With data breaches and high-profile cyberattacks common nowadays, it’s no wonder that cybersecurity professionals are in such high demand for all types of organizations and businesses.
The responsibilities of cybersecurity experts may vary, but they have one vital function: to protect a company’s information systems.
What Are Information Systems?
Information systems are the networks, hardware and software that businesses use to collect data and put it to use. Information systems also interpret, gather, process and distribute data.
Businesses rely heavily on information systems to manage their operations and human resources, process financial accounts and reach potential customers. A sizeable portion of this data contains sensitive information, so it could negatively impact a business if a hacker gains unauthorized access.
Cybersecurity guards the integrity of an organization’s information systems against unauthorized access or even cyber-attacks. The primary function of cybersecurity is to protect all organizational assets from external and internal threats as well as disruptions caused by natural disasters.
Careers in Cybersecurity
Because of the unprecedented amount of data being collected, processed and stored by the government, corporate, financial and medical organizations, the need for cybersecurity has grown exponentially.
This cybersecurity job boom should come as no surprise. As the daily use of technology grows, the need for highly trained cybersecurity professionals grows along with it. In fact, the job market has grown so much that graduates usually have a wide range of options. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that computer and information technology jobs are projected to grow 11% between 2019 and 2029. It also reports that information security analyst roles, like those in cybersecurity, are expected to increase by 31% in the same time frame.
The following are some careers cybersecurity professionals can pursue with a bachelor’s degree in management information systems with a focus on cybersecurity: information security consultant, security director, incident manager, and information security specialist. The table lists the average salary figures for these careers, based on June 2021 data from CyberDegrees:
|
JOB TITLE |
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY |
|
Information Security Consultant |
$85,430 |
|
Security Director |
$85,728 |
|
Incident Manager |
$80,873 |
|
Information Security Specialist |
$76,358 |
Bright Future
The outlook for careers in cybersecurity is extremely positive. While finding the right career path may not be easy, the field is growing and full of opportunities. So, whether you’re trying to start your career or move into a new role, look for the jobs that best align with your interests.
Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems – Cybersecurity online program.
Sources:
Britannica: Information System
CompTIA: Best Jobs in Cybersecurity for 2021 and How to Get One
CyberDegrees: Top 10 Cybersecurity Jobs by Salary
Digital Guardian: What is Cyber Security? Definition, Best Practices & More
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Computer and Information Technology Statistics
Information Security Analysts
