DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. – June 10, 2015 – High-profile cybersecurity breaches at major retailers and other businesses have ignited consumer fears about data theft and spurred companies to strengthen their data security and protection. New research shows that while small-business owners remain largely unprepared to withstand cyberattacks today, many are already planning to invest in new or enhanced security measures to protect their customers, according to a survey commissioned by DeVry University.
“The increased demand for cybersecurity experts has created new professional opportunities for recent grads in computer information and technology fields,” said Rajin Koonjbearry, Ph.D., professor in DeVry University’s College of Engineering & Information Sciences. “Pursuing a program specialization in cybersecurity is one of the ways to prepare to meet the growing call for experts who can help businesses protect customer information and business assets.”
According to the survey, nearly 50 percent of small-business owners have been victims of cyberattacks, and four in five owners see cybersecurity as a greater concern now than they did one year ago. And while less than one-third of small-business owners feel very prepared for a cyberattack today, nearly three-quarters of those surveyed plan to increase their spending on cybersecurity expertise and resources over the next five years.
The cybersecurity field is projected to grow 37 percent between 2012 and 2022 —much higher than the national average for all occupations — with demand already increasing within the federal government and health care industry.[1] Small businesses are following suit with increased cyber hiring projections and security budgets; of the small-business owners surveyed, 61 percent plan to hire a cybersecurity expert within the next year.
“Having a good cybersecurity program requires more than technology or software,” Dr. Koonjbearry said. “The right personnel can play an integral role in maintaining vigilant watch on the security of business data and creating new safeguards against possible attacks. That skillset is becoming more and more valuable to employers.”
DeVry University’s bachelor’s degree program in Computer Information Systems, which offers a specialization in Cyber Security Programming in select campus locations, prepares graduates to join the workforce successfully as technical and management professionals in a variety of industries. To learn more about DeVry University’s College of Engineering and Information Sciences and degree specializations, visit https://www.devry.edu/online-programs/area-of-study/technology.html
