What Is Cyber-Security?
Cyber-security is a broad field that protects the information stored on and transmitted through the computers, phones and other hardware of individuals and organizations from unauthorized access. It involves three main entities: endpoint devices, networks and the cloud. Some of the tools used to protect these entities are next-generation firewalls, secure coding practices and software updates.
Cyber security is a critical component of a business’s operations. In fact, Gartner predicts that by 2024, 80% of the magnitude of fines regulators will impose after a data breach will be due to failures to demonstrate duty of due care — not the impact of the attack itself.
For this reason, cybersecurity professionals are in demand. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can be an excellent stepping stone to a career in the field. But it’s important to choose the right program. The accreditation and designation of a school can speak volumes about the quality of its programs, Kamyck says. For example, SNHU’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and has been designated by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
As we continue to become more reliant on technology, cybersecurity becomes an increasingly important field for every industry. In addition to the need for businesses to encrypt sensitive financial information, hospitals and other medical facilities must protect patient privacy while providing essential medical services. And manufacturers and other industries rely on computer-based systems to manage production, store customer data, and communicate with employees.