What is Cyber Security? Detailed Answers to FAQ

Fixing an email attack on a personal level is detrimental. Fixing a security attack on a network level can be catastrophic. Not only is a security breach a source of panic for a company, but it's also a serious problem for that company's clients. Many companies hold private client details such as bank account numbers and credit card numbers within a network. When security is breached, that information can fall into the hands of hackers and can be sold or held hostage. Without a cybersecurity expert on staff, corporations are at risk of being attacked by hackers and losing confidential information.

If you're considering a career in cybersecurity, it helps to have a few years of technical expertise in a related field. If you don't have any prior technical experience, you will need to obtain a degree from a college or university, or acquire certificates in cybersecurity from reputable companies. Some organizations hire security experts that don't have any kind of certification or degree, but this is rare. You should also have a knack for problem-solving, be willing and able to effectively communicate, and know a great deal about network security. If you currently hold a security position but would like to obtain a more lucrative position, taking courses in cybersecurity is a wise idea.

Do you like to solve mysteries? Are you good at explaining potential security problems to teams? Do you have a background in technical security or another field that is within the same wheelhouse? If so, a position in cybersecurity might be something you should look into. However, you should know that security positions are quite hectic and can often require irregular office hours. If a threat occurs, you'll be required to fix the damage immediately and this can mean being on-call during holidays and weekends. Cybersecurity experts must also be adept at communicating with non-technical staff, which is something to think about if you're not fond of presentations or instructing large groups of people.

This question is difficult to answer since it really depends on your current level of expertise. If you have some experience in technology or have worked in a field that is similar to cybersecurity, you may not find it hard to learn. If you have no experience but have an avid interest in security issues and problems, you may find coursework challenging but still interesting. A degree in cybersecurity will take four years to complete while a certificate may take less time. However, you will find better positions if you commit to a four-year degree or enroll in online courses while holding another technical position.

Most cyber security degrees include one or two math courses. A bachelor's degree will include more math, while an associate degree or certificate may only include basic math skills. Mathematics will play a part in becoming a cyber security expert but may not be an essential element. That said, you will need a basic understanding of math and will be required to pass any math courses while working towards a certificate or degree. If you want to specialize in cryptography or reverse engineering, advanced math skills are important. However, the main math skill used in most cybersecurity positions is basic algebra.

Technically, programming is not a necessarily required to secure a cybersecurity position. However, understanding programming languages is important to gain a better overall sense of network security and how systems work. To gain an in-depth understanding of how a computer works, you will need to know at least the basics of programming languages. If you currently work in cybersecurity or a field related to security but don't have programming skills, you can take an online course to further your skillset. Many courses are offered online and can be completed at your own pace. Unless you're happy with an entry-level position, learning a programming language is recommended.

A plethora of network attacks has made cybersecurity a top concern for companies both large and small. Without a security expert on staff, companies are at risk for data breaches and entire network failures. A security attack can mean theft of important corporate data, the halting of stock market trading, and massive financial loss for both clients and companies. Even though cybersecurity is a top priority for many companies, highly skilled security experts are rare. You can increase your chances of securing a lucrative position within a company if you take the time to gain a certificate or degree in a cybersecurity niche.

Network security was once an afterthought, but hackers have become more advanced and attacks happen quite frequently now. While cybersecurity once meant fixing problems once they happened, it now means having a plan in place in case problems do occur and working towards finding holes in networks before problems happen. Essentially, security has gone from reactive repair to preventative care. The fact that employees now bring personal devices to work is also a factor in security since these devices can shatter entire networks. Security experts once worked solely within technical departments, but now cybersecurity positions require communicating with entire teams.

There are literally thousands of possible network threats, but some of the biggest include the following:

• Adware/Spyware: when installing unknowingly, this software can scan an entire system, take note of patterns, and spy on network users.
• Trojan Horse: a Trojan Horse virus appears harmless at first, but can take down an entire network in minutes.
• Computer or network virus: a network virus can be implemented and affect company files rendering the information useless or damaged.
• Worms: a worm may take a while to infiltrate a system but can remove essential data.
• DOS or DDOS attacks: these attacks happen when hackers flood networks with too many requests causing the server to crash.
• Personal device threats: employees can be a threat to the network when information is shared via personal devices.

The first step in ensuring cyber security is to make sure you have a cybersecurity expert on staff and on-call at all times since hackers don't work regular office hours. This person will actively look for threats daily, prepare plans in case of an attack, and coach staff on safety procedures. Aside from hiring the right security person, you can keep a network secure by making sure that employees understand what is and isn't safe, using virus scanners and protectors, and using a firewall. The biggest mistake that a company can make is not taking network security seriously, which has been proven detrimental to a network.

Yes; every company requires network security. The demand for cybersecurity experts is on the rise with more and more companies seeking seasoned experts. On average, salaries for positions within this field range from $75,000 to over $125,000. Even though the demand for network security experts is rising, there's a shortage of people with the right qualifications. Without cybersecurity, networks are susceptible to hackers and all kinds of other threats. The key to finding a lucrative job in cybersecurity is to obtain a certificate, degree, or applicable experience in the field. Since these jobs are needed by every company, big or small, you shouldn't have a hard time finding work in the cyber security field.