Cyber security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It’s also known as information technology security or electronic information security. The term applies in a variety of contexts, from business to mobile computing, and can be divided into a few common categories.
- Network security is the practice of securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted attackers or opportunistic malware.
- Application security focuses on keeping software and devices free of threats. A compromised application could provide access to the data it’s designed to protect. Successful security begins in the design stage, well before a program or device is deployed.
- Information security protects the integrity and privacy of data, both in storage and in transit.
- Operational security includes the processes and decisions for handling and protecting data assets. The permissions users have when accessing a network and the procedures that determine how and where data may be stored or shared all fall under this umbrella.
What do students learn in a Cybersecurity Online Master’s Program?
Online Masters program in Cybersecurity offered by Grand Canyon University
At Grand Canyon University, students learn through the expert’s hands-on learning practices, students are taught to analyze and evaluate risk assessment methods, compare aspects of cyber security at the federal, state, and international level, do in-depth evaluations to access a network’s security and effectively secure data. Courses include an introductory course for graduate students in the Colangelo College of Business, as well as courses in cyber warfare and applications, enterprise security infrastructure design, policy management for security solutions, and more. All students must also complete a capstone course focused on cybersecurity leadership.
Some Featured Areas of Study:
- Information security
- Risk management
- Corporate and government data breaches
- Consumer theft
- Cybercrimes
- Cyberterrorism
- Information security
- Development and management of information security practices
- Incident management and recovery
- Compliance
- Governance
Online Masters program in Cybersecurity offered by University of Arizona’s
The University of Arizona’s online MS in Cybersecurity enables students to bolster their technical and analytical skills, all from the convenience of their home or office. The MS in Cybersecurity multidisciplinary curriculum draws courses from the University of Arizona’s programs in Management Information Systems (MIS), Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE), and Systems & Industrial Engineering (SIE). Students engage in theoretical and hands-on approaches to learning the critical components of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity courses cover topics such as business intelligence data mining, information security, risk management, systems security management, penetration testing, network security, and system cybersecurity engineering. Understand the breadth and scope of security issues on personal, corporate, national, and global levels.
As a result of this program, students will:
- Assess, prevent, and manage information or systems security-related risks
- Perform system hardening, vulnerability testing, and forensic investigation procedures
- Apply data analytics to develop threat intelligence for current and future information or systems security endeavors.
Online Masters program in Cybersecurity offered by UC Berkeley School of Information
The UC Berkeley School of Information’s interdisciplinary MICS curriculum provides students hands-on practical experience with security systems and applications, an understanding of the legal requirements associated with cybersecurity, and the ability to lead, manage, and contribute to building cybersecurity solutions.
Students master core technical skills and become fluent in the business, political, and legal context of cybersecurity. The students are expert with a comprehensive understanding of the following:
- Secure coding
- Government and national security
- Network and web security
- Usable Privacy and security
- Cryptography
- Operating system security
- Security in context: legal, behavioral, and ethical issues
- Privacy engineering
- Cyber risk
Online Masters program in Cybersecurity offered by University of San Diego
The USD Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering program features an innovative curriculum dedicated exclusively to critical aspects of cybersecurity. The 30-unit program consists of 9 courses. The curriculum covers digital and network forensics and the technical considerations for incident response and continuity planning. It places students in simulated contested cyber environments where they will perform system assessments, potentially on solutions they have engineered, and understand the various types of penetrations an adversary might attempt on an information system.
Online Masters program in Cybersecurity offered by Colorado Christian University
CCU’s online Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree program teaches students the cyber skills that are relevant in today’s interconnected world. These cyber security courses focus on helping students to learn the skills employers are looking for to help keep their organizations secure.The curriculum includes 10 courses designed to develop the skills that employers are looking for to help keep their organizations secure.CCU students utilize Blackboard Learn, a leading solution in electronic education, to participate in Cyber Security master’s classes that blend the latest in eLearning technology with the latest business theory and practice.
