Let’s face it. We live in a digital age where your name, address, date of birth, social security number, photos, and financial information are currently floating in a virtual cloud. Today, over 60% of all corporate data and 65% of personal data is stored in clouds—through systems like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and DropBox—around the world. Yet, despite this widespread usage of cloud-based storage, cyberattacks have increased in frequency. Because of that, there is a deep need for qualified cybersecurity professionals who are skilled, trained, and ready to secure more private and corporate businesses. In other words, the job market is hot for interested IT/IS individuals looking for a career in a fast-paced, high-intensity field. In this kind of environment, it makes sense why a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is growing in popularity. 

Interested in knowing more? Read ahead to find out why thousands of students are obtaining a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. 

1. The Growing Job Market

Known as one of the nation’s fastest-growing jobs, studies project information security jobs will see a significant jump of 35% by 2031. That’s over 19,500 new openings every year. Experts at Fortune have even predicted how mega software and network companies plan to hire more promising cybersecurity analysts by offering new opportunities to current and future employees. With technology continuing to become more advanced and complex, the need for individuals skilled enough to keep up with the changing demands is more necessary than ever before. Students like you can expect to enter the job market with a number of positions available to you such as Systems administrator, IT systems engineer, or a Security consultant, earning close to $80K annually (on average) – and that’s just to start. 

2. The Risks Are Getting Steeper 

Cyber attacks are becoming more pervasive and frequent; meaning your data is less protected and even more accessible. Having highly sensitive data requires having highly qualified cybersecurity experts ready to detect attacks before they happen or quickly jump into action when a breach occurs. A breach can have serious consequences including the heightened risk of identity theft, unlocking financial records, leaked corporate documents, or even lost files like digital albums and videos. According to the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Trade Commission, 250,000 computer viruses are registered every single day of the year; 47% of Americans have had their personal information exposed by cyber criminals; and over $8.8 billion have been reported lost by consumers due to an imposter cyber scam. Not only are those numbers staggering but they also indicate the risks we face every single day. In order to be proactive in fighting against these crimes, companies have placed a greater emphasis on establishing IT departments comprised of hyper-aware employees who can grasp cybersecurity policies, standards, and compliance protocols to better keep up with the national and international news related to cyber attacks, scams, and national security. 

3. The Acquired Skills Are Attractive To The Job Market 

Technology is changing every single day. One day a new system is set into place, and the next, it’s hacked or altered. Therefore, it’s important to realize that while a strong foundation in IT is increasingly valuable, new cybersecurity analysts need a variety of specific skills that can give them a competitive edge to stay up-to-date with the latest software, infrastructure systems, and hacker maneuvers. And while some of these skills are considered basic for any IT professional, others are uber-critical to the influx of attacks and constant change occurring in business networks. For example, some of the skills learned in our program include: 

• Programming Languages: the system for communicating with computers and programs to solve technical programs using scripting languages like Phython
• Cloud Network and Defense: the broader set of application services and storage computing dedicated to protect IP and data
• Systems Administration: the collaboration and decision-making process between IT security and operations personnel to minimize miscommunication. 
• Web Technologies: the work involved in developing content and networks for the Internet or an intranet including the implementation of HTML, JAVA, CSS, and Python. 
• Operating systems: the collective network families associated with various mobile and computing devices, like MacOS, Windows, and Linux. 
• Compliance policies and trends: the national and federal cybersecurity policies, standards, and compliance issues that should be followed by all cybersecurity analysts. 

By becoming proficient in these skills, interested cybersecurity professionals are not only capable of lessening the negative effects of cyber attacks but also are attractive prospective applicants with a greater chance of working at large-scale companies due to their skill set. Plus, many of these skills go beyond cybersecurity jobs and can be applied to other IT/IS fields like Security Architecture, Information Security Crime Investigation, and AI computing. A great advantage for those who might want to jump into a different but similar field later in their career.

The world of cybersecurity is complex and ever-changing. The good thing is there is a vast amount of information on what needs further attention, how attacks occur, and the necessary techniques and skills required to prevent further cyber hijacks and common cyber crimes that affect millions of Americans just like you. If you are interested in becoming part of the solution to the growing need for confident, strategic thinkers who can protect the daily operations of a business, the confidential data of an institute, and the storage of everyday individuals—then pursuing a degree in cybersecurity is the perfect fit for you.

Want to find out more about ACU’s online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity? Book an appointment with an admissions advisor today or get more information by calling 855-219-7300.