Your Future in Cybersecurity Starts Here

Discover your path to career success in one of IT's fastest-growing fields.
$120B
Industry
(Cybersecurity Ventures)
37%
Yearly Job Growth
(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012-2022)
$100k
Average Salary
(2018 IT Skills and Salary Report, North America)
#2
Best Technology Job
(U.S. News & World Report 2018)

Cybersecurity Skills Are in Critical Demand

 The demand for cybersecurity expertise is far outpacing supply. According to CyberSeek, there are over 350,000 open cybersecurity positions in the U.S. alone. The talent shortage is good news for job seekers and security-savvy professionals alike. With the right training, you can fill these critical roles that command the highest salaries and growth potential of any IT sector.

By 2022, there will be an estimated 1.8 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally.*

Top Industries for Cybersecurity Professionals

 Curious as to where you can start or advance your cybersecurity career? Most recently, industries managing consumer data like finance, healthcare, and retail have had the greatest demand. But with a sharp rise in cyberattacks and widening skills gap, a cross-sector crisis is at hand. From government agencies to global banking institutions to small hospitals, nearly every industry needs cybersecurity experts who can keep crucial data and information safe.

The 2018 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study found that 48% of organizations plan to increase their cybersecurity staffing over the next 12 months.

Cybersecurity Jobs In-Demand for 2019

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts are the frontline of defense for digital assets and infrastructure. They monitor networks, analyze threats, and make recommendations that help create the framework for an organization's information security protocol.
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Network Architect

Architects, often called engineers, are the minds behind the systems and procedures that protect digital information assets. They utilize a specialized skill set that includes knowledge of risk assessment, operating systems, and DDoS protection to design complex network-wide firewalls and security structures.

Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator

The point person for cybersecurity systems, administrators oversee the strategy for improving and maintaining security. This senior role sets the standard for policies companywide, spearheads investigation in the event of a breach, and leads the team that analyzes, audits, and creates security infrastructure.

Penetration tester

Penetration testers locate vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications and exploit them in the same manner of a hacker. More narrowly focused than ethical hackers, they simulate cyberattacks to identify weaknesses and make suggestions for improving security infrastructure.

IT Auditor

This specialized role evaluates an organization's information systems, security structures, and technologies operations. They identify points of weaknesses, prepare reports on their findings, and make recommendations for implementing effective cybersecurity strategies.

Cybersecurity Career Paths and Skills Needed

In a young and rapidly-evolving discipline like cybersecurity, there are few formal career paths. Cybersecurity experts come from a wide range of backgrounds and no two stories are the same. An (ISC)2 survey found that 87% of cybersecurity professionals didn't start out in cybersecurity.** Depending on your experience and interests, there are numerous routes to take to build a successful and rewarding career. Below are some common roles and frequently required certifications for each career level. Understanding jobs and relevant qualifications will help you build your career roadmap.

Cybersecurity Career Levels and Certifications
 

Validate Your Skills with Certifications

In the world of InfoSec, certifications matter. They verify your credibility and prove to hiring managers that you have the knowledge and skills to do the job. Many IT security roles, especially in the public sector, require a certification to apply. If you're already working in cybersecurity, getting certified keeps your skill set relevant and demonstrates your commitment to the field. In a 2018 survey of cybersecurity professionals, 86% of respondents said they are currently pursuing certifications or plan to in the future.*** Whether you're starting or elevating your cybersecurity career, certifications are building blocks to better job prospects and higher earning potential.

Why Get Certified?

83% of cybersecurity job postings in 2017 required at least one certification.
(Source: ISACA)

9 out of 10 employers agree that certifications are a critical factor in hiring decisions.
(Source: CompTIA)

Certified IT staff earn 22% more than their non-certified peers.
(Source: 2018 IT Skills and Salary Report)

Online Certification Training

Tomorrow's cyberspace defenders are training today.

Preparing for certification in an online exam prep course is the first step to some of today's most sought-after credentials from CompTIA, EC-Council, (ISC)², ISACA, Cisco, and more. Delivered in partnership with leading universities, our courses map to the certification exam objectives and align with the information assurance workforce standards set by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Why train with us?

  • Flexible online courses perfect for busy professionals
  • Certification training for every career level
  • Curriculum created by subject matter experts
  • Hands-on experience through virtualized lab environments
  • Personalized support from your instructor and student advisor

How Do I Get Started?

