Cybersecurity concerns started as early as 1970, with the invention of the first virus capable of shifting between computer networks. Then in 1988, Robert Morris created a worm capable of crippling the then-infant internet.
Cyber threats have only grown since then. A study at the University of Maryland concluded that a hacker attack occurs every 39 seconds on average.
More alarmingly, the retail, government, and technology industries are the most popular targets for cyber breaches. These are industries that hold the most personal identifying information in their records.
Gartner forecasts the worldwide information security market to hit $170.4 billion in 2022 as organizations step up protection against cyber threats.
Accordingly, the demand for cybersecurity graduates is rising. You can attain a cybersecurity degree online from many online colleges.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The BLS projects jobs for Information Security Analysts to grow by 31 percent from 2019 to 2029. This growth translates to creating 40,900 new jobs during the period.
As of 2019, the median pay for the same was $99,730 a year.
What do cybersecurity professionals do?
In a nutshell, they protect their organization’s computer systems and network from cyber attackers. The most common breaches are stealing personal information and interrupting operations. Halting business operations can cost companies millions of dollars in damages, including reputational setbacks.
Cybersecurity professionals can find work as information security analysts, consultants, and information systems managers. Opportunities are aplenty across multiple industries, including computer systems design, credit intermediaries, banking, and finance.
Degree required for cybersecurity
An associate or bachelor’s degree in information technology, information systems, or computer science is generally required to enter the profession.
Many online colleges offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in cybersecurity, computer forensics, and information security if you want to dive straight into it.
Curricula and core coursework vary between colleges and majors. However, typical coursework would include cyber-defense, network security, and cyber-operations, amongst others.
Some of the popular specializations available in online colleges are:
- Cybercrime and Fraud Investigation
- Information Assurance
- Information Warfare & Security Management
- Computer Forensics
Opportunities for these graduates are plenty and booming not only in the US but around the world. Cloud computing, the cybersecurity skills gap, and the rise of remote workers allow hackers to commit multiple breaches in unprotected systems.
If you have been considering the computer science or information technology field, you could look at cybersecurity online degree programs.