The surge of digital companies and increased internet usage over the recent years have brought an important question to the forefront—what are companies doing to save themselves from large scale cyber-attacks?
Data released by McAfee estimate that cybercrime losses throughout the world can cost more than $10.5 trillion by 2025. The General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) enacted by the EU have also increased the relevance and importance of cybersecurity systems.
In the past few years, companies have been looking for capable cybersecurity professionals who can protect their data from major cyber threats. Cybersecurity is a thriving industry, and there’s proof. A report released by the University of San Diego revealed that there could be more than 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs by the end of 2021.
Therefore, investing in a cyber and digital security degree can help you unlock these jobs within the dynamic digital security industry.
Are there other advantages of pursuing such a programme?
Yes! With the ever-increasing jobs in the industry, a cybersecurity background can ensure some level of job security which can be difficult to find in other fields. Forbes.com found that cybersecurity graduates get competing offers from multiple companies as compared to other specialisations.
Here are some other reasons to invest in a cybersecurity programme.
- You can earn a decent pay package
Due to the high demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals, companies are ready to pay top prices for capable candidates. Cybersecurity professionals earn some of the highest salaries in the tech domain.
A Burningglass.com report suggests that cybersecurity salaries are in general 9% higher than other IT jobs. Payscale.com also revealed that a senior cybersecurity engineer can earn a median annual salary of up to €112,000 per year.
Annual pay in the cybersecurity domain will increase as you climb the career ladder. Thus, investing in a cybersecurity course can prove to be extremely rewarding in the long run.
- There are multiple courses at each academic level
Entering a specialised field often requires years of acquiring the relevant qualifications and advanced degrees. However, the cybersecurity domain welcomes professionals from all types of academic backgrounds.
Based on your previous academic qualifications, you can choose from a plethora of cybersecurity programmes such as diplomas, bachelor’s degrees or postgraduation certificates. This can also encourage working professionals in the field to opt for advanced degrees in the subject to enhance their career prospects.
- Career options in cybersecurity are growing faster than in other sectors
You would want to invest in a specialisation where you need not worry about the availability of jobs in the future. The field of cybersecurity is a fast-growing one, with new jobs sprouting every year.
The US Bureau of Labour Statistics recently stated that the international job market for digital security is growing at an impressive rate of 31% per year. Therefore, you can be assured of securing a great cybersecurity job with an advanced diploma from a reputed university.
- The skills learnt in a cybersecurity programme can be applicable elsewhere
Earning an advanced diploma in cybersecurity not only provides you with subject expertise it also equips you with many transferable skills. Most cybersecurity graduates are trained in computer coding and IT management, which makes them excellent candidates for jobs in the computer science domain.
Apart from technical skills, you also acquire soft skills like organisational management and leadership, which can be useful for any corporate role.
Other advantages of opting for a cybersecurity course include finding satisfying and meaningful work and immense diversity in cybersecurity careers.
Choosing a cybersecurity career would, however, require you to commit to a lifelong learning curve since the sector is immensely dynamic. Fortunately, there are many academic programmes that can act as a refresher for your cybersecurity skills.
If you are in search of a quality programme to kickstart your career, you can check out the Online Diploma in Cyber and Digital Security offered by the IBAT College Dublin. This diploma is great for thoroughly understanding cybersecurity best practices whether you are a beginner or a working professional from the cybersecurity industry.
The course will provide you with a broad framework of the latest trends within the cybersecurity sector and the latest developments in the field. You can pursue the course even if you aren’t from an engineering or computer science background.
Click here to apply for the cybersecurity programme at IBAT College Dublin.
This article was written by Sweha Hazari.