Today, most enterprises have an online presence, making them more susceptible to cyberattacks. According to former FBI Director Robert Mueller, “There are only two types of companies: those that have been hacked and those that will be” (French, 2018, p. 607).
Enterprises have much to gain from implementing industry-best cybersecurity practices. As one of today’s fastest-growing industries, cybersecurity offers endless opportunities to aspirants. There is high demand for cybersecurity professionals today due to the widespread prevalence of cyberattacks, which has prompted swift action from security experts. Organizations and government agencies require the expertise of skilled cybersecurity professionals to assess and manage their security plans. However, the large talent gap in the industry has led to a shortage of skilled professionals with the necessary cybersecurity degrees and certifications.
Individuals seeking a career in the cybersecurity field need to obtain the necessary knowledge and skills to become cybersecurity experts. A degree in cybersecurity, such as the online Cyber Security Graduate Program offered by EC-Council University (ECCU), can help you acquire this skill set and gain a competitive edge in the market. Whether you’re interested in upskilling or want to learn cybersecurity from scratch, ECCU’s Graduate Certificate Program can help you secure a solid footing in the cybersecurity domain.
This blog discusses the various opportunities that online cybersecurity degrees can offer. Before we delve further, we’ll first learn about ECCU’s Graduate Certificate Program.
Online Graduate Certificate Program
The online Graduate Certificate Program in cybersecurity offered by ECCU provides learners with the resources and knowledge they need to expand their skill set. The program is designed to give candidates the necessary technical training to apply cybersecurity concepts in the context of organizational structure and behavior and enhance their competencies to help them succeed in the cybersecurity field.
If you are considering pursuing a cybersecurity degree online, the time is ripe. With the online Graduate Certificate Program, working professionals can have the flexibility they need to enjoy work-life balance and learn at their own pace.
The following section highlights the components of the Graduate Certificate Program.
What Does the Graduate Certificate Program Entail?
ECCU’s Graduate Certificate Program, which can be considered a mini degree, gives you the competitive edge you need to succeed professionally. The program is mapped to industry standards and is derived from ECCU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity curriculum. Each certificate meets the federal National Security Telecommunications and Information Systems Security Instruction requirements. Each graduate certificate offers several benefits:
- Preparation for industry-recognized certifications
- National Security Agency program mappings
- Executive leadership development
- Master’s-level education
- Development of critical thinking skills
- Ethical practice
ECCU’s In-Demand Graduate Certificate Program
Each certificate in the Graduate Certificate Program targets different skills specific to a particular job role. Students pursuing these certificates can acquire them individually or as a set of up to five. The certificates prepare students for the challenge of passing the various independent industry certification examinations. The in-demand Graduate Certificate Program offered by ECCU offers the following specializations:
- Information Security Professional Graduate Certificate
- Security Analyst Professional Graduate Certificate
- Enterprise Security Architect Professional Graduate Certificate
- Digital Forensics Professional Graduate Certificate
- Incident Management and Business Continuity Professional Graduate Certificate
- Executive Leadership in Information Assurance Professional Graduate Certificate
Information Security Professional: The Information Security Professional Graduate Certificate focuses on three areas: ethical hacking and countermeasures, management of secure network systems, and research and writing. The topics covered by this certificate create the functional and organizational skill set required to implement any information security plan.
Associated Certifications
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH)
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH)
Security Analyst: The Security Analyst Professional Graduate Certificate focuses on the testing methods and techniques used to effectively identify and mitigate a company’s security infrastructure risks.</>
Associated certifications include the EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (E|CSA) and EC-Council Licensed Penetration Tester (L|PT Master).
Enterprise Security Architect: The Enterprise Security Architect program focuses on planning, analyzing, designing, configuring, testing, supporting, and implementing necessary actions within an organization’s computer and network security infrastructure to ensure it is safe from unwanted intrusions.
The associated certification is the EC-Council Certified Secure Programmer (E|CSP).
Digital Forensics: The Digital Forensics Professional Graduate Certificate is mapped to the skill set of a computer forensic investigator. The certificate provides candidates with the knowledge and training required to qualify for a digital forensic investigator position.
The associated certification is the EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (C|HFI).
Incident Management and Business Continuity: Incident management and business continuity experts are required to handle and respond to various security incidents. They design, structure, and implement strategic plans to safeguard their organization and lead teams through change. It is their responsibility to effectively identify and predict vulnerabilities and take appropriate countermeasures to prevent data breaches and information risks.
Associated certifications include the EC-Council Disaster Recovery Professional (E|DRP) and EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (E|CIH).
Executive Leadership in Information Assurance: This graduate certificate provides the fundamental skills required to grasp global leadership concepts and understand the requirements of a C-level position. It also provides students with the necessary knowledge to manage IT security projects and increase success rates for organizations and IT managers.
Associated certifications include the EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO) and EC-Council Information Security Manager (E|ISM).
Is ECCU’s Online Graduate Certificate Program Worth It?
ECCU’s Graduate Certificate Program prepares students to face the challenges of real-world threat scenarios precipitated by rapid technological advancements. Students who pursue the Graduate Certificate Program in cybersecurity will acquire competencies in all areas required for leadership and managerial positions. Candidates will also learn how to successfully analyze and navigate their organizational hierarchy. Below are a few of the job roles relevant to students with a cybersecurity Graduate Certificate Program.
Ethical Hackers
Ethical hackers are experts responsible for strengthening the security of an organization’s systems and networks. They conduct advanced penetration tests to identify weak links and vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do. According to PayScale, the average salary of a Certified Ethical Hacker in the U.S. is $95,000 per year.
Information Assurance Security Officer
Information assurance security officers are responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of an organization’s information systems. They should have in-depth knowledge of their company’s information assurance policies and procedures. According to PayScale, the average salary for an information assurance security officer is $85,567 per year.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity analysts mitigate cyber risks and threats by collecting data from various cyber defense tools, such as Wireshark, Kali Linux, John the Ripper, Metasploit, and Cain and Abel, to ensure that an organization’s systems are impenetrable and that data is secured. Subsequently, they analyze any suspicious activity within an organization to reduce and eliminate threats. According to PayScale, the average salary of a cybersecurity analyst is $76,820 per year.
Computer Network Architect
Computer network architects are largely responsible for designing and building strong data communication networks. They need to have a solid understanding of an organization’s business plan so they can design appropriate measures. According to PayScale, the average salary of a computer network architect is $121,868 per year.
Security Incident Responder
A security incident responder is responsible for providing a rapid initial response in the event of a cyberattack. According to PayScale, the average salary of a security incident responder is $73,676 per year.
Why Choose EC-Council University?
- Internationally acclaimed university in the cybersecurity field
- Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
- Industry-practitioner faculty members who also serve as mentors for students
- Hands-on practice for students through iLabs, a robust online learning platform
- Relevant programs that ensure students are industry read
What more can you ask for? An online degree in cybersecurity can open up endless opportunities to advance your career. Enroll in ECCU’s Graduate Certificate Program to build a promising career in the information security domain.
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References
French, C. (2018). Insuring against cyber risk: The evolution of an industry. Penn State Law Review, 122(3), 607–611.
