In a digital age where most people live and work in ‘the cloud’, the insidious sphere of cybercrime is growing at an alarming rate. The digital security industry has been expanding exponentially in recent years to combat this surge of cybercrime, causing the need for qualified professionals to reach a fever pitch.
Have you ever considered getting a Cybersecurity degree ? Read on to learn why the world of Cybersecurity needs you, and other tech-savvy digital savants, to help in this latest battle of good vs. evil.
So, what is cybercrime?
Cybercrime is a general term that describes any criminal activity using or targeting a computer, network, or other network device. This can include:
- Cybertheft, in which online criminals use computers to embezzle, commit fraud, steal intellectual property, or access personal or financial information.
- Cyberattacks, which involve crimes targeting computer systems, such as viruses, malware, sabotage, or denial of services.
- General computer security breaches such as spyware, adware, hacking, phishing, zero- day attacks, rootkits, port scanning, and data theft.
Cybercriminals pose a substantial threat to all areas of the public and private sphere, from private organizations, personal networks and non-profits, to critical infrastructure and government entities. These online threats, including crimes for profit, hacktivism and even espionage, have only grown with the expansion of digital access. In fact, hackers attack every 39 seconds, or 2,244 times a day on average. (
University of Maryland
)
Why Cybersecurity matters.
Issues of digital security have become a day-to-day struggle for most businesses. Cybersecurity statistics show ever-increasing incidences of hacked and breached data coming from common workplace technology like IoT and mobile devices. In addition, the increasing number of large-scale cyberattacks suggest that breaches are intensifying both in frequency and severity. As a result, spending on cybersecurity worldwide is forecasted to reach $133.7 billion in 2022. ( Gartner )
There’s no question that businesses must increase their investment in updated cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many business leaders have little knowledge or experience with digital security. This results in a lack of adequate employee training, data backups, anti-malware protections and Cybersecurity policies.
In fact, recent research indicates that the majority of businesses lack proper Cybersecurity protocols, leaving most data and systems vulnerable to cybercriminals. ( Varonis ) That’s a scary thought. Data theft and breaches of confidential information can not only expose victims to life-altering identity theft, but ruin a company’s reputation and have long-reaching legal ramifications.
What it means for you.
Did you know that by 2021, experts project there will be as many as 3.5 million unfilled Cybersecurity jobs available across the world? ( Cybersecurity Ventures )
What does this mean for you? Well, there’s extremely high demand for experts in Cybersecurity, and continued industry growth on the horizon. So, whether you’re just starting out trying to decide what you want to do with your life, or a seasoned professional looking to change careers, digital security is an excellent option.
If you have a knack for technical projects and problem-solving, and enjoy inventing solutions for online problems, pursuing a Cybersecurity degree could provide you with the skills for a range of exciting job opportunities. Plus, with the proper training and job experience, you could qualify for a lasting career in a wide range of disciplines within the digital security realm.
A Cybersecurity degree could not only help you break into this fast-growing field, but, according to ZipRecruiter , the average annual pay for Cybersecurity jobs in Utah is $104,470 a year. This means that qualified Cybersecurity professionals can expect to make salaries ranging between $55,483 and $134,547 a year.
How to get started.
Are you ready to get in the game of digital security? Don’t worry, graduating with a Cybersecurity degree is easier (and faster) than you think!
In fact, Ensign College offers a 4-year
bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity
that will prepare you with the technical and soft skills to stand out on an application, and the confidence to go to battle in the complex world of digital crime.