There are 2.7 million openings for cybersecurity jobs globally.
Based on (ISC)² 2021 Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2021, the industry needs at least 2.7 million more specialists
For example, the number of Cyber Security professionals needed is 377,000 in the US, 33,000 in the UK, 441,000 in Brazil, 260,000 in Mexico, and 68,000 in Germany.
For example, the real effects of a Staffing Shortage are misconfigured systems, slow patch cycles, rushed deployments, insufficient time for thorough risk assessment, inadequate process and procedure control, and more.
We need more Cyber Security professionals as quick as possible
This article deals with the topic of education and development possibilities in cyber security to help future professionals choose the best way to learn and develop their “security” skills.
Graduates with a cybersecurity degree are prepared to enter the fast-growing computer and information technology industry.
We require more advanced security measures as our reliance on information, network, and cloud-based technology grows. To ensure that graduates receive the most up-to-date training, the top cybersecurity schools concentrate on emerging technology.
First of all, let’s take a look at the types of cyber security degrees:
Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity
The cost of a bachelor's degree varies by institution, but cybersecurity colleges provide numerous options for financial aid. Typically, a high school diploma or its equivalent is required for entry.
Regular cybersecurity courses usually include an introduction to scripting, security risk management, securing visual and cloud systems, and a cybersecurity capstone and take about four years to complete
Master's Degree in Cybersecurity
Usually, it takes 1-2 years to acquire a master's degree in cybersecurity. Basic education consists of enterprise architecture, risk management, information security assurance, and cybersecurity management.
Ph.D. in Cybersecurity
Usually, a doctorate in cybersecurity takes four to five years.You would be able to study software vulnerabilities and security, computer hardware and system security, and assurance controls and compliance management.
Ph.D. cybersecurity graduates can work in advanced research and teaching positions in universities.
Certificate in Cybersecurity
People who cannot or don’t want to spend the time and money to pursue complete degrees may find a cybersecurity certificate appealing.
Compared to degrees, certificates typically take less time and have fewer admission criteria. For those pursuing entry-level positions or career moves, earning a certificate may be suitable.
Cybersecurity Certifications
Certifications, as contrary to academic certificates, represent third-party recognition based on industrial norms.
The most popular examples are: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP), CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor, CCNP security certification (more about the certification you will find in my next article)
Study in the US? Find out more about the best Cyber Security Schools and Universities:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Founded in1861, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private university. There are 4,638 undergraduate students in total (fall 2021)
MIT, which is composed of five schools and a college is situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It focuses on scientific and technical research.
Notable alumni include Drew Houston – co-founder and CEO of Dropbox,
Robert Spinrad (Ph.D.) – computer pioneer; director of the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center,
Robert Metcalfe – entrepreneur, founder of 3Com, and inventor of Ethernet
Susan Landau (Ph.D.hD 1983) – Guggenheim Fellow and cybersecurity expert.
Among National Universities is ranked #2 in the 2022–2023 edition of Best Colleges. #1 in Cybersecurity and #2 in AI and Computer Systems.
Degrees offered: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate - research/scholarship
Private institution Carnegie Mellon University was established in 1900. There are 7,365 undergraduate students enrolled in total (fall 2021).
Pittsburgh is the home of Carnegie Mellon University, which was established by billionaire and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
Out of 443 National Universities, Carnegie Mellon University is ranked number 22 and number 1 in Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence.
Degrees offered:
Bachelor's, post-bachelor's certificate, Master's, Post-master's certificate, Doctorate - research/scholarship
The public university University of California, Berkeley was established in 1868 and a number of 32,143 undergraduate students are enrolled there in total (fall 2021).
It's commonly known that Berkeley is a hub of liberal student activism (Free Speech Movement, a 1964 Berkeley student demonstration against the government's restriction on political engagement.)
In National Universities it is number 20, #3 in Cyber Security, #4 in AI and #1 in Computer Systems.
Degrees offered:
Bachelor's, post-bachelor's certificate, Master's, Post-master's certificate, Doctorate - professional practice, Doctorate - research/scholarship
The private university was founded in 1885. There are 7,645 undergraduate students enrolled in total (fall 2021).
