What Can You Do With A Degree In Cybersecurity?

Are you considering a degree in cybersecurity but not sure where it can take you? With the increasing importance of information technology in our daily lives, cybersecurity has become essential to protect against security breaches and cyberattacks. A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity can prepare you for exciting career opportunities, ranging from defending sensitive information to being on the front lines against hackers.

Continue reading to explore what you can do with a degree in cybersecurity and how to start your journey toward a fulfilling career. 

Is Cybersecurity a Good Industry?

If you're interested in information technology and enjoy solving puzzles, then cybersecurity might be the perfect career for you. With the increasing threat of security breaches, many companies are looking for experts to help protect sensitive data. Pursuing a degree in cybersecurity can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to identify potential threats and prevent attacks.

How to Start a Career in Cybersecurity

If you're thinking about pursuing a degree in cybersecurity, it's important to know how to start your career path. The first step is to obtain the necessary education and certifications. A bachelor's degree in cybersecurity can give you a strong foundation for a successful career.

Once you've obtained your degree and necessary certifications, gaining hands-on experience is crucial. Internships can help boost your resume and show potential employers that you have practical skills beyond theoretical knowledge. 

Your education and training don’t end with your formal education. It is crucial to keep yourself up to date with the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in the field. Cyber attackers are always finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in systems and networks, and as new technologies are introduced, new skills and knowledge are required to effectively secure them. For example, as cloud computing and the internet of things (IoT) become more prevalent, cybersecurity professionals need to understand the unique security challenges associated with these technologies. In addition, compliance regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS are constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay current with the latest requirements to ensure that your organization is in compliance. All of these factors mean staying current and pursuing continuing education can help you remain relevant and knowledgeable and, therefore, a valuable cybersecurity professional.

Top Cybersecurity Career Paths

If you're interested in a career in cybersecurity, there are plenty of options to choose from, such as:

Cybersecurity Engineer

A cybersecurity engineer is responsible for ensuring the security of information systems and networks. They develop and implement security measures to protect against cyber threats such as viruses, malware, and hacking attempts. 

To start a career as a cybersecurity engineer, it's important to gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in information technology (IT). Networking with professionals in the industry can also be helpful for finding job opportunities. With career experience and specialized skills, cybersecurity engineers can advance their careers by becoming team leaders or even Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs).

Information Security Analyst

An information security analyst is responsible for keeping computer systems and networks safe from potential cyber threats. They analyze security risks, develop plans to prevent attacks, and implement measures to protect against hackers or other malicious activity. 

Many companies require certification such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional
(CISSP) or CompTIA Security+ Certification in addition to years of experience in the industry. Information security analysts play a critical role in safeguarding personal identifiable information (PII), financial data, and intellectual property from cyberattacks – making it one of the most sought-after professions today, especially with the increasing occurrences of high-profile data breaches across various industries including healthcare, finance, and retail, among others.

Cryptographer

Another exciting career path in cybersecurity is becoming a cryptographer. Cryptographers are highly skilled professionals who specialize in developing and implementing security protocols that protect sensitive information from prying eyes. They use mathematical algorithms to create encryption keys that guarantee the confidentiality and integrity of data.

If you're interested in pursuing this career, you'll need to have strong analytical abilities, excellent problem-solving skills, and a deep knowledge of mathematics. Additionally, most employers require candidates to hold a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, as well as relevant certifications such as CISSP or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). 

Digital Forensics Specialist

Digital forensics specialists are responsible for preserving and gathering digital evidence to help identify cybercriminals. In this role, you can work with law enforcement agencies, private organizations, or government entities to recover data from computers and other electronic devices that have been compromised by hackers. This could involve analyzing email accounts, social media profiles, or financial information to track down potential suspects.

To start your journey towards becoming a digital forensics specialist, you typically need a degree in cybersecurity or a related field along with relevant certification such as the Certified Computer Examiner (CCE). Additionally, experience working in fields like law enforcement or computer forensics can also be valuable. 

Computer Network Architect

A computer network architect designs and implements secure networks for organizations. They work to ensure that the organization's computer systems are functioning correctly and can communicate with each other without any issues. A degree in cybersecurity is a great foundation for pursuing this career path.

This field requires an understanding of risk management and security breach prevention, as well as knowledge of different types of networking technologies. With years of experience in this field, a computer network architect can earn a median salary of over $120,000 per year.

Security Auditor

A security auditor is responsible for ensuring that an organization's sensitive information is secure by conducting regular audits to identify potential vulnerabilities. They assess the effectiveness of the security measures in place and advise on improvements where necessary. This cybersecurity career path requires a strong understanding of risk management, compliance regulations, and data protection laws.

With the increasing frequency of security breaches caused by hackers globally, security auditors are in high demand, with high salaries available for those who excel in this role.

Penetration Tester

As a penetration tester, your job is to try and break into computer systems and identify potential weaknesses in their security measures. This involves setting up simulated cyberattacks with the goal of discovering vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by hackers or other malicious actors. To become a penetration tester, you'll need to have a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles, as well as extensive technical knowledge and experience working with various operating systems, programming languages, and network architectures.

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and information systems managers are responsible for ensuring that an organization's technology systems run smoothly. They oversee the team of IT professionals who maintain and manage these systems, as well as develop strategies to improve them. If you're interested in this career path, it's important to have a bachelor's degree in information technology or a related field.

Advancements in the Cybersecurity Industry

The cybersecurity industry is constantly evolving, and staying up to date on the latest advancements is essential for a successful career. From protecting sensitive information to defending against cyberattacks, there are countless opportunities to make an impact in this growing field. 

Growing Importance of Cybersecurity

With the increasing number of cyberattacks in recent years, cybersecurity has become a crucial aspect of every industry. Cybersecurity is no longer only an IT concern, but rather a fundamental need for any organization that wants to protect its sensitive information from being compromised by hackers. The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow as businesses rely more on technology to operate daily.

Protecting Sensitive Information

In today's digital age where personal and private information is constantly being transmitted online, protecting sensitive information has become more important than ever. With a degree in cybersecurity, you can help safeguard this information from prying eyes and malicious hackers.

Defending Against Cyberattacks

One way to defend against cyberattacks is to implement strong security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and anti-virus software. It's also important to stay current on the latest threat intelligence so you can be proactive about defending against new types of attacks. By constantly monitoring your systems for any potential vulnerabilities or breaches, you can take action before it's too late and keep our digital world safe.

Job Growth in the Cybersecurity Industry

The cybersecurity industry is booming and expected to grow significantly in the coming years. With more people relying on technology, there is an increasing demand for professionals who can protect sensitive information from cyber threats. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the cybersecurity field is projected to grow 35% from 2021-2031.

As companies become more aware of the risks associated with cyberattacks and security breaches, they are investing more resources into protecting their networks and systems. This increased focus on cybersecurity opens many doors for those interested in pursuing a career in this field. Whether you have a degree in computer science or simply a passion for technology, there are many opportunities available for those looking to start a career in cybersecurity.

Earn Your Cybersecurity Degree from Champlain College Online

From becoming a cybersecurity engineer to a security auditor or even a digital forensics specialist, there are numerous paths you can take with this degree. Whether you pursue a bachelor's program or a certificate, gaining knowledge and years of experience will help you excel in your chosen career. Contact Champlain College Online to learn more about our cybersecurity degree program.