6 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Study Cyber Security

Cyber security, as a field of its own, has expanded a lot in recent years. The fact that it is a fairly new branch makes it exciting to study, but that is far from being the only reason that students choose to get cyber security degrees.

So, why do people love cyber security? Read on to find out.

1. Cyber Security Jobs Are in High Demand

The need for cyber security professionals is expected to have a 28% growth by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics. This percentage is way higher than the national average, which means that the field will expand over the years.

The high demand for these information security professionals comes from the fact that many jobs now have significant sections of them automated. Most of the information is stored online, and that has had a direct impact on the increase of cyber attacks.

Major data breaches in the past few years have shown just how much a cyber attack can affect a company. This is one of the reasons why companies would much rather hire a number of security professionals rather than endure cyber crime.

2. There Is an Increase in the Number of Specialties

There was a time when cyber security was looped into the information technology (IT) department’s duties and was considered a part of IT. However, nowadays, even though it remains closely tied with the IT department, cyber security is a field on its own.

Since it is now an established field, naturally, new roles and needs are developing within it. Cyber security now has specialties that cover engineering, governance, assessment, compliance, risk management, architecture, forensics, call center security, etc.

3. It’s a Stimulating Job

The one thing that is consistent to expect from a cyber security career is consistent change. The industry not only has new developments every day, but the workdays are also stimulating and different from each other.

If you’re interested in studying and working in this field, you have to be committed to learning. Cyber security is ever-evolving and, as such, requires dedication. In addition, hackers will find new ways to steal data on the daily, which is why cyber security professionals have to be ready to understand and prevent these cyber threats even before they happen.

Hiring managers and professionals seem to favor people who know and want to keep learning because of the nature of the field. Critical thinking skills are vital to the job, and sometimes they’re deemed more important than other cyber security skills.

4. You Get to Solve Complex Technical Puzzles

As mentioned above, the job requires quick thinking, and it has new challenges every day. Many field professionals consider their work as solving a big complicated technical puzzle.

You will figure out how to hack the system, how to protect the system from a cyber attack, and how to make it safer. This makes cyber security a puzzle with two sides. On one side, you have to figure out how you could break in the system, and on the other, you have to figure out how to prevent that from happening.

5. Cyber Security Salaries Are High

Cyber attacks are frequent, oftentimes, even creative, and they cost businesses a good amount of money. The latter is the reason why many are willing to invest a lot in their prevention. As a result, cyber security salaries are mostly above average, even for entry-level jobs.

Some of the highest paying cyber security jobs are:

• Chief Information Security Officer

Median salary: $193,196

• Cloud Engineer

Median salary: $105,367

• Information Security Manager

Median salary: $135,282

• Security Architect

Median salary: $149,928

• Director of Information Security

Median salary: $178,323

• Network Security Engineer

Median salary: $111,891

• Penetration Tester

Median salary: $94,088

6. You Get to Play the Hero

The whole point of becoming a cyber security professional is to protect companies from potential threats, which in itself makes you a hero day after day. However, preventing or solving a major cyber crime can be rewarding and help add excitement and recognition to your cyber security career.

Even if your work remains under the radar and not everyone knows you saved the day, you will have the knowledge that your work directly impacts that of others and their security.

There are many benefits to studying cyber security. The job comes with excitement, it’s in high demand, it pays well, and it’s mentally stimulating. In addition, there are many specialties you can choose from, seeing how the field is growing and expanding.

If you feel that this is the right field for you, you can start with our Master’s of Science in Cyber Security program!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider studying cyber security in the first place?

Studying cyber security is essential in today’s digital age because it helps you protect valuable information and systems from cyber threats. It’s a rapidly growing field with numerous job opportunities and the chance to impact global security significantly.

What are the career prospects for someone with a degree in cyber security?

Cyber security jobs are in high demand across various industries. With a degree in cyber security, you can pursue careers as a cyber security analyst, ethical hacker, network security engineer, or even work in government agencies and private corporations to safeguard sensitive data.

Is cyber security difficult, and do I need a technical background to study it?

While having a technical background can be helpful, it’s not always necessary to start studying cyber security. Many programs offer introductory courses that assume no prior knowledge. However, a strong interest in technology and a willingness to learn are essential for success.

What are the key skills I’ll acquire when studying cyber security?

Studying cyber security equips you with various skills, including threat detection and analysis, network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, and risk management. These skills are valuable not only in the cyber security field but also in IT and related industries.

Is a degree in cyber security worth the investment?

Yes, a degree in cyber security is often worth the investment. Cyber attacks are becoming more and more sophisticated, and organizations are willing to invest in skilled professionals to protect their assets. This can lead to well-paying and stable career opportunities.

What are some of the ethical considerations in the field of cyber security?

Ethical considerations are crucial in cyber security. Professionals must operate within legal and ethical boundaries, respecting privacy and confidentiality. Ethical hacking, for example, involves testing systems with permission and following strict guidelines to avoid harming individuals or organizations.

How can I stay updated in the constantly evolving field of cyber security?

Cyber security is a dynamic field with new threats emerging regularly. You can join professional organizations, attend conferences, and continuously learn through online courses and certifications to stay updated. Following industry news and blogs is also a great way to stay informed about the latest trends and challenges in cyber security.