Cybersecurity is a hot topic these days, and with good reason. Hackers are becoming more sophisticated each day, and it’s important that businesses take measures to protect themselves against them. In this article, we’re going to take a look at what education you need in order to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is the practice of protecting computer systems and networks from attacks. A cyber attack is any action taken to attempt to damage, disable, or access data or systems belonging to another party.
There are many types of cyber attacks, but three common categories are: network attacks, web attacks, and application attacks.
The most common way to protect yourself against cyber attacks is by using antivirus software. Antivirus software protects your computer from viruses, which are programs that can damage your system. Antivirus software also protects you from spyware, which is a type of malware that can track your online activity and collect personal information.
Another way to protect yourself from cyber attacks is to use a firewall. A firewall blocks unauthorized access to your computer by using rules set by the administrator. This way, you can be sure that only authorized users can access your computer.
A final way to protect yourself from cyberattacks is to use two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA uses something you have (like a key fob) and something you know (like a password) to help keep your information safe.
Types of Cyber Security
Education for Cyber Security typically takes two forms:
- Certification – Depending on the organization, many employees may need to have certification in order to work in cyber security. This can be achieved through both online and offline programs.
- Professional Development – Many organizations also offer training and education programs that help employees learn more about cyber security and how to protect themselves and their organizations from potential attacks.
How to Become a Cyber Security Professional
Becoming a cyber security professional can be very rewarding, but it takes a lot of hard work and education. Here are the basics you need to get started:
- A degree in cybersecurity or related field.
- Certification in information security from an accredited certification body (e.g., CISSP, EC-Council).
- Experience in cybersecurity roles such as system administrator, network engineer, or security analyst.
- Knowledge of common cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
What Education Do You Need For Cyber Security?
Educational requirements for cyber security vary depending on the position you are seeking. Entry-level positions may only require a high school diploma or equivalent, while more experienced positions may require a college degree in information technology, computer science, or engineering. However, most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in cyber security, as this demonstrates an understanding of the threats and vulnerabilities posed by computers and networks.
Certification Programs for Cyber Security Professionals
There are many certification programs which offer cyber security professionals the skills they need to be successful in their field.
Some of the most commonly offered certification programs include:
- The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Program from the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC).
- CCNP Cyber Security from Cisco.
- The CCNA Cyber Ops certification from Cisco.
- The CompTIA Security+ certification from CompTIA.
- The GIAC SANS GSE Cybersecurity Specialty certification.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity education is a critical component of any organization’s cybersecurity defense. However, many businesses do not have the resources to provide their employees with the necessary education and training. As a result, many companies turn to third-party providers to offer specialized courses and certification programs in cyber security.
If you are looking for an affordable way to enhance your cyber security efforts, consider using one of the online courses or certification programs offered by third-party providers.