If you've determined that a cyber security career path is what you're best suited for, our guides will help you choose from the many options and roadmaps out there. Even if you haven't decided whether a career in information security is for you just yet, you'll find all the information to help you make an informed decision. We'll outline how to get started with each profession, the educational requirements you'll need, the helpful professional certifications, and even estimated salaries for cyber security professionals as tracked and reported by the federal government.
Is Cyber Security a Good Career?
Although the increase in cyber attacks isn't good news for any of us, there may be a silver lining, there may never have been a better time to consider working in cyber security. Cyber security professionals, commonly referred to as information security analysts, have a wide range of responsibilities, but the crux of their job is to protect online data from being compromised. As more of our personal information is stored online, the more important it becomes to step up security.
Cyber security is a complex field, and many roles can be found within banks, retailers, e-tailers, healthcare, and government organizations. On the job, you can expect to safeguard an organization's files and network, install firewalls, create security plans, guard customer data, and monitor activity. If a breach occurs, you'll be responsible for identifying the problem and finding a solution quickly.
Because of the frequency of cyber attacks, what you'll do will be varied and qualified professionals are needed to help prevent breaches.
If you're ready to get started in this demanding field, start exploring different roles and duties now.
Here's what our cyber security career pages will teach you
There are many subtle variations in cyber security careers, even though they all may have the same end goal of keeping data and sensitive information safe. Our site may help you distinguish the differences and choose the right area of expertise to fit your skills and personality.
Before you embark on your education you'll want to know what's in store for your future. That includes not only what your educational journey will entail, but what the actual role you choose will really be like.
Here is the kind of important information you'll find
What degree or certification will you need:
Should you earn your bachelor's degree or can you get a job with a certificate in information security? Will earning a bachelor's help you climb the career ladder faster?
What interpersonal skills can help you on the job:
Having certain traits and skills before you get started can actually help you. Learn what you can cultivate personally to help you succeed.
What will your job responsibilities be:
What will you really do on a day-to-day basis?
Salaries and job growth data:
How much could you earn and what job availability is anticipated in your cyber security specialty over the next decade?
Step-by-step guide to becoming a specialist in your chosen area.
Our cyber security career guides walk you through each specializations criterium and the steps you need to take to become a professional.
Where can you work?
The answer to this question might surprise you.
Career options:
You might just be getting started in your career but where do you see yourself in five years' time? Learn what paths are available.
Our site also offers professional resources and tips to help you make the most of your educational journey. You'll learn about a different kind of networking than computer networking and the importance of having a peer group or mentor, and understand what resources are available at your school to help you with everything from resume building to job searches.