Online Bachelors in Cybersecurity

Online Cy­ber­se­cu­ri­ty MBA

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Cybersecurity includes the practices and processes that are needed to secure networks, programs, and systems from cyberattacks. Digital attacks on systems are typically centered on accessing, destroying, or altering digital information. The end result of cyberattacks can be for monetary gain or for the sheer purpose of creating havoc within an organization’s usual business processes. With the innovation of cyberattacks continuing to increase, it is more important than ever to implement effective cybersecurity at every level of business leadership.

The most effective form of cybersecurity involves properly trained people who have a competent understanding of how cybersecurity processes work and have access to the latest technologies that protect against digital terrorism of all kinds. The importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated because cyberattacks run rampant everywhere. In business, it is especially important, when dealing with customers’ sensitive financial and personal information, to prioritize cybersecurity. Here are the different types of cybersecurity threats professionals deals with:

Malware

Malware is any software that has been designed to damage or access a computer or network without proper authorization. The word itself is a contraction of the words “malicious” and “software.” Specific types of malware can include viruses, trojans, adware, and spyware. The development of malware had once been relegated to the clever computer programmer who wanted a challenge when considering how to wreak havoc on an organization’s computer network, but today the invention and distribution of malware has turned into a business itself. While viruses act much like their biological counterparts and corrupt clean files by altering and deleting information, a trojan software will disguise itself as legitimate software, open a back door, and allow access for malware to destroy a healthy system.

Social Engineering

Programmers bent on performing acts of cybercrime online can also use social engineering tactics, which lure an unassuming computer user into opening an infected file or creating a link to an infected website. Email worms that promise monetary gains or unbelievable opportunities are popular forms of social engineering. Some of the most well-known social engineering campaigns in recent years include the LoveLetter worm from 2000, the Mydoom email worm from 2004, and the Swen worm which disguised itself as a safety measure sent from Microsoft Windows.

Ransomware

The theory of ransomware is a simple one: gain access to a computer user’s sensitive or financial information, encrypt the data, then hold the information for ransom until a sum of money is paid for its return. Cybercriminals who use this type of malware will typically give the victim a time limit, and there is no ensuring the data will be returned. The different forms of ransomware that have been designed include RaaS, scareware, crypto malware, and doxware.

Phishing

Phishing has been an issue for computer users for as long as there has been email. The most common form of phishing is when a cybercriminal misrepresents himself as a trusted brand or representative and goes fishing for information. Phishing can be done through phone calls, emails, and texts and can result in identity theft and financial loss of all kinds. Phishing has historically targeting victims who are elderly or computer illiterate.

Cybersecurity is an important part of everyone’s daily life as so many people depend on computers and smart devices. Seven years ago, only 35% of Americans owned a smart phone while today, that percentage is up to 81%. Since we are so dependent on networks and technology, there has never been more threats to our cybersecurity. All types of organizations need properly trained cybersecurity experts who can monitor systems and solve problems when cyberattacks take place. A degree like the online Cybersecurity MBA will train graduate students pursuing careers as cybersecurity managers. This position combines the technical prowess of an IT professional with the leadership skills of a team manager.

Are There Online Cybersecurity MBA Programs?

With such a great need for cybersecurity around the globe, the role of the manager in cybersecurity is an attractive one. The professional looking for job security, a high salary potential, and the option to work in a vast job market will be drawn to this sector of business. The cyberattacks on major corporations in recent years are still very fresh in the minds of millions of consumers. Brands like Target, JP Morgan, and Home Depot became susceptible to cybercriminals who compromised firewalls and gained access to millions of customers’ financial records.

An excellent degree to pursue in the field of cybersecurity, is the online Cybersecurity MBA. This program is offered at many of the nation’s finest business schools. This degree is a solid business leadership graduate program that equips the cybersecurity professional with the skills she will need to lead a team in this field. While the content of an online MBA is often identical to that of a traditional MBA, the format of distance-learning is imperative to so many working professionals today. Instead of having to visit a local college campus for courses, or move across the country to be near the best program, the online MBA student can enjoy an excellent degree from their hometown.

What jobs are available in Cybersecurity?

There are excellent positions currently available in the field of cybersecurity for graduates with an online Cybersecurity MBA. As advances in technology continue to take shape each year, professionals can expect for this job market to grow consistently over time. Today, some very attractive jobs in cybersecurity management are in high demand. Here are some of these jobs:

Security Architect

A security architect deals with the analysis of security threats and forms a recommendation of how to deal with such dilemmas. She will also oversee software or hardware development and is responsible for developing protocols for how an organization will treat security risks and breeches.

Lead Software Security Engineer

This very lucrative technical position combines the systems knowhow of an IT expert with the organizational and personnel responsibilities of a lead manager. A lead software security engineer will be responsible for a team of security experts whose job it is to develop cybersecurity software and systems.

These are just two of the exciting positions currently available to professionals holding the qualifying experience in IT with a degree like the online Cybersecurity MBA.

Ready to start your journey?

Ready to start your journey?