Today’s Top Cybersecurity Careers | What’s the Value of a Cyber Degree?

Cybersecurity careers are on the rise. As cyber attacks increase, companies are losing profit and are looking to cybersecurity professionals to protect their assets. The outlook for cybersecurity jobs expects continued rapid growth. One million cybersecurity jobs were available across the globe in 2016, according to Cisco.

The Benefits of a Career in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity positions are not only in demand, but are high paying and essential for agencies and large companies. The average salary for Information Security Analysts in 2016 was $92,600, and for lead Security Software Engineers, it was $233,333 annually. In addition to high demand and high salary, cybersecurity allows you the freedom to work in a variety of industries and locations. Some of the sectors where cybersecurity jobs are available include Government, Financial, Insurance, Information Technology, and Consulting. Areas with an influx of cyber positions include Washington, D.C., Columbia, MD, New York City, and Los Angeles.

Hands typing on laptop with binary code background

From Entry-Level to Leadership Roles

Many cybersecurity positions have the potential for upward movement. Gaining experience in the field through your coursework and internship opportunities will help you obtain an entry level position. Furthermore, almost all cybersecurity positions require a bachelor’s degree in a related subject, and higher level positions often require a master’s degree. Moreover, it’s important for cyber professionals to stay updated on their education and constantly learning as technology advances.

Check out some of the most in-demand positions in cybersecurity at the moment:

Information Security Analyst or Engineer

Information security analysts, or security engineers, can be in charge of carrying out or planning protections for the sensitive information in their company’s computer systems. Additionally, they may be responsible for upgrading and overseeing security protocols. Sometimes, they find solutions to breaches. Also, application software engineers oversee systems. And, they do research to stay up to date of the latest security threats.

Penetration Tester

By performing artificial cyber attacks, penetration testers look for weaknesses in their organization’s security infrastructure. Generally, they may do research on vulnerabilities, enhance security systems, and design new ways to test for protection.

Information Security Crime Investigator or Computer Forensic Analyst

Computer forensics analysts focus on finding and analyzing the information related to a variety of digital crimes. These include things such as online harassment, illegal downloading, hacking, and stolen identities. They work to protect computer systems, investigate cyber attacks, recover files, and report relevant data.

Security Architect

Equipped with in-depth knowledge of their organization’s networks and systems, security architects research, design, and plan complicated security infrastructures. Then, they test them to make sure that they operate correctly. Also, they oversee security teams, programs and procedures.

CISO (Chief Information Security Officer)

CISO or CIO is the title for the IT security manager at an organization. Also, they supervise teams, create and plan new strategies, utilize processes to report issues, and announce information to stakeholders.

Do you see yourself advancing your education in Cybersecurity in order to meet the growing industry need? UMBC is one of the few universities dual-designated as an NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense Education (CDE) and Information Assurance Research. Our acclaimed Master’s and Certificate programs provide the technical and managerial skills to elevate you to where you want to be.

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4 Comments

  1. Hamza says:

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