1. Choose a University
We partner with top-tier universities located in the nation's largest cybersecurity hubs to deliver in-demand online courses.
2. Enroll in Your Course
Prepare for certification at your own pace, on your own schedule with expert-developed curriculum.
3. Pass Your Certification Exam
Wherever you are in your career, our courses will help you gain the credentials needed for your next step.

Learn More About Our Partners

George Mason University
3351 Fairfax Dr., MS 2G2
Arlington, VA 22201 US
View Partner Page
University of Georgia
1197 So. Lumpkin St., Suite 192
Athens, GA 30602-3603
View Partner Page
University of Texas at Arlington
140 W. Mitchell Street
Arlington, TX 76019 US
View Partner Page

Ready to Learn More?

Get information about your training options and how to enroll.


or call (833) 283-4913

Expert Insights

Stay up to date on the latest cybersecurity news, industry trends and career insights from leaders in the field.

Expert Spotlight: Rob Arnold

Where is the cybersecurity job market heading? Rob Arnold, founder and CEO of Threat Sketch, weighs in on the skills and certifications needed for starting or pivoting your career to cybersecurity risk management.

Podcasts Every Cybersecurity Professional Should Listen To

Cybersecurity is a fast-paced industry. One of the best ways to stay current on new trends, emerging technologies, and future threats is listening to a podcast. We gathered the most relevant cybersecurity podcasts to keep you in-the-know.

The Best Publications in Cybersecurity Right Now

Cybersecurity is a fast-paced field. Stay up to date on the most relevant news and industry tools with these blogs and books.

Expert Spotlight: Lisa Jiggetts

What does it take to thrive in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity? Lisa Jiggetts, founder and president of the Women's Society for Cyberjutsu, shares her take.

How to Score High-Paying Cybersecurity Jobs

Cybersecurity boasts some of the highest salaries in the tech industry. Find out what skills and certifications you need to land a top-paying job.

Get cybersecurity career insights delivered straight to your inbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is cybersecurity important?
In today's connected world, nearly everyone has information that lives on a network or in the cloud. In addition, hackers are growing more and more sophisticated, causing new cybersecurity problems every day. Cyberattacks cost companies hundreds of billions of dollars every year, while decreasing the public's trust in compromised companies. From a financial and marketing perspective, the importance of cybersecurity can't be overstated.
What certifications do I need for cybersecurity?
The top cybersecurity certifications you need will depend on your experience level. For beginners, cybersecurity certifications like CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+ will give you the foundation you need. In addition, the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential is quickly becoming a requirement to obtain cybersecurity jobs. More advanced credentials include Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
What is the best cybersecurity certification?
The best cybersecurity certification for you depends on a few factors — your experience level, industry, and specializations should be considered. However, there are a few credentials that should be at the top of your list. Some of the best IT security certifications for beginners include the vendor-neutral CompTIA Security+ and (ISC)2 Systems Security Certified Professional (SSCP). The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential is also gaining recognition and is poised to be one of the top security certifications in 2019. For a more advanced certification, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is widely considered the gold standard.
Where can I get cybersecurity certifications?
Cybersecurity certifications are administered by various organizations. For example, the CISSP certification is issued by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, better known as (ISC)2. You'll typically take the exam at an administrative test center, such as Pearson VUE. Keep in mind, your cybersecurity certification path will always begin with studying, and that's where exam preparation courses come in. They're not just for beginner cybersecurity certifications, either. At ed2go, we offer study courses for all levels, to help you achieve your career goals.
How long does it take to get a cybersecurity certification?
Your cybersecurity certification path will depend on which credential you are earning, as well as a few other factors. First, you'll want to enroll in an exam preparation course. At ed2go, you'll have up to 6 months to complete your course, but you can finish it faster, as all our courses are self-paced. Then you'll need to schedule and sit for your exam. If you study well and pass the exam on your first try, it should take under 1 year to complete that portion. However, keep in mind that some certifications have experience or work requirements as well. Be sure to look into the prerequisites for the particular certification you have in mind.
SOURCES:     * 2017 Global Information Security Workforce Study (GISWS)  ** 2017 Global Information Security Workforce Study (GISWS)  *** (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 2018