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Seven Reasons Why Earning a Masters in Cyber Security is a Positive Step

When it comes to safeguarding your future, specializing in a growing industry is undoubtedly one of the best ways to do it. Cybercrime is on the rise, and the need for cybersecurity specialists has never been greater. Threats and data breaches have been steadily increasing since 2013, and it isn’t just businesses that are being hit any longer, it’s individuals as well.

Cybersecurity specialists can work in almost every industry because no business or person is safe from an attack. You can work on your own and run your own company or work for any business on the planet. There are so many reasons why to become a cybersecurity specialist. Still, when it boils down to it, these are the top seven reasons to direct your career into cybersecurity.

1. Cyber Crime is a Growing Threat

To first understand why cybersecurity is such a positive step forward for anyone is to understand why cybersecurity is essential, period. Cybercrime is on the rise. In 2017 alone, there were more than 2,200 breaches that resulted in over 6 billion records stolen. This includes personal data, passwords, and emails.

This can seem like not a big deal. Some emails being stolen doesn’t cost a business, does it? Think again. The cost of cybercrime, both in outright theft as well as in the loss of income from a ruined reputation, costs the world trillions. That number is growing as well.

 

2. Cost of Cybercrime

In 2015 cybercrime cost businesses and individuals an estimated USD 3 trillion per year. By 2021, that cost is expected to rise to USD 6 trillion every year.

Trillions in theft or in loss of income and that price is paid by each and every one of us. It isn’t just businesses that are hit. The pandemic we are experiencing has seen a massive rise in individual attacks that convince unsuspecting civilians to pay cyber criminals’ money for a variety of reasons. Scams are on the rise, hacking attempts are on the rise, and data has never been more valuable than it is today.

3. New Threats to Consider

The cost and the damage caused by cybercriminals are becoming more severe, and in turn, the need for cybersecurity specialists has never been greater. The internet of things, big data, and even 5G are all in their infancy right now, and their potential is plagued with security threats.

The march of progress won’t be stopped, which means businesses will need more cybersecurity specialists on hand who are at the forefront of their field to prevent and mitigate damage more than ever.

4. There is a Growing Need for Cyber Security Specialists

The news that every job hunter wants to hear is that there is a deficient of workers in their industry. A deficit means that there are more job openings than applicants, making your work extremely in-demand. By 2024 alone, there are expected to be 14,800 new roles added around the country for you to choose from.

To secure a much-coveted cybersecurity specialist, employers are asking for fewer qualifications at a higher pay. With a degree in cybersecurity from a top-performing university, you won’t just be able to get a job, you’ll be able to get a great one in an industry of your preference.

At the start of your career, you may not be able to secure a position at, say, Google, but there are thousands of businesses that need your expertise that you can work for instead.

5. There are So Many Job Positions for Cyber Security Specialists

Not only are there plenty of job openings, but there are also many job roles you can apply for as a cybersecurity specialist. Some excellent jobs that you can work up to and aspire for include:

  • Cyber Security Specialist – $81,000 per annuum
  • Cybercrime Analyst – $84,000 per annuum
  • Cyber Security Consultant – $101,000 per annuum
  • Vulnerability Tester – $101,000 per annuum
  • Cyber Security Engineer – $105,000 per annuum

Every company in every industry around the world needs a cybersecurity specialist. The only thing holding them back from hiring one is income. That is why you should always keep the option open to starting your own business. Instead of working in-house for one employer, you can work for yourself, hire other specialists, and help more businesses better their security.

The world is your oyster, and with a master’s in cyber security, you can get started with building a bright future for yourself in as little as two years.

6. Masters in Cyber Security Can be Completed Online and Part-Time

As a digital-first industry, it’s no wonder that cybersecurity degrees are one of the best and easiest to achieve completely online. This is important. Though many degrees today are offering their courses online (with no other choice), they are not optimized for the online learning platform.

Cybersecurity degrees are, especially from institutions like ECU online. Designed to be completed online, and on a part-time basis, they are ideal for those with a career to think about. You no longer need to take time off work to finish your degree. Instead, you can simply work and study simultaneously and give yourself a great foundation to demand better pay and secure your ideal job role in the future.

You will even be able to specialize in the area of your choosing. If you want to work in policy more than in cybercrime mitigation, you can specialize in governance. If you want a hands-on approach to your job, you can become an analyst. Both are in demand, so you are sure to find a great job with ease once you finish your studies.

7.    What Does a Masters in Cyber Security Teach You?

A master’s in cyber security teaches you many things, with the top three end goals being:

  • How to Identify Cyber Security Risks
  • How to Mitigate Risks
  • How to Future Proof Against Cyber Crime

Just as job roles are growing, so too are the number of people earning degrees in the field. By securing a master’s and continuing to work, you can improve your resume and get your foot in the door early. Work your way up and develop your specialty every year by furthering your education, going to workshops and conferences, and even conducting your own research. Your ambition could turn your degree into a very lucrative career, so work hard.

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