So you are interested in computers and information technology, maybe you even have been working in an IT job for a while. One way or the other, sooner or later you will encounter the subject of “Cybersecurity” (or rather “cybersecurity”). That can be considered a rather natural progression because once you start creating, storing working with digital information, you are going to want to protect it against access from any unauthorized party.
A Cybersecurity Degree Can Keep You and Your Clients Protected
Maybe you have even become that interested that you want to specialize in the cybersecurity field, maybe even make a career of it. A cybersecurity degree can help you do that.
So, what exactly is Cybersecurity?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary explains cybersecurity with “measures taken to protect a computer or computer system (as on the Internet) against unauthorized access or attack”.
Since a great part of today’s world is being organized via computer systems, experts to protect their security are in high demand, be it in the private or governmental sector. (We will discuss your actual cybersecurity career chances in one of our next posts.)
How to become an expert in cybersecurity
Cybersecurity specialists often get their expertise from various sources – one being a well-rounded experience in the general IT field, the other, frequent one specialized certification courses that deal with the various aspects of computer/IT/cybersecurity.
While a college or university degree in cybersecurity is not necessarily a requirement to become a cybersecurity professional, you might want to consider getting a degree in this area – either because you prefer the academic environment and approach, you want to set yourself apart from the competition, our you simply want to further your education and skill set.
Cybersecurity and higher education/academics
There are various university/college programs (undergraduate/graduate as well as postgraduate) that provide a degree in the area of cybersecurity, even if they might not always be named thus. Apart from Cybersecurity, you might come across terms like “Digital Forensic Science” and “Information Security Operations” as well as simply “Computer Science”. You can find programs like these at university and colleges all over the United States (including the Ivy League). True to the nature of their subject, some of these programs can be done online instead of (or in addition to) studying on-campus.
Websites like CyberDegrees.org, BestColleges.com or CollegeChoice.com offer an overview as well as further information about which program and school might be the right choice for you.
Sources:
https://www.cyberdegrees.org/listings/
https://www.bestcolleges.com/features/top-online-bachelors-in-cybersecurity/
https://www.collegechoice.net/rankings/best-online-cybersecurity-degrees/