The rise in digital cyberattacks has made cybersecurity a priority for businesses and individuals. Cybercrimes can lead to financial loss, operational disruption, data breaches, and a loss of trust in businesses. Individuals face identity theft, financial fraud, and privacy invasion.
At Johns Hopkins University’s Engineering for Professionals program, we offer a Cybersecurity Master’s Program for those who are ready to reshape their career to create solutions for this growing challenge.
What is Cybersecurity?
The computers involved in running our nation’s infrastructure are old and vulnerable, leading to increasing levels of attacks against computing technology. Our best defense against these increasing levels of attacks includes a multi-layered defensive approach and cohesive collaboration among individuals, processes, and technology. Robust cybersecurity requires a multi-layered defense and cohesive collaboration among individuals, processes, and technology.
Cybersecurity has developed into an area of study to inform professionals of the best practices, paradigms, and areas of research in the defense of computers and computing technology. Specifically, it involves protecting systems and networks from digital attacks, such as unauthorized access, data manipulation, ransomware, and disruption of business operations.
Why Cybersecurity is in Demand
Statistics show that the need for strong, reliable cybersecurity measures is increasing: 2023 saw a 72% rise in data breaches over 2021. Malware distributed through email accounted for more than one-third of cybercriminal targeting.
The United States currently loses the most money to data breaches, at $9.36 million. Globally, cybercrime damages to businesses are expected to exceed $10.5 trillion by 2025.
There’s never been a more urgent need for cybersecurity professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field of information security to grow a whopping 33% by 2033, so now is a great time to transfer your technical skills to a cybersecurity job.
In-Demand Cybersecurity Careers
Because so many industries depend on things such as cloud software, digital management, online apps, and connected systems, cybersecurity professionals are in demand almost everywhere:
- Healthcare
- Financial Services
- Telecom Technology
- Construction
- Energy
And those are just a few industries that require high-level cybersecurity professionals.
Within those industries, there are many career options available. Some of the most popular include:
Information Security Analyst
Average salary: $91,070
Information security analysts are tasked with safeguarding an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities include devising contingency plans to mitigate the impact of cyber-attacks and ensure uninterrupted operations. Additionally, analysts perform routine assessments and simulations to validate the effectiveness of these plans in the event of a security breach.
Nearly all information security analysts are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Many employers prefer candidates with master’s degrees and salaries tend to be higher.
Ethical Hacker
Average salary: $113,060
Ethical hackers, also known as white hats, are cybersecurity experts employed by companies to proactively identify and address vulnerabilities in their computer systems and networks. By doing so, they help prevent malicious or “black hat” hackers from exploiting these weaknesses for nefarious purposes.
This role generally requires at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, as well as certifications that further prove your knowledge in the field, such as CompTIA A+ or Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
Cybersecurity Consultant
Average salary: $131,892
Cybersecurity consultants identify potential vulnerabilities, evaluate security concerns, assess associated risks, and implement effective solutions to safeguard corporate networks and computer systems against potential threats. They must account for a multitude of variables when analyzing security systems and are therefore adept at constructing layers of defense to adapt to the rapidly evolving IT landscape.
As with other cybersecurity careers, consultants generally need at least a bachelor’s degree to get started. However, 49% of job listings require a master’s degree for this role.
Cybersecurity Engineer
Average salary: $122,890
Cybersecurity engineers design and construct information security (infosec) systems and IT architectures. Their primary objective is to protect these systems from unauthorized access and cyber-attacks. They’re also responsible for developing and implementing security plans, standards, protocols, and best practices. They’re typically charged with formulating contingency plans to ensure expedited recovery in the event of a disaster.
This is an advanced role that typically requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and certifications such as CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+). About 16% of cybersecurity engineers have a master’s degree, making them much more competitive in the employment market.
Network Security Architect
Average salary: $147,463
Network security architects play key roles in enhancing enterprise architecture security and network performance. They translate business needs into functional systems, implement defensive and offensive security measures, and oversee network changes within budgetary constraints.
Professionals should have several years of experience in cybersecurity before entering this field. At least 57% of job openings for this role require a master’s degree, as well as many of the certifications listed above.
Key Skills for Success in a Cybersecurity Career
Cybersecurity professionals must have a broad range of skills to succeed in their careers. Many technical skills from other computer-related jobs, such as coding, are easily transferable to the cybersecurity field.
General workplace skills are also needed, which we’ll discuss below. As we’ve seen above, these professionals work across many industries and in a variety of capacities.
Ethical Hacking
Ethical hacking involves authorized attempts to gain unauthorized access to a system. The process seeks to simulate real attacks and gather information through reconnaissance to uncover and fix security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Understanding of Networks
Cybersecurity professionals must possess a comprehensive understanding of networks. This knowledge allows them to work inside the intricate technical aspects of data transmission, which is used to safeguard sensitive data effectively from potential cyber threats.
Cloud Security
As organizations increasingly use cloud infrastructure, the need for policies and technologies to protect cloud-based systems grows. Cloud security involves building secure systems from the start. Employers increasingly expect expertise in managing platforms such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, and the Google Cloud Platform.
Workplace Skills
As in any other profession, cybersecurity professionals should possess the following “soft” workplace skills in addition to their technical prowess:
- Strong written and verbal communication
- Ability to collaborate
- Understanding of risk management
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking skills
How to Build On Your Cybersecurity Career
For those who already work in the vast field of computer science and want to shift into cybersecurity or who are looking to advance their cybersecurity careers, a master’s degree is a great way to build up your skills and knowledge.
New Career Opportunities
A master’s degree offers industry-specific skills, leadership, and management abilities that can advance your career. With the high demand for cybersecurity professionals, job opportunities are available in almost every state, in both the private and public sectors.
Potential Salary Increase
A Master’s in Cybersecurity may lead to higher salaries, depending on your organization, industry, and experience. Companies value cybersecurity expertise and may cover the costs of your master’s degree.
Increased Job Security
Getting a master’s in cybersecurity can enhance job security as cybercrime rises with new technologies. It also helps you stay updated on industry trends and leverage your skills.
Earn Your Degree at Johns Hopkins Engineering Professionals
The Engineering Professionals program at Johns Hopkins University (JHU EP) offers the education, experience, and preparation you need to pursue or advance your career in cybersecurity. We provide remote learning options that allow working professionals like you to advance their careers on a flexible schedule.
Learn more about our online Cybersecurity Master’s Program or request more info on all our programs, including application requirements and tuition!