Cyber incidents are at a staggering high! It is visibly evident that the cyber landscape is getting worse with every passing day. Cloud attacks are top cyber risk concerns today. The proportion of businesses that have experienced a data breach of over USD 1 million has increased significantly from year over year from 27% to 36% (PwC.com). Another fact that crops up includes the surge in demand for a specialized cybersecurity workforce to contain security thefts with specialized cybersecurity skills. To satisfy this astounding demand, the ISC2 predicts the worldwide cybersecurity workforce would need to grow by 89%. The market for professionals with advanced cybersecurity skills is expected to expand at a remarkable rate.

Cybersecurity Degree Types:
Four levels of degrees are available in the cybersecurity field; each offering a different level of training that builds on the aspirant’s already existing skills and knowledge. Becoming a cybersecurity specialist is an uphill task that is made possible to be achieved with credible online cybersecurity certifications as well as onsite. It is imperative to gear up for the industry with eth prior training that goes into earning the best jobs.

1. ASSOCIATED DEGREE IN CYBERSECURITY
This credential prepares an aspirant for entry-level job roles in cybersecurity such as security auditor, systems administrator, and cybersecurity analyst over the duration of two years. You need to possess a high school diploma or GED certificate to take on the admission. The diverse streams it offers include ethical hacking, network defense, operating system security, and the like. Some popular examples include

2. BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN CYBERSECURITY
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is another entry-level program that lasts for four years and is a comprehensive foundational courseware in cybersecurity. Skills include programming, data analytics, information security, and risk management. It requires you to possess a high-school diploma or GED certificate to gain admission with a letter of recommendation required with a personal statement and college entrance exam scores.

3. MASTER’S DEGREE IN CYBERSECURITY
A master’s degree comprises 60 credits, which full-time learners can complete in two years with courses such as cryptology, incident response, cyber threat environment, etc. It is an advanced training that prepares cyber grads for positions such as penetration specialist, forensic analyst, and cyber threat analyst. It requires an application with a bachelor’s degree, transcripts with minimum GPA score, prerequisite courseware, a resume, and a letter of recommendation.

4. DOCTORATE IN CYBERSECURITY
Doctor of Science, Doctor of Information Technology, or Ph.D. in Cybersecurity brings you a high-level position in academia or the IT field. Doctoral aspirants need 50 to 70 credits to earn their degree; with the duration of three to seven years.

Cybersecurity Specializations:

1. CYBERSECURITY CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

Online Cybersecurity certifications are a convenient and no-rush way to earn the most futuristic skillsets in the cyber industry. They come with a shorter duration of time usually spanning over a few months. These are offered online; bringing you trusted credentials with a lifelong shareable digital badge on successful completion. These certifications can be earned by any aspirant with a minimum or no programming experience requisite. The best cybersecurity course certifications offer you ample opportunity to scale your career like none other; with a preferred job with the cyber industry giants. These are a great option for the ones who wish to scale high in their cyber career but in a shorter time; yet gain full competence like a degree or a master’s course.

2. CYBERSECURITY BOOT CAMPS
Bootcamps are specialized intensive training programs that equip learners with job-ready skills in a shorter time. They offer ease of learning while making your career a lasting affair with contemporary skillsets.

4 Popular Cybersecurity Career Paths:

• Cloud Security Engineer
Salary expectation: USD 142,380 pa (talent.com)
Qualifications: Cloud security specialization with years of expertise in threat modeling, risk assessment, security protocols, and the rest.
Role: Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for network protection

• Information Security Analyst
Salary expectation: USD 136,000 pa (ZipRecruiter.com)
Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in IT or STEM with relevant industry training and certifications
Role: Monitor organization’s networks for security breaches and investigate when one occurs

• Security Architect
Salary expectation: USD 154,996 pa (talent.com)
Qualifications: Strong technical and analytical skills, experience in information security with relevant top cybersecurity certifications
Role: Designs, develops, and oversees the network implementation, and ensures security requisites and system support processes

• Penetration Tester
Salary expectation: USD 119,895 pa (ZipRecruiter.com)
Qualifications: IT experience with robust operating systems and cybersecurity comprehension, with expertise in programming languages for scripting
Role: Performs attacks on a company’s existing digital systems and tests a variety of hacking tools to find gaps that hackers can exploit

How to go about a Cybersecurity Career?
The world has gone digital with the business processes and systems going online. It is an emergent task to fill the talent gaps with specifically qualified cybersecurity experts with the best cybersecurity certifications to boast off to guard businesses’ online systems. Build a strong career in cybersecurity by gauging your current skillsets and your career goals to bring on the most appropriate option for credentialing. However, having discussed the options above; it is highly advised to go for cybersecurity certifications against other options; for the simple reason of gaining skill strength in less time directly from the industry geniuses worldwide.