The gorgeous campus of Stanford University is situated in the Bay Area of California, close to San Francisco.
It is well-known for having an entrepreneurial spirit that is influenced by both its connection to Silicon Valley and the heritage of its founders, Jane and Leland Stanford. The humanities, social sciences, engineering, and the sciences are all areas of excellence.
Stanford University is ranked #3 out of 443 National Universities and #5 in Cybersecurity and Software Engineering.
Degrees offered:
Bachelor's, Post-bachelor's certificate, Master's, Doctorate - professional practice, Doctorate - research/scholarship.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Founded in 1885, the Georgia Institute of Technology is a public university. There are 17,447 undergraduate students enrolled in total (fall 2021)
The Georgia Institute of Technology, a renowned research institution with a campus in Atlanta, is devoted to improving human welfare via cutting-edge science and technology.
More than 100 interdisciplinary research centers at Georgia Tech regularly provide crucial research and innovation to American business, industry, and government.
Georgia Institute of Technology is ranked #44 out of 443 National Universities, #4 in Cybersecurity and Data Analytics/Science
Degrees offered:
Bachelor's, Post-bachelor's certificate, Master's, Post-master's certificate, Doctorate - research/scholarship
How about Europe?
The third-oldest university and one of the most prominent in the world, Cambridge was founded in 1209 and was given a royal charter by Henry III in 1231.
The University of Cambridge consistently places first in global rankings for the caliber of its teaching and scholarship output. Cambridge has a long tradition of engineering studies, and the university is dedicated to its continuous growth, development, and success. Over 1200 undergraduates and 800 postgraduates, or about 10% of all Cambridge students, study engineering.
The most Nobel Prizes of any university in the world have been achieved by alumni and faculty of Cambridge over the course of its eight-century history.
This city is well known for its rich history, which includes important scientific developments and iconic structures like the stunning gothic King's College church.
According to edurank.org University of Cambridge is ranked Cyber Security #1 in Europe #1 in the United Kingdom and #4 in the World
Degrees offered:
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professionals, and Doctorates.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
ETH Zurich has been a national educational institution of worldwide significance that draws talent from all over the world ever since it was founded in 1855 under the name "Polytechnikum."
The fledgling educational institution was transformed into one of the driving forces behind Swiss industrialization thanks to the effective fusion of cosmopolitanism and strong national connections: it brought the necessary expertise into the nation, trained experts, and assisted in the development of future-oriented national infrastructures.
In its short history, ETH Zurich has produced and attracted numerous renowned scientists, including Albert Einstein and John von Neumann. More than twenty Nobel laureates have either attended ETH Zurich as students or received the Nobel Prize for work done there. Other graduates include scientists who excelled in their professions and received the highest honors, including the Fields Medal, Pritzker Prize, and Turing Award. In addition to its academic standing, ETH Zurich has produced numerous Olympic and world winners.
ETH Zurich was ranked #2 in Europe #1 in Switzerland #20 in the World for Cyber Security
Degrees offered:
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professionals, and Doctorates.
The university was founded on 9 December 1425, making it one of the oldest institutions in Europe. Our institution holds the distinction of being both the oldest Catholic university in the world and the oldest university in the Low Countries still in function.
For Cyber Security #3 in Europe, #1 in Belgium, and #22 in the World
The Master of Cybersecurity is divided into five themes: cryptography, privacy, hardware security, safe software, and systems security.
Degrees offered:
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Advanced master’s programs, and Doctorates.
Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne
Located in Lausanne, Switzerland, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology is a public research institution. The university's focus is on natural sciences and engineering, and there are more than 11,500 students, over 350 labs, and research organizations on campus.
EPFL encourages business innovation activities, creates new programs to support entrepreneurship, and launches new thematic initiatives to boost corporate collaboration.
For Cyber Security is ranked #4 in Europe, #2 in Switzerland and #24 in the World
Degrees offered:
Bachelor’s, Master’s, Professionals and Doctorates.
As you can see, students who want to study cybersecurity have lots of excellent possibilities in Europe and in the US. All of the universities mentioned above provide students with the information and abilities necessary to assist in defending organizations and companies against cyberattacks, providing them with a strong foundation to be great and successful cyber security warriors.