Cybersecurity: What is it and why should you study it

Are you having a difficult time deciding what you should study in college? If you’re interested in technology and have strong computer skills, give a career in cybersecurity some consideration. In today’s society, this career path is extremely important due to the increased use of technology and growing need to protect online data. With a degree in cybersecurity, there are many different avenues that you can take upon graduation. Continue reading to learn more about this career path.

What is cybersecurity?

In simple terms, cybersecurity is the defense of technology. The purpose of a bachelor’s in cyber defense is to learn how to defend computers, software, networks, and data from breaches and cyberattacks. One facet of cybersecurity is cyber defense specific processes and practices are used to defend data from internal and external breaches. You will find that degree programs in cybersecurity and cyber defense will both prepare you to work in this growing field.

What skills will you obtain with a bachelor’s in cyber defense?

Upon graduation from a cyber defense or cybersecurity bachelor’s program, you will have many new skills in business and technology. The course requirements for a bachelor’s in cyber defense include business foundation courses, network security courses and computer security courses to provide you with a variety of skills, such as management, database design, Windows digital forensics and Perl/Python scripting. Honing these skills will set you up for success after graduation.

What cybersecurity jobs are available?

There are many cybersecurity jobs available and the field is growing very quickly. As of 2019, the workforce would have to grow by 62% in order to meet the current needs of the field — needs that are currently going unmet. On average, entry-level cybersecurity jobs pay annual salaries between $44,509 and $105,755 in the United States, depending on the job title. Careers you can get with a bachelors in cyber defense include:

• Cybersecurity Analyst: The main job of a cybersecurity analyst is to make sure that the cybersecurity of the company is maintained by continually updating and monitoring the company’s technology.
• Network Engineer: The main job of a network engineer is to plan, build and manage networks to make sure they are working to the best of their ability.
• Penetration Tester: The main job of a penetration tester is to attempt to breach the systems of a company to learn if the system is secure and find potential vulnerabilities.
• Systems Engineer: The main job of a systems engineer is to develop systems then build and manage them.

There are many other jobs available in this growing field for those with a degree in cybersecurity or cyber defense, check them out here.

Who should consider this degree?

Cybersecurity has a wide variety of opportunities that can suit a many different types of people. Someone who:

• Enjoys hands-on work may be best at network security.
• Loves problem solving would be great at software development.
• Works well  with a team may be best suited for cybersecurity management.
• Enjoys investigative work would be best suited for digital forensics.

Being skilled in analytical thinking is also important for cybersecurity professionals. If these skills and preferences should like you, look into the various job types listed above to find your best match.

Where to study cybersecurity?

There are only nine schools in Michigan that qualify as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education. The best college for cybersecurity for you will not only have this designation, but it will be the college that best suits your needs. To find the school for you, consider what is most important to you. Would you prefer a school with small class sizes, online options and hands-on training? Does the school you’re considering offer guaranteed employment and lifetime support? It’s ultimately up to you to decide where to study, just be sure you understand all of the pros and cons of each program you’re considering to make the right choice.

What’s next?

Cybersecurity is an important and growing part of society. Without cybersecurity, the technology we use everyday would be in danger of endless security breaches and cyber attacks. If this field sounds interesting to you, continue your exploration of careers and degree programs that will provide you with valuable skills for the future.

If you have any questions about obtaining a degree in cyber security or cyber defense,  Davenport’s team is here to answer your questions. Call us at 800.686.1600, email us at info@davenport.edu, or visit our website to submit an inquiry today.