Is A Career in Cyber Security Worth it?

12-Jul-2022

The year 2020 saw an exceeding occurrence of cybercrime resulting in nearly 800,000 complaints, amounting to a financial loss of USD 4 billion in the United States, as per the report of the Complaint Center of the Internet Crime of the FBI. Everyone starting from the individual to businesses and governments is a cybercriminals targets. 

Given these figures, it's clear that the world urgently requires more cyber security experts to safeguard it. Hence, a career in cyber security is worth it and is becoming more of an urgent necessity for the industry to fulfill the job of providing the world with a safe digital and online environment.

To point out straightforward, a cyber security career is worth it typically for many reasons, one being it is a rewarding career. The future employment opportunities are promising with excellent returns on the investment you make in terms of spending time and money while pursuing a cyber security degree. 

Over the last few years, the remuneration for a cyber security degree has been steadily increasing. According to a 2016 analysis from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cyber security occupations will grow by 28% over the next decade. The typical pay for a cyber security degree is between $75,000 and $95,000 per year. In fact, the average annual compensation for jobs in cyber security or information security is $95,510. The greater the wage rate, the more experience you have.

Let us explore the ways to become a cyber security analyst in this blog and the different sorts of cyber security degree programs, the benefits, and drawbacks of pursuing one, and a few other options.

How To Become A Cyber Security Analyst?

Let's take a look at the cyber security area as a whole before we start planning specific educational paths.

Specialists in cyber security protect our computers, networks, and data. Those in the industry may protect sensitive data from breaches, detect potential vulnerabilities, or even investigate cybercriminal activities, depending on their individual function.

Cyber security specialists require specialized training since their work has real-world ramifications for consumers and organizations. The question is what are the ways to go about fulfilling this requirement. 

In order to become a cyber security analyst, you might like to consider pursuing a cyber security degree which comes in the following format.

Associate's Degree

Cyber security two-year degrees are mostly applied science degrees that provide a foundation in both technical and non-technical security abilities. They also include a wide range of subspecialties. An associate's cyber security degree in digital forensics, or cyber defense, for example, could serve as a stepping stone into a government security job.

Associate's degrees in cyber security are typically 60 credits and offer a flexible learning environment. Many can be completed online, in person, or through a blended study format.

Bachelor of Science

Among cyber security experts, a bachelor's degree remains the recommended educational credential. According to CareerOneStop, 42% of cyber security professionals have a bachelor's degree.

While not all schools and institutions offer a cyber security bachelor's degree, many do. Information security, computer networking, and cyber forensics are among the subjects covered in these 120-credit programs. Similar programs may be given by some business institutions; however, the technical perspective provided by a traditional BS will provide the most direct path into the industry. Many bachelor's degrees, like associate degrees, can be done online or in person.

Master's Degree or Post Graduate Degree 

Cyber security aficionados with a bachelor's degree can expand their professional knowledge and talents with a master's degree. The duration of this cyber security program is normally two to three years, though timetables will vary per university.

It's worth noting that these degrees aren't just for cyber professionals; others working in related but non-technical disciplines like finance or law may want to pursue a Master's degree to solve cybercrime-related issues in their own domains. Master's degrees are frequently delivered online, which may be a "positive" for working people who don't have time to travel to class. Besides the traditional university master's degree aspirants can go for Post Graduate cyber security program which as mentioned can be accessed online as well.

Cyber Security Program for Entering the Job-Market

Since cyber security is an ever-evolving field, the subject matter will always alter to fit the dynamics of the current cyber trends and existing threats. Hence, the curriculum will keep evolving and updating as well. pursuing this cyber security program will however offer you a strong grounding in the core concepts and principles. Typically,  the foundation is developed on the subjects of computer science, digital forensics, mathematics, programming, policy-making, and legislation. 

The various cyber security program and degrees will, of course, determine the depth of study. Associate's degrees provide a foundation in cyber security, whereas bachelor's degrees cover a wider range of topics. Cyber security master's degrees are concentrated programs that aim to develop a better or more specialized level of skill. At the very least, they will assist you in working your way on how to become a cyber security analyst.

Experts in cyber security are in high demand in virtually every industry and at companies of all sizes. Cyber security programs ideally include classes and hands-on experience in areas such as digital forensics, network, and system security, analysis, cloud computing, and more. Because of the current labor scarcity, those with these cyber security skills will be noticed, if not desired, by industry employers. This undoubtedly answers why a career in cyber security is worth it and a cyber security degree is a way to get into the cyber security industry and the job market.

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