About one million people work in cybersecurity in the U.S., but there are nearly 600,000 unfilled positions! Take a look at your options below:
You may be wondering what the cybersecurity field entails, and if it’s the right fit for your next step in your career, as the number of cybercrimes rises. The news is clear: data breaches and hacking are on the rise, and most companies recognize the need to defend themselves from them. Increased demand for security services implies that this is a great opportunity for most people interested in working in this field!
What is Cybersecurity?
Cyber security is the practice of protecting electronic information and systems from unauthorized access or theft. Cyber security includes measures to protect hardware, software, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. It also includes measures to prevent disruptions to services such as denial of service attacks.
Cyber security covers a wide range of topics, including computer security, network security, and information security. Cyber security is a growing concern for businesses and individuals as the number of cyberattacks increases. The cost of cybercrime is estimated to be $1 trillion per year, and it is only expected to grow. There are many different types of cyberattacks, but some of the most common include:
Phishing: This is a type of attack where the attacker sends an email that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or popular website. The email will usually contain a link that leads to a fake website that looks identical to the real one. The attacker will then try to get the victim to enter their personal information, such as their username and password.
Malware: This is a type of malicious software that can infect a computer and cause it to malfunction. Malware can be used to steal personal information or to disable a computer.
Denial of Service Attack: This type of attack is designed to overload a website or server with traffic, causing it to crash. This can be done by using a botnet, which is a group of infected computers that are controlled by the attacker.
Ransomware: This is a type of malware that encrypts files on a victim’s computer and demands a ransom be paid to the attacker in order to decrypt them.
Should You Consider a Career in Cybersecurity?
Every element of our lives is being affected by the internet. Cybersecurity is critical in ensuring online safety as well as the safety of essential systems that support our everyday activities, including electricity, transportation, and financial institutions. As a cyber security specialist, you’ll be working every day to keep essential infrastructure safe and will always be facing new intriguing challenges.
Because cybersecurity is such a fast-growing field, there’s high employer demand for qualified professionals. Between 2007 and 2013, postings for cyber security jobs grew 74%, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field is projected to grow 18% from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. In other words, there are a lot of cybersecurity jobs to be filled, and demand doesn’t appear to be slowing any time soon.
The average salary in a job that requires information technology (IT) skills is 50% higher than the average private-sector American job. In 2021, the median pay for a cybersecurity job was $102,600 per year, as compared to a median annual wage of $42,040 for all workers.
Cybersecurity Programs To Consider
With so many businesses and individuals falling victim to cyber attacks, it’s no wonder that demand for cybersecurity professionals is on the rise. If you’re looking to enter the field or advance your career, consider pursuing one of these top programs.
Sans Cyber Aces
Sans Cyber Aces is one of the top cyber security schools in the country. They offer a variety of programs to help students learn about cyber security. Some of their programs include:
The Cyber Aces Online Academy: This is an online course that covers everything from basic computer security to more advanced topics such as ethical hacking and digital forensics.
The Cyber Aces Bootcamp: This is a three-week, in-person program that gives students hands-on experience with various cyber security tools and techniques.
The Cyber Aces Scholarship Program: This program provides financial assistance to students who want to pursue a career in cyber security.
If you’re interested in learning more about cyber security, Sans Cyber Aces is a great place to start. Their programs are top-notch, and they offer a lot of support to their students.
CISA
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a part of the Department of Homeland Security. They provide information and guidance on cyber security and infrastructure security. They also offer training and certification programs for both individuals and organizations.
If you’re interested in learning more about cyber security or pursuing a career in this field, the CISA is a great resource. Their programs are designed to help people protect themselves and their businesses from cyber attacks.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security is another great cyber security school. They offer a variety of programs that cover everything from basic computer security to more advanced topics such as ethical hacking and digital forensics. Heimdal Security also has a scholarship program that can help students finance their education.
If you’re interested in learning more about cyber security, Heimdal Security is a great place to start. Their programs are top-notch, and they offer a lot of support to their students.
NCI
The National Cybersecurity Institute (NCI) is a part of the University of Maryland. They offer a variety of programs that cover everything from basic computer security to more advanced topics such as ethical hacking and digital forensics. The NCI also has a scholarship program that can help students finance their education.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, and there are many schools that offer programs in this area. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, it’s important to do your research and find the program that best fits your needs. There are many great programs out there, so take your time and find the one that’s right for you.