What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity entails protecting computer networks, software, and hardware from theft or damage to their functionality. It is a growing field that has been evolving rapidly over recent years as the technology becomes more and more integrated into our lives. The need for cybersecurity professionals is high. This is an incredible industry to pursue as a career.
Why work in Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity has become more important than ever in the modern world, and there are many reasons why someone would want to work in cybersecurity. As more data becomes available via the internet, it becomes an increasingly valuable target for malicious actors who want to steal that information or use it maliciously to their advantage. That’s where you can come in! Find out several reasons why someone would want to work in cybersecurity below.
Cybersecurity Programs Online
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity has become more important than ever in the modern world, and there are many reasons why someone would want to work in cybersecurity. As more data becomes available via the internet, it becomes an increasingly valuable target for malicious actors who want to steal that information or use it maliciously to their advantage. That’s where you can come in! Find out several reasons why someone would want to work in cybersecurity below.
Why Work In Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity has become more important than ever in the modern world, and there are many reasons why someone would want to work in cybersecurity. As more data becomes available via the internet, it becomes an increasingly valuable target for malicious actors who want to steal that information or use it maliciously to their advantage. That’s where you can come in! Find out several reasons why someone would want to work in cybersecurity below.
Explore Cybersecurity Programs
CIAT offers three levels of cybersecurity programs – Certificate, Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree – designed to fit the needs of students with a range of technical skillsets, prior academic background, and career goals. With stackable IT programs, students can start with a Certificate program and seamlessly transfer completed courses to earn credit towards an Associate or Bachelor’s degree.
Computer Information Systems Certificate Program
Length: 11 months
IT Level: Beginner
Number of Certifications: Up to 5
Students can kickstart their first entry-level IT career by earning a Certificate in Computer Information Systems. This program prepares students to earn up to 5 industry certifications to support a variety of successful IT career paths and are encouraged to continue their education and technical training to for maximum career potential and ROI.
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems
Length: <2 years
IT Level: Beginner
Number of Certifications: Up to 9
Cybersecurity professionals need to demonstrate a wider range of technical skills from hardware and software management to network security. This program prepares students for entry-level cybersecurity careers, starting with the CompTIA Security+ certification.
Applied Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems - Cybersecurity Concentration
Length: 3.5 years
IT Level: Beginner
Number of Certifications: Up to 20
Students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in cybersecurity can opt to enroll in the dedicated cybersecurity concentration path, focusing on specialized certifications including Certified Ethical Hacker, CISSP, AWS Security and Azure Security.
Cybersecurity Jobs Are In Demand
The cybersecurity industry is booming, with no signs of slowing down. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs in computer and information security will grow by 33 percent from 2020 to 2030. With job growth expected to outpace many other industries, now is a great time to start your career.
And if you’re looking for a stable career, cybersecurity is on track to be one of the fastest-growing fields. The Department of Labor says that there will be 3.5 million job openings due to growth and business needs. In addition, the demand for skilled professionals has never been higher.
It won’t just be tech companies struggling to find talent. All industries are looking to beef up their cybersecurity, from financial to even healthcare companies are looking to grow their security departments.
Earning Potential
This is an oft-cited benefit of cybersecurity positions—particularly for those who have a knack for information security. The statistics report that the median base salary of a cybersecurity professional in the U.S. is about $103,000 per year.
Earning potential varies greatly from what you do to the company you work for.
Earnings by popular industries are:
Earnings by popular industries are:
There are a number of roles within cybersecurity.
Those roles and salaries are:
Those roles and salaries are:
*Job title and salary information displayed are all average annual salaries sourced from paysacle.com in 2022. They represent the most up-to-date information at time of print and are not to be construed as guarantees of employment or future earnings. Some positions may require 5+ years of experience and/or a Bachelor’s degree to be eligible.
Plenty of Variety
There’s a lot more than your standard eight-hour job. Cybersecurity spans a wide range of industries and roles, so even if you land an entry-level position, you can expect plenty of variety and opportunity to grow your skill set.
That’s not to say that your workload is going to be easy. Cybersecurity requires a combination of technical and interpersonal skills, so you’ll need to be able to multitask, adapt quickly and thrive on challenges. Many cybersecurity roles involve responding or reacting to unexpected or stressful situations, so you’ll need to keep calm under pressure.
You’ll also need to learn quickly and keep learning throughout your career. Every company has a different way of doing things, so you can expect to experience plenty of change as you navigate your first few years.
The Ability To Solve Puzzles
If you’re into solving complex problems and puzzles, cybersecurity is probably a great fit for you. Being able to think outside of the box and look at information from multiple perspectives can help you stay one step ahead of cyber criminals and rogue hackers.
The ability to think like an attacker is one of the most important skills a cybersecurity specialist can have.
When you’re trying to stop someone from accessing your sensitive data, such as customer records or trade secrets, you can’t afford to miss any details. As a cybersecurity expert, you’ll have to check every possibility and think like an attacker. That requires a keen eye for detail—no matter how minute—and the ability to look at everything with fresh eyes. The only way to do that is by solving puzzles.
It’s not easy to make decisions based on incomplete information. So much of cybersecurity is about making sure you have all of your bases covered, and that means a lot of open-ended thinking. If you’re interested in cybersecurity because it will force you to think outside of your comfort zone and consider possibilities that you might never have considered before, then it could be a good fit for you.
The Job Has Real Impact
With hackers able to penetrate and steal data from companies of all sizes, from small startups to global enterprises, cybersecurity jobs are a great option for people who want to help keep others safe. If you’re worried about how your work will actually impact people’s lives and well-being, becoming a cybersecurity expert is a great way to do good while doing well.
