What Kind of Degree Do you Need for Cyber Security Work?

Cybercrime is insidious and it takes a high-skilled cyber security professional to fight it. Criminals hiding in the darkest corners of the internet, terrorists, and even overseas political operatives are hacking, phishing, and exploiting government agencies, businesses large and small, educational institutions, and even everyday people.

And the problem is getting worse, according to information published by the FBI.

Cyber crime includes attacks on computers and networks, ransomware attacks, identity theft, fraud, and more. Combined, these nefarious activities will cost people, governments, and businesses around the world $6 trillion a year through 2021, according to an article in Forbes about the 2017 Official Annual Cybercrime Report.

Thankfully, cyber security professionals are fighting back.

Who Hires Cybersecurity Professionals?

Organizations large and small, in every industry and around the world are hiring cyber security professionals--and they need a lot of them. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in the cyber security field are expected to grow 28 percent between 2016 and 2026.

These jobs offer an opportunity to be on the front line in the battle against cyber criminals. They might also allow you to specialize in specific areas of cyber security, from cyber and network security to cloud security to cybersecurity itself. But first you've got to have the knowledge, skills, experience, and credentials to get your foot in the door. One way to achieve that goal is to earn your degree.

Here's a look at some of the degrees that can help you launch a career in cyber security.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has changed the way people store, manage, and process data by allowing them to use a network of remote servers on the internet to store, manage, and process data.

Many individuals and organizations have replaced their personal computers and local servers with what is known simply as "the cloud," which allows them to access their data from anywhere in the world as long as they have a computer and internet access.

If you want to work in this realm, you'll need to have a deep understanding of what needs to be done to keep the copious amount of data being stored on the internet. You'll have to understand how cloud technology works, how to build and configure security systems to protect the cloud from attacks, and learn to use the tools and techniques that allow you to monitor for security breaches.

Cyber and Network Security

Organizations in every industry use networks, hardware, and software to manage data, so organizations in every industry need professionals who can help protect these resources.

They often turn to cyber and network security specialists.

These are the people who administer and manage networks, hardware, and software. They put in place safeguards and security measures to protect data. And they test for vulnerabilities, monitor and defend against attacks, and make sure employees are following proper policies and procedures.

It's an important job and one that is always changing. Criminals, after all, don't ever seem to sleep; as soon as one of their criminal enterprises is foiled, they tend to develop another.

Cybersecurity

According to Internet Live Stats, more than 200 million websites are currently active--and the number grows every day.

Each of these sites represents an opportunity for criminals to steal data, extort money from individuals, and wreak havoc on economies. It is the job of cybersecurity professionals to stop them.

You'll do this by making sure people aren't doing things online that put their organizations' websites at risk. You'll perform vulnerability tests, monitor networks for risks, and establishing policies and procedures.

It's a great job for people who are organized, able to think strategically, and willing to work behind the scenes to monitor online activity.

The Path to Keeping Pace

The world of cyber security is constantly changing. Criminals are dreaming up new schemes and scams every day, and cyber security professionals need to be equally nimble in order to thwart these threats.

A bachelor's degree could help you keep pace, innovate, and ensure that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to fight cyber crime. Which path is right for you depends on your personal and professional interests.

Are you interested in cybersecurity? If you want to study cloud security, cyber and network security, or cybersecurity itself, ECPI University has a track for you. For more information about our cybersecurity programs, connect with a helpful admissions counselor 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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