Online Masters program in Cyber Security offered by Quinnipiac University
The online Master of Science in Cyber Security degree is a 30-credit program that is completed entirely online and teaches IT infrastructure, networking technology, database security, cryptography, and the advanced cyber operations management skills needed to assume a leadership position in the rapidly evolving field of cyber security. Our program’s curriculum is closely aligned with the knowledge units established by the NSA/DHS National Centers for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. Degree coursework culminates with a capstone project that challenges students to examine the architecture of a complex system, identify vulnerabilities, and determine the specific security approaches that should be employed.
Online Masters program in Cybersecurity offered by Wilmington University
Students earning an online Master of Science in Cyber Security degree program will be prepared to advance in the growing and challenging field of Cybersecurity. The program offers students the opportunity to learn both tactical and strategic perspectives of Cybersecurity. The combination of tactical and strategic perspectives enables students to become practitioners and leaders in the field of Cybersecurity. The program consists of 12 courses 36 total credits. The core courses offered are Network Security, Protecting and Securing the OS, Vulnerability Assmt and PT, IDS, and IPS, Cyberthreat Intelligence, Cybersecurity Capstone, and Research Seminar.
Career and Job opportunities in Cybersecurity Online Master’s Program
Graduates who earned their Master of Science in Information Assurance and Cyber Security are prepared to defend various institutions against large-scale cyber-attacks and ensure that data is stored securely. Additionally, students are prepared to handle large-scale security risks or breaches. After graduation, information assurance and cyber security students may move on to pursue important managerial roles in the cybersecurity industry such as IT manager, director of IT, vice president of technology, senior cyber security analyst, senior cyber security engineer, and more. Graduates are prepared to work in a corporate, government, or military setting. Cybersecurity’s growth is turning it into a massive market with an increased demand for skilled cybersecurity labor. Due to the constant evolution and escalation of threats, cybersecurity has become one of the most important and exciting career fields of the 21st century.
The scale of the cyber threat
The global cyber threat continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with a rising number of data breaches each year. A report by RiskBased Security revealed that a shocking 7.9 billion records have been exposed by data breaches in the first nine months of 2019 alone. This figure is more than double (112%) the number of records exposed in the same period in 2018.
With the scale of the cyber threat set to continue to rise, the International Data Corporation predicts that worldwide spending on cyber-security solutions will reach a massive $133.7 billion by 2022. Governments across the globe have responded to the rising cyber threat with guidance to help organizations implement effective cyber-security practices.
Types of cyber threats
The threats countered by cyber-security are three-fold:
1. Cybercrime includes single actors or groups targeting systems for financial gain or to cause disruption.
2. Cyber-attack often involves politically motivated information gathering.
3. Cyberterrorism is intended to undermine electronic systems to cause panic or fear.
The cybersecurity job market is booming, with a projected 3.5 million expected job openings by 2021. U.S. News and World Report list Information Security Analyst as a top technology job — based on median salary ($95,510), employment rate, growth, stress, work-life balance, and job prospects. For these and other reasons, there has never been a better time to start a career in cybersecurity.
No organization that operates online can ignore cybersecurity. With cyber threats growing and constantly changing, businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations are making significant investments in cyber defenses and hiring increasingly large numbers of cybersecurity professionals. As a result, the employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 28 percent in computer systems design and related services from 2016 to 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is four times the average growth rate for all other occupations. Cybersecurity workers can earn an average of 13 percent more than other IT workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As cyber and information professionals gain more education and experience, the compensation numbers become even more attractive.
Types of Careers in Cybersecurity
Any organization that relies on a computer network has a need for cybersecurity professionals. From energy providers and wealth management businesses to healthcare systems, protecting personal and corporate data through cyber security jobs is paramount to some of the world’s biggest industries. Careers may include Chief information security, Cryptographers, Forensics expert, Cybersecurity architect, Cybersecurity consultant, Cybersecurity auditor, Cybersecurity manager, and Cybersecurity engineer.
Chief information security officers occupy high-level roles as they protect their companies’ data and manage IT and security issues. They work with other executives and IT security experts. These professionals need advanced business, technical, management, and organizational skills. They must also keep abreast of trends and current issues in information security.
