not only will you need to have cyber security expertise in order to look for and find vulnerabilities that can be exploited, but you must be creative in being able to do so.
• IT security consultant - IT security consultants are freelancers that are hired by different companies who want an unbiased outside perspective on their security systems. You'll be required to do a thorough evaluation of your security system and protocols so that you can provide professional advice concerning their methods and existing vulnerabilities.

These are just some of the potential jobs you could pursue if you earn a cyber security degree. It's worth noting that a degree in cyber security or computer science is often enough to make you eligible for these positions; however, in some cases, employers may require past experience or additional certifications as well.

Why a formal education is necessary for a career in cyber security

First, most employers that are looking to fill cyber security positions are going to want someone that has a degree. The security of their company is not something that they will want to leave to someone who might be missing some of the knowledge or skills needed to properly protect a network. Secondly, a good cyber security program will teach you pretty much everything you need to know for a variety of different jobs. For example, you will generally learn how to:

• Monitor, manage and troubleshoot different hardware, software and devices in a variety of user environments, such as single-user, mixed-user and multi-user environments.
• Protect data using an extensive variety of cyber security measures.
• Effectively teach personnel how to use software and do their jobs in a secure manner in regards to safeguarding sensitive data.
• Perform penetration tests and vulnerability analysis of different systems.
• Monitoring and defending networks against hacks, viruses and other cyber attacks.
• Create security protocol and procedures based on different networks.

Some of these skills can be self-taught, but there's no way to learn all of these skills or the proper protocol to follow in implementing these skills other than by completing a cyber security program.

In today's world, cyber security is just as important as physical security. The demand for cyber security specialists is only going to grow as our dependence on network use continues to increase. Because of this, earning a cyber security degree could potentially help you find a fulfilling and promising career in the cyber security field.

Are you interested in a career in cyber security? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security, ECPI University offers this degree at an accelerated pace. ECPI University is also designated a national Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the NSA and DHS! For more information, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Cyber and Network Security - Bachelor’s

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