Cyber security, or information security, has been around since the beginning of computer technology and has only been gaining attention as computers become more common and are used in more facets of our daily lives. The term information security refers to protecting data and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, perusal, inspection, recording or destruction (SANS Institute). But cyber security does more than protect your data from threats; it also refers to the prevention of various attacks on electronic systems and networks.
What is cyber security?
That’s a tough question to answer because no one knows how big it is. In 2015, there were over 6 million open jobs related to cyber security. To put that in perspective, there are only about 5 million automotive jobs in America and that doesn’t even account for future growth. It’s safe to say cyber security will remain a hot sector for job seekers in America for years to come.
Cyber Security Career Path:
A typical career path for cyber security professionals looks something like: cyber security professional, security analyst, information technology specialist, computer systems administrator. Most professionals will start out as a network or computer systems administrator and become more specialized over time. The first step is to secure your work environment by creating policies for what users can and cannot do on a given network or in a given physical location. You will also have to ensure that your network infrastructure has been designed with both defense and attack in mind.
Key Skills for Cybersecurity Professionals:
Technology, Hacking, and Problem Solving. While a specific education may not be required to enter cybersecurity, security professionals must have strong skills in technology and computer systems in addition to excellent problem-solving abilities. In addition to writing code or programs, security experts must understand how these systems work and how they can be manipulated by hackers or cyber criminals. They also must know what makes a system vulnerable and what preventive measures can be taken.
Degrees related to cyber security:
There are several degrees related to cyber security that may help you launch a career in cyber security. The most obvious is a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but it may be more useful to pursue some foundational programs first. A bachelor’s degree in information systems or business administration, for example, can provide valuable perspectives on how organizations handle and use data and technology.
Is A Degree Required For Cybersecurity Jobs?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on which position you’re applying for. There are a lot of jobs available that don’t require a degree at all—so you should definitely do some research before spending four or more years to get a degree that might not be relevant to your dream job. For example, if you want to work in cyber security at a startup, they probably won’t care whether or not you have your bachelor’s in Computer Science.
Salary & Job Outlook:
According to a report from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for computer and information security analysts is expected to grow 13% between 2014 and 2024. That's much faster than average. The median annual wage for these workers was $90,170 in May 2015, according to BLS.