These officers supervise the operational aspects of data protection and management. They develop information security procedures and policies for organizations and manage teams of professionals who identify and mitigate security threats. Other typical job tasks may include developing budgets, carrying out audits, and making sure that the company complies with relevant laws and regulations.
Average Salary: $162,037
Cryptographers help organizations safely and securely communicate and exchange information. As cyberattacks and threats grow, the demand for skilled cryptographers who can protect valuable information may increase. Cryptographers typically work for government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple also hire cryptographers.
Cryptographers develop and crack codes, puzzles, and cryptograms. They encrypt data by writing algorithms, security protocols, and ciphers; break down codes to decrypt data, and create cryptology theories. They also identify weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and potential problems by analyzing encrypted systems.
Average Salary: $123,687
Forensics experts investigate computer and cyber crimes and help organizations protect sensitive data and information. Typical job duties may include educating employees about cybersecurity issues, identifying security weaknesses, retrieving data from systems and devices, and reconstructing information systems to understand data breaches. Sometimes forensics experts serve as expert witnesses in trials.
Forensics experts usually work with other IT security professionals. They often deliver security reports to executives, lawyers, and law enforcement personnel. Employers include government agencies, large corporations, and law firms. Individuals with a high level of expertise may work as consultants. Skills required of forensics experts vary by position but typically include an advanced understanding of computer software and hardware, programming languages, operating systems, and cryptography.
Average Salary: $73,892
Cybersecurity architects design, plan, and supervise systems that thwart potential computer security threats. They must find the strengths and weaknesses of their organizations’ computer systems, often developing new security architectures. Job tasks may include budget preparation, allocation of personnel resources, management of IT teams, and report preparation.
These professionals must possess advanced knowledge of software and hardware design, computer programming, risk management, and network and computer systems. Communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills all rank high in importance for this profession. Computer network architects find many opportunities in the computer systems design and telecommunications industries.
Average Salary: $123,687
Cybercrime analysts is also known as “cyber threat analysts,” are information security professionals who use their skills and background knowledge in areas like network administration or network engineering to help counter the activities of cybercriminals such as hackers and developers of malicious software.
The cybercrime analyst profession is fast-paced. It also requires professionals to maintain current knowledge on the voluminous amount and types of cyber threats that are developed daily. In some cases, analysts must think like cybercriminals to stay ahead of these digital threats, ensuring they can work to aggressively protect their employer’s data. It is also their responsibility to effectively communicate potential threats that could harm the growth, reputation, and financial stability of an organization.
Average Salary: $84,000
Cybersecurity consultants use their expertise in IT and computer security issues to advise organizations about appropriate security measures. Typical job duties may include looking for potential security breaches, overseeing the implementation of new security measures, and training employees to protect their organizations from security risks.
Security consultants need excellent analytical, communication, computer, and other technical skills. Many security consultants earn professional certifications to stay relevant and expand their career opportunities. Popular certifications include certified information systems security professional, certified information systems auditor, and certified ethical hacker.
Average Salary: $101,000
Cybersecurity auditors assess and analyze computer security systems’ efficiency and safety. They hold expertise in cybersecurity, computer and information technologies, and penetration testing. They test databases, administer audits, create reports, and advise organizations about steps they can take to make their computer systems more secure. Security auditors must understand organizational policies and government regulations about computer security.
These professionals typically work as outside consultants for finance companies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. Security auditors often work with other IT professionals, managers, and executives.
Average Salary: $83,000
Cybersecurity manager: As high-level professionals, security managers oversee the operations of their organizations’ information security issues. They typically supervise IT administrators, analysts, and other staff who implement security measures. Typical duties may include hiring new staff, evaluating security plans, preparing budgets, and developing policies.
Security managers must possess excellent managerial, communication, and IT skills. They often start out as information security analysts, network administrators, or security administrators before becoming security managers. Security management positions typically require at least five years of experience.
Average Salary: $111,000
Cybersecurity engineers create IT security systems to protect their organizations’ systems and sensitive data from cyber-attacks. Their main job duties include building intrusion detection systems and firewalls to stop attacks. Other tasks include conducting security assessments, tests, and risk analyses. They also deliver reports and make recommendations to executives.
Average Salary: $105,000
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