With the world of internet technology ever evolving, it's jobs related to cyber security are becoming more and more important. Private citizens, businesses, and the government rely on cyber security to protect private and confidential information. For this reason, more and more people are choosing to pursue a career in cyber security. If you are looking for a field in which you can grow, check out these three facts you should know about cyber security careers.
You'll Likely Need a Bachelor's Degree
For the most part, companies prefer to hire cyber security specialists with a Bachelor's degree in something related to computer science, internet technology, etc. Of course, as with any field, there are many types of careers in cyber security, so having a higher degree will help open more doors and let you land higher-paying jobs. You will also need to continue your education to keep up with advancements in technology and security. Special certificates are not usually required for most private companies, but you may need special clearance, etc. for government positions.
Depending on position and level of education, security specialists make about $95,500 a year. However, cyber security positions are not typically entry-level. Many companies prefer candidates who have related education and job experience. Because nearly every business and government agency needs cyber security, it growing, much faster compared to the rest of the job market, and finding a job won't be difficult because you can work anywhere that uses the internet.
Cyber Security Specialists Protect Personal Information
Cyber security is in high demand because just about everyone needs to protect their online information, including private citizens and companies. You may work for a company that helps improve, provide, etc. cyber security for individuals, or you may work in the IT department at a specific company, keeping their customer, employee, and business information private and confidential.
In most cases, your role as cyber security specialist involves keeping the infrastructure safe. This includes running programs (malware, virus scan, etc.) and performing tasks that will prevent attack and repair weaknesses. You are also in charge of ensuring employees have proper access. For example, the HR department needs access to private employee information, such as Social Security numbers, but other departments don't. On the other hand, customer service may need customer private information, but HR doesn't need access to that information.
Specialists Also Fight Cyberterrorism
It's not just personal information that needs to be protected. Cyberterrorism is a real threat to many government agencies and businesses. Cyberterrorism is anything that involves further promoting or advancing of an agenda. This may mean a terrorist organization hacking into a government system, but it may also mean an animal-rights group hacking into a leather store system to reveal customer names.
Another related problem is cyberespionage. This is also done by governments and businesses, and it may be done in conjunction with cyberterrorism. It involves sneaking into a system to find secret information. Another government may commit cyberespionage by hacking into a military system to determine their plans or strategies. At the same time, businesses may commit cyberespionage to see what their competitors are planning in the future so they can better compete.
Technology continues to advance, and with it, so do hackers and other cyber attackers. Cyber security careers are designed to help prevent, stop, and trace attacks for private citizens, businesses, and even the government. If you choose to pursue a career in cyber security, the options are plentiful, but you'll likely need continuing education and training to stay competitive. To get ready for your career in tech, start looking at computer services schools in your area or online today.
Share7 September 2018
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