The digital era has experienced less of a transformation and more of a revolution. All the tasks that were once completed manually are now automated, and advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence are sending shockwaves through nearly every industry.
As a result, the need for advanced and intuitive cybersecurity measures has never been greater. Across all industries, organizations are looking to hire professionals with an in-depth understanding of information technology and cybersecurity so they can prepare for the next wave of innovations on the horizon.
The Rising Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals
Many individuals and organizations around the world now conduct their business online. Most people don’t even think twice when inputting their personal, private information online to be stored in a database, and organizations of all sizes across all industries harvest vast amounts of data to improve the customer experience and increase revenue.
The dependence on data has never been greater, which means the need for effective cybersecurity measures is higher than ever. This shift toward digital transactions has heightened the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals with an advanced understanding of information technology infrastructure, including how to protect it and keep it maintained.
Some of the most significant cybersecurity threats of today include:
- Malware — Malware is the most common cybersecurity threat, largely because it includes a wide range of attacks, such as trojans, viruses, ransomware, and spyware.
- Denial-of-Service Threats — Commonly referred to as a DoS threat, this attack inundates a network with incoming requests, ultimately disrupting normal operations and preventing people from conducting business with an organization.
- Code Injection Attacks — During a code injection attack, malicious code is inputted into an unsecured network.
- Phishing — During this type of cyberattack, individuals are coerced into providing private information or personal data to a hacker. Phishing most commonly occurs on e-mail, social media, or text messaging.
Many of the top performing industries worldwide are seeking professionals who specialize in IT risk management and understand what measures must be taken to prevent or mitigate cyberattacks. Some of the industries focused on increasing their cybersecurity efforts include healthcare, the e-commerce industry, financial services, and infrastructure providers.
Core Elements of an IT and Cybersecurity Degree
The curriculum for online IT degree programs typically focuses on advanced industry topics, allowing students to develop a broad understanding of the field of information technology as well as the technical skills required for a career in information systems management or cybersecurity.
Subjects typically covered within this type of degree program include:
- Ethical Hacking — Sometimes referred to as penetration testing or white hat hacking, ethical hacking is the act of intentionally breaching an internal database to evaluate the strength of the network. Ethical hacking skills play a critical role in developing and implementing a secure network architecture for an organization.
- IT Security Compliance — Cyber laws and compliance standards continue to change and evolve with time, making IT security compliance a critical topic within an IT degree program.
- Data Protection and Security — Students studying information technology and cybersecurity must develop an advanced understanding of network architecture to effectively implement data protection and security measures.
- Programming — Becoming fluent in the most widely-used programming languages, such as Java and Python, allows students to pursue a wide range of job opportunities in the IT and cybersecurity fields.
By selecting a degree program with a comprehensive curriculum focused on cybersecurity, students can develop a foundational understanding while simultaneously focusing on a specific skill set that will allow them to consider niche opportunities in the field.
Certifications and Skills Development
Within the information technology and cybersecurity field, several certifications will allow you to pursue advanced and specialized opportunities.
Some of the most worthwhile cybersecurity certifications include:
- CompTIA A+ — Known as the premier certification program for the IT industry, the CompTIA A+ certification allows you to become proficient in the IT skills required to support working professionals, particularly those working remotely.
- CompTIA Network+ — This certification is recognized throughout the industry as a standard of professional excellence. It provides IT professionals with the advanced skills needed to develop, maintain, and protect information technology infrastructure.
- CompTIA Security+ — This is an entry-level cybersecurity certification that is recommended for recent graduates. Through this certification program, you will develop the skills required to assess network security and effectively respond to cybersecurity incidents.
- Certified Ethical Hacker — Known as the CEH certification, this program provides you with the skills and qualifications to perform penetration testing on a network.
As you consider various online IT degree programs, it’s worth noting that the degree program you choose could impact the types of certifications you may be able to pursue. It’s important to select an IT and cybersecurity degree program with a curriculum that will prepare you for the most relevant certifications in the industry.
Career Opportunities and Growth
Within the IT field, there is a diverse range of career opportunities, allowing information technology and cybersecurity graduates to personalize their career paths.
Some of the career opportunities available to those with an IT and cybersecurity degree include:
Information Security Analyst
An information security analyst is a cybersecurity professional who maintains and protects a security network for an organization. They must conduct regular tests to evaluate the strength of the information technology infrastructure, implementing security measures to protect the network against cyberattacks.
Ethical Hacker
An ethical hacker is a skilled professional with the skills and knowledge to gain access to a computer security network. Although hackers are usually the villains in a cybersecurity story, ethical hackers work to identify vulnerabilities within a system and then collaborate with other IT professionals to protect and enhance the network’s security.
Security Architect
A security architect is a specialized cybersecurity professional who has undergone advanced network security training and is capable of designing and implementing a network security system. In addition to designing the system and overseeing its launch, security architects also play a critical role in developing network security policies and procedures for an organization.
Industry Trends and Future Outlook
Cyberattacks are more than just an inconvenience or a disruption — these security breaches are costly and debilitating. In fact, according to Forbes, cyberattacks are predicted to cost the global economy more than $10 trillion by the end of 2024. Recognizing that cyberattacks are going to become more prevalent, more organizations are taking data protection and security more seriously.
These are some of the cybersecurity industry trends that are shaping the landscape today:
- Generative AI — AI technology is becoming more sophisticated by the moment, and the likelihood of AI-generated attacks is a real possibility. Those interested in the field of cybersecurity should understand the power of AI and learn how to protect network security systems against AI-powered attacks.
- Deepfake Attacks — Known as next-level phishing attacks, these cyberattacks are quickly becoming more sophisticated and prevalent. By relying on AI to deliver more personalized attacks, individuals are increasingly falling victim to these phishing attempts.
- Cyber Resilience — Instead of focusing on adding cybersecurity measures to networks, organizations are hoping to focus on becoming more resilient in the event of an attack.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of cybersecurity is growing rapidly. Demand for knowledgeable and skilled cybersecurity professionals is about to reach a fever pitch, as the field has a predicted job growth rate of 32 percent through 2032. There will be plenty of opportunities for entry- and mid-level professionals, but Forbes also predicts more executive cybersecurity positions will become available, particularly as attacks become more frequent and sophisticated.
Choosing the Right Program
With so many online IT degree programs available, it’s critical to consider your options and review the curriculum offered by each program. You will be prepared to take on a position in this growing field by selecting a program that offers a relevant curriculum that touches upon the trends shaping the industry. You also should evaluate the expertise of the faculty members teaching the courses and the availability of learning resources that can enhance your educational experience.
Learn More, Today
At Florida Technical College, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in Cybersecurity, allowing you to develop a foundational understanding of information systems management as you prepare for your cybersecurity career path. Our skills-based degree program incorporates the latest advancements in information systems management and cybersecurity industry trends, so you can successfully launch your career in this field.
Request more information about our bachelor’s degree programs today.
These examples are intended to serve only as a general guide of possible employment opportunities. There are many factors that determine the job an individual may obtain and Florida Technical College cannot guarantee its graduates any particular job. Some positions may require license or other certifications. We encourage you to research the requirements for the particular position you desire.
