Cyber Security Careers

Cyber security is an expansive field that crosses elements of security and technology. Most jobs in this field relate to the protection of private data, hardware, software, networks and computer systems from damage or theft, and the maintenance of services.

Over the past few decades, cyber security has evolved into a vast industry and a pillar of the modern economy. Experts in this field set up multiple layers of defense against cyberattacks like phishing, ransomware, malware and others to maintain the private transfer of data between devices and even the functionality of common household items that are part of the Internet of Things (IoT).

If you're intrigued by this exciting career space, there's good news. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics¹, the demand for information security analysts is expected to increase, on a national level, by 31% between 2019 and 2029. This growth rate, which is much higher than the average growth rate for any occupation in the industry, could result in as many as 40,900 new jobs.

The cyber security field is vast and multifaceted, with several different career options for those who wish to enter the industry. Some of these include:

• Ethical hacker: Ethical hackers are people who have been trained to simulate attacks on networks to pinpoint weak areas that need to be improved. They can also help programmers develop more secure software by pointing out potential areas of improvement within the code.
• Computer systems analyst: A computer systems analyst works with programmers and engineers to help them build computing systems that are more secure. They often serve in a sort of advisory role but may run tests and perform basic programming on the equipment they help build.
• Computer network support specialist: A specialized branch of technical support, computer network support specialists help customers and companies troubleshoot their networks. They can also provide advice on how to set up networks to be more secure.
• Security analyst: Security analysts are skilled at managing software, systems and networks. They ensure that the software being used is the latest and most secure version, which can help prevent cyberattacks.
• Vulnerability assessor: Vulnerability assessors are similar to ethical hackers in that they use programming and hacking skills to find weaknesses within a system. Unlike an ethical hacker, who may be employed to break into the databases of criminal elements, a vulnerability assessor solely focuses on finding areas of weakness in a system to improve them.
  

As stated above, the Bureau of Labor Statistics¹ expects this field to grow by 31% within 10 years, making it a great time to start looking for cyber security training that can help you build valuable information security skills and help launch your career.

There are several ways that you can start a career in cyber security, but like many career paths, a great place to start is with education. As a technology career, the landscape of cyber security is fast moving and ever shifting. An education in the basics not only prepares you to accomplish simple information security tasks, but also gives you the foundation to adjust to new processes and protocols.

One great way to get started in a cyber security career is to earn an undergraduate certificate, which can help lay the groundwork for earning other industry-specific qualifications.

At DeVry University, you can earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Cyber Security online. We also offer a Bachelor's in Information Technology and Networking with a Specialization in Cyber Security for those who wish to take their education a step further.

If you're interested in a career in cyber security, making moves to begin your education in the field is a good start. DeVry offers cyber security courses as a bachelor’s degree specialization and as a non-degree undergraduate certificate. Classes at DeVry begin every eight weeks, making now an excellent time to get started.

You may wish to earn an undergraduate certificate in order to enter the workforce and gain hands-on experience more quickly. Once you’re established, you may want to further your education with a bachelor's degree. DeVry makes this easy with stackable programs². Our online Cyber Security Certificate program can serve as a building block to our Computer Information Systems Bachelor's Degree when you specialize in Cyber Security Programming. Or, you can work towards a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Networking with a specialization in Cyber Security. Should you choose to continue with your education at DeVry after earning your certificate, all credits will apply towards your bachelor’s degree.

Cyber security is a complex field and some professional roles may require additional certifications. These additional credentials focus on verifying your expertise in a specific discipline and are an excellent way to differentiate yourself from the field while searching for employment.

Some of the more notable credentials you may pursue in the world of cyber security include:

• CompTIA A+: A certification that verifies your capabilities in troubleshooting, hardware and operating systems.
• CompTIA Linux+: The Linux certification verifies proficiency with the Linux operating system and its various applications. This is particularly useful for those who wish to work with operating systems and devices.
• CompTIA Network+: Network+ certifies your knowledge of emerging technologies such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things. This credential is recommended for all security specialists and is a great way to future-proof your skillset.
• CompTIA Cloud+: This certification proves your ability to set up, manage and maintain cloud computing systems in a secure fashion. Nearly every cyber security professional could benefit from this credential.
• EC Council Certified Ethical Hacker: This certification confirms your ability to perform hacking tasks that can be used to test the security of a network.
• EC Council Certified Network Defender: This certification shows that you can build secure networks and programs. This is a valuable credential for nearly all cyber security professions.