Cybersecurity Is an Ever-Evolving Field with Many Career Pathways

For those interested in pursuing a degree in IT, it’s worth considering the impact that focusing on cybersecurity can have. By studying this specialization, learners can help strengthen their company’s response to cyber-attacks. They can also be a part of an ever-evolving field that requires a variety of in-demand skills.

Jonathan McCombs, PhD, dean of the College of Health & Public Administration, co-founder of the Center for Public Safety and Cybersecurity Education, and co-executive director of the Global Center for Health Education at Franklin University, recently explained how cybersecurity has evolved in recent years and what learners can expect when entering this field.

Can you explain how cybersecurity is evolving?

Cybersecurity is evolving quickly to keep up with threat actors and vectors. One thing that’s recently emerged is the study of cybersecurity defense versus cybersecurity operations. Defense is the most typical type of cybersecurity where learners become knowledgeable about how to defend a network, system, or device. Operations is an advanced and more offensive study of cybersecurity: students learn to deconstruct malware and launch intrusions on governments and nonstate actors on behalf of the government or its contractors. These positions typically require security clearances and government employment.

What aspects of cybersecurity are students particularly interested in now?

Students are typically interested in obtaining certifications, education, and experience that will help them advance in the field. Getting a job is just the beginning and many quickly realize that without additional education, they cannot advance beyond the  
“eyes-on-glass” positions (where employees monitor security issues in real time). Employers are seeking cybersecurity learners with experience and education – ones that understand the big picture of cybersecurity, even if their role is very specific within the organization.  

What kinds of roles can a degree in cybersecurity prepare students for?

I always point students to a particular website that I think articulates the roles the best: https://www.cyberseek.org. The site describes entry-level, mid-level, and advanced-level career paths and roles. For example, cybercrime analyst is a role that students can be interested in pursuing; it includes the digital evidence collection necessary to prove a case in court. 

Can you describe some of the basic concepts of cybersecurity that students typically learn in intro courses?

Some of the basic concepts covered in entry-level coursework are the regulations, standards, and frameworks necessary for an organization to consider implementing, as well as how to prioritize this work. Students learn about data privacy, risk management, and typical vulnerabilities versus the security controls available.  

Do you have advice for students who are considering a degree in cybersecurity?

Many schools offer a variety of programs to choose from. For example, Franklin University offers a BS in Cybersecurity that’s designated by the DHS/NSA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The program also allows students to obtain an apprenticeship the entire time they’re pursuing a degree. Although entering the profession does not necessarily require a bachelor’s degree, my advice would be to enter the field and work on the degree immediately. You can still participate in the apprenticeship as long as your employer allows it, and you are in an aligned position. You will finish with a bachelor’s degree and a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor signifying at least 2,000 work experience hours. These two credentials would allow any individual a great way to combine the two things most needed for advancement in the field: a degree and experience.  

In general, it’s important to understand that the cybersecurity field has a lot of specific specializations and avenues for an individual to pursue. The field is expanding and evolving rapidly. If there are parts of cybersecurity that do not appeal to a person, they can easily focus on a different area.

Most of cybersecurity is not hypertechnical. There are some technical aspects but it’s not the same as software development. This field will continue to grow and jobs in government, the private sector, and new business ventures are all available to those that have the knowledge and the willpower to discover what is possible. And: not all degree programs are the same. Make sure to choose a cyber degree with flexibility, faculty from the field, and those designated as centers of academic excellence. 

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