And if you’re not convinced that cyber-attacks can be serious, just remember that Target lost 40 million credit card numbers due to a hack back in 2013—and that was just one company!
Working in cybersecurity means you’ll be protecting customer and company data. As companies become more aware of cyber threats, they’ll need more people to help them protect their data. If you’re looking for a career with job security, cybersecurity might be your best bet.
Curious about a career in cybersecurity?
Contact us today for step-by-step guidance on selecting the right education path that will help you reach your career goals.
Why Get Certified?
92% OF EMPLOYERS SAID THAT IT CERTIFIED INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE HIGHER STARTING SALARIES THAN THOSE WITHOUT CERTIFICATIONS
-Source: CompTIA HR Study
Earning industry certifications is much more powerful than earning a degree alone. They will help you stand apart from your competition, increase your earning potential, and open opportunities for career advancement.
With no exam fees and unlimited attempts on most exams*, we don’t rest until you’re certified. With every CIAT certification training course, everything you need to succeed is included in the cost of your tuition:
- No exam fees
- Unlimited attempts*
- Test preparation software
- Small group test prep workshops & one-on-one tutoring
- On-campus and online authorized testing
*Some exclusions apply. See CIAT exam certification policy.
Why Get Certified?
OF EMPLOYERS SAID THAT IT CERTIFIED INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE HIGHER STARTING SALARIES THAN THOSE WITHOUT CERTIFICATIONS
Earning industry certifications is much more powerful than earning a degree alone. They will help you stand apart from your competition, increase your earning potential, and open opportunities for career advancement.
With no exam fees and unlimited attempts on most exams*, we don’t rest until you’re certified. With every CIAT certification training course, everything you need to succeed is included in the cost of your tuition:
- No exam fees
- Unlimited attempts*
- Test preparation software
- Small group test prep workshops & one-on-one tutoring
- On-campus and online authorized testing
*Some exclusions apply. See CIAT exam certification policy.
If you're looking for a school that will help you achieve a dream job in IT, this is it! Their programs are awesome and the amount of certifications you obtain are unbelievable. Not only has this school help achieve more knowledge in the IT field but has put me in the right path for success in this type of industry. I thank you CIAT
David ZCybersecurity Student Class of 2021
Honestly, CIAT is a really great experience from the time you start all the way to the time you graduate. Great place!!!
Calvin LCybersecurity Student Class of 2021
I am on my way to obtaining my cyber security degree with CIAT. I never thought going to college would be possible for someone my age, especially for an IT degree. CIAT has been an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone who is looking to be better at what they do in the IT field.
David SCybersecurity Student Class of 2021
I wanted training and certification in the Cybersecurity field. At CIAT, I am receiving that education and so much more. The professors, administration and all staff are extremely dedicated to my education and making sure I am doing my best and succeeding. The classes are intense and fast paced, and very informative. I enjoy immensely each class I take and what I am learning. CIAT is definitely setting me on the right track for a future in Cybersecurity.
Sarah BCybersecurity Student Class of 2021
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If you're looking for a school that will help you achieve a dream job in IT, this is it! Their programs are awesome and the amount of certifications you obtain are unbelievable. Not only has this school help achieve more knowledge in the IT field but has put me in the right path for success in this type of industry. I thank you CIAT
David ZCybersecurity Student Class of 2021
Honestly, CIAT is a really great experience from the time you start all the way to the time you graduate. Great place!!!
Calvin LCybersecurity Student Class of 2021
I am on my way to obtaining my cyber security degree with CIAT. I never thought going to college would be possible for someone my age, especially for an IT degree. CIAT has been an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone who is looking to be better at what they do in the IT field.
David SCybersecurity Student Class of 2021
I wanted training and certification in the Cybersecurity field. At CIAT, I am receiving that education and so much more. The professors, administration and all staff are extremely dedicated to my education and making sure I am doing my best and succeeding. The classes are intense and fast paced, and very informative. I enjoy immensely each class I take and what I am learning. CIAT is definitely setting me on the right track for a future in Cybersecurity.
Sarah BCybersecurity Student Class of 2021
Previous
Next
2022 BEST CYBERSECURITY PROGRAMS
CIAT has been awarded top ranking status two years running in Intelligent.com’s Best Cybersecurity Program review, highlighted as “Best For Industry Certifications”. Evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment.
CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
EC Council, the world's largest cybersecurity technical certification organization, awarded CIAT the Circle of Excellence Award two years in a row for our Certified Ethical Hacker certification training courses and career-ready curriculum.
MILITARY-FRIENDLY
We believe you deserve an education worthy of your service. CIAT welcomes military veterans, active duty service members, and spouses using the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E), Active Duty Tuition Assistance, and MyCAA.
FULLY ACCREDITED
We have high standards and we believe you should too. CIAT has proudly earned accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
2021 BEST CYBERSECURITY PROGRAMS
CIAT has been awarded top ranking status in Intelligent.com’s Best Cybersecurity Program review, highlighted as “Best For Industry Certifications”. Evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment.
CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
EC Council, the world's largest cybersecurity technical certification organization, awarded CIAT the Circle of Excellence Award two years in a row for our Certified Ethical Hacker certification training courses and career-ready curriculum.
MILITARY-FRIENDLY
We believe you deserve an education worthy of your service. CIAT welcomes military veterans, active duty service members, and spouses using the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E), Active Duty Tuition Assistance, and MyCAA.
FULLY ACCREDITED
We have high standards and we believe you should too. CIAT has proudly earned accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.