Cyber security has become an important area receiving more attention and recognition in today's digital age. If you are considering a career in this field, you may be interested to know whether it's a good fit for your professional goals.
With the rise in data breaches and hacking incidents, businesses recognize the need to protect themselves from such attacks. This has led to increased demand for cybersecurity services, which means there has never been a better time to consider a career in this growing field.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cyber security, also known as cyber security, information security, or IT security, protects sensitive data and critical digital infrastructure from harmful attacks. As more people work remotely, governments and industries digitize records, and businesses move assets online, cyberattacks can cause significant damage. For example, cybercriminals who gain control of energy industry assets can disrupt essential infrastructure in a city or region. Additionally, digital attacks on financial institutions can result in millions of dollars in losses. A data breach in government databases could also put national security at risk. The critical need for robust information security measures has driven the rapid growth and development of the cybersecurity industry. The industry is booming, and there is a worldwide shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals.
Why earn your online cybersecurity degree?
If you are interested in the fast-paced world of computer technology, a career in cyber security may be perfect for you. Cybersecurity professionals protect their organization's critical information by monitoring their security infrastructure and staying up to date with the latest practices to combat emerging threats. This profession has excellent earning potential, with above-average salaries and high demand for services across various industries. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of information security analysts is projected to grow by 33% from 2020 to 2030. This rate is much faster than the average for all occupations, which is 8%.
Why choose a career in Cybersecurity?
A dynamic and challenging field: Cybersecurity is critical in ensuring online safety and protecting essential systems in today's digital age. As a cybersecurity professional, you'll work daily to secure the critical infrastructure, regularly facing new and engaging challenges.
More job opportunities: The demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals is rising, and the field is experiencing rapid growth. Employment in the field is projected to grow by 18% from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all other fields.
Higher pay: Cybersecurity jobs offer higher salaries than the average private-sector job. In 2016, the median pay for a cybersecurity job was $92,600 annually, which is 50% higher than the median annual wage for all workers.
Diverse industry options: Cybersecurity can be applied to many industries, from the government to nonprofit to private sectors. The highest demand for cybersecurity workers is in industries that manage high volumes of consumer data, such as finance, healthcare, and retail trade.
Opportunity to use your skillset: Cybersecurity attracts people from different work backgrounds, which means you can apply your previous job's skill set, such as information technology, administration, or accounting, while building new cybersecurity skills.
How much does an online Cybersecurity degree cost?
Have you wondered how much it would cost to earn an online cybersecurity bachelor's degree? The answer is that it depends on the institute you have chosen. Tuition rates may vary depending on whether you are a resident of the state where the institution is. In addition, technology fees may be an additional expense. Generally, an online cyber security degree program can range from around $19,000 and up, depending on the institution.
Cybersecurity careers
You can prepare for a successful career and pursue roles such as:
- Information assurance engineer
- Information security analyst
- Information security manager
- IT auditor
- IT security consultant
- Network architect
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is one of the best career options due to the continuous need for data protection from cyberattacks by companies, individuals, and industries. Research by the Center for Risk and Reliability and the Institute for Systems Research found that, on average, there are about two cyber attacks per minute. Furthermore, Forbes reports that employees perpetrate 74% of cyberattacks. Cyber Security Ventures also predicts that the global cost of cybercrime will exceed $6 trillion by the end of 2021. With this rising demand for security, cybersecurity is a promising and profitable career that shows no signs of slowing down.
