Cyber Security Careers

Cyber security combines elements of security, data protection and technology. Many jobs in this field encompass the protection of private data, hardware, software, computer systems and networks from cyber threats.

Over the past few decades, the cyber security industry has evolved into an important part of the economy. Cyber security experts set up layers of defense against cyberattacks like phishing, malware and ransomware to maintain the private, efficient transfer of data from one device to another. The advancement of network technology through innovations like the Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled more effective layers of defense that cyber security professionals use to improve network security.

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 by 33% between 2020 and 2030 on a national level. This growth rate, which is much higher than the average growth rate for all industries in the United States, could result in as many as 47,100 new jobs.

The cyber security field is vast and multifaceted, with several different cyber security career options to pursue. 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 an 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 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.
  

Technology and its widespread use in today’s world means greater potential for cyberattacks. Therefore, cyber security professionals and the skills they utilize are more vital now than ever, making now a great time to explore a career cyber security.

As mentioned, the Bureau of Labor Statistics¹ expects this field to grow by 33% within 10 years, making it a great time to start looking for cyber security training that can help you build useful information security skills and help launch your career.

There are many ways to start a career in cyber security, but like many career paths, a great place to start is with your education. As a technology career, the landscape of cyber security moves fast and evolves frequently. An education covering the basics can help prepare you to accomplish information security tasks and provide you with the foundation needed to adjust to new processes and protocols.

At DeVry, you can increase skills with stackable degrees² in our cyber security programs – allowing you to work toward your education goals at your own pace. You don’t need to wait four years to add a credential to your resume. 

For example, our online Cyber Security Certificate program can serve as a building block to our Associate Degree in Cybersecurity and Networking. When you complete the associate, all courses are designed to stack into our Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Networking with a specialization in Cyber Security. 

Cyber security is a complex field, and some professional roles may require additional certifications. These additional credentials focus on verifying your competency 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 security specialists and is a great way to future-ready your skillset.
• CompTIA Cloud+: This certification proves your ability to set up, manage and maintain cloud computing systems in a secure fashion. 
• 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.