Every day, new stories of security breaches emerge. At this point, these fiascos are too significant to ignore; they impact nearly everybody who uses a computer, mobile device, or credit card. In 2018, for example, 87 million Facebook users were shocked to learn that their information was improperly shared with Cambridge Analytica. Likewise, security issues have recently compromised customers at Sears, Best Buy, Panera Bread, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Clearly, modern society requires talented, passionate individuals who can respond promptly to new threats. More importantly, we need a more robust cybersecurity workforce that can stave off future problems by researching and enacting preventative measures. Demand is quickly growing in the cybersecurity field… demand for qualified professionals, such as graduates of Geneva College’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program.
Coursework for M.S. in Cybersecurity StudentsThe Geneva College M.S. in Cybersecurity focuses primarily on three aspects of cybersecurity: computing systems protection, investigation and recovery.
Key topics covered include:
· Principles of Cybersecurity
· Intrusion Detection and Prevention
· Faithful Hacking
· Cloud Security
· Digital Forensics
· Cyberlaw and Cyberethics
Students emerge from Geneva's program with a thorough understanding not only of the principles that underlie modern cybersecurity, but also how these theories can be applied in a rapidly-evolving field. The profession is bound to change as new threats emerge; the most successful professionals will be able to adapt alongside the field. Geneva encourages students to do more than accrue knowledge passively, but to play an active role in shaping the security landscape of tomorrow.
Geneva College's
M.S. in Cybersecurity is a hybrid program. Some classes occur exclusively online, while others are taught at Geneva's Beaver Falls campus.
Like all courses at Geneva, cybersecurity classes are taught from a Christ-centered perspective. The goal? For students to understand the role God plays in all aspects of life — even computer systems. Biblical grounding grants students a desire to live out Christ's word every day — in the classroom, at work and at home. Technical skills may play a critical role in this program, but through Christ-centered education, Geneva grants students a moral framework they can rely on as they tackle personal and professional challenges.
Job Opportunities for Cybersecurity Graduates
Cybersecurity is an increasingly diverse field, with numerous options available to credentialed employees. An M.S. in Cybersecurity grants graduates a competitive edge over other hopefuls, many of whom may only possess undergraduate degrees or general training in computer science. A few of the most promising cybersecurity job opportunities include:
Information Security AnalystOn a broad scale, information security analysts are responsible for protecting computer networks and systems. Responsibilities can vary significantly from one position to the next, but common duties include:
· Monitoring vast networks for security breaches.
· Installing data encryption programs or firewalls to protect sensitive data.
· Documenting security breaches — and using insight gained therein to prevent future
attacks.
· Developing security best practices.
· Helping employees and other users abide by adopted best practices for improving security.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights an impressive job outlook for information security analysts: 28 percent growth between 2016 and 2026. By comparison, the job outlook across all other fields rests at just 7 percent. In 2017, analysts earned a median annual salary of $95,510; this figure is expected to rise as demand for skilled analysts continues to increase.
Penetration TestingSometimes referred to as 'pen testing,' penetration testing helps organizations determine where risks exist and how likely significant security breaches are to occur. While penetration testing is sometimes included in the job description for information security analysts, cybersecurity employees are increasingly asked to specialize. Many are tasked with seeking out and resolving passive threats, such as issues with passwords or problematic user practices.
As with information security analysis, earnings for penetration testing can be impressive;
PayScale highlights median annual wages of $80,334 for penetration testers. Employers prefer that prospective penetration testers either have considerable operational experience, graduate level education, or both.
Cybersecurity ConsultantNot all organizations can support full-time security analysts or penetration testers. Cybersecurity consultants fulfill similar functions, but for multiple businesses. For example, in an
interview with the BLS, cybersecurity consultant Candy Alexander explains that she helps struggling business owners identify threats and protect their information accordingly. Compliance plays a huge role in her work as consultant, but she emphasizes that businesses can be 100 percent compliant and still face significant security risks.
Consulting offers many advantages in a demanding field known for limited work-life balance. While security analysts and penetration testers enjoy lucrative positions, they work long hours. The BLS reports that one in four information security analysts worked over forty hours per week in 2016. Although challenging, consulting can grant cybersecurity professionals greater flexibility and job satisfaction.
If you’d like to learn more about the biblically based,
Christ-centered education at Geneva, we’d love to introduce you to Christian perspectives of crime and redemptive justice. For more information on how
Geneva College can help you pursue your goals for a career in Cybersecurity, please phone us at 855-979-5563 or email web@geneva.edu.
Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
