Is Cybersecurity a Good Career? Pathways for Graduates

Written by: East Carolina University® • Sep 11, 2024

Cybersecurity professionals review code on a monitor.

Is Cybersecurity a Good Career? Pathways for Graduates

Cyberattacks can cause severe damage to organizations, and their economic impact is increasing each year. The average global breach cost $4.45 million in 2023, according to an IBM report—15% more than in 2020. In addition to the negative impact on an organization’s bottom line, a data breach can damage its reputation.

Not just large organizations are at risk. According to a 2023 report from Hiscox, 41% of small businesses experienced a cyberattack in 2023. Just 50% of the small businesses that paid ransoms in ransomware attacks recovered their data in full, and 50% of the small businesses that fell victim to ransomware had to rebuild their systems.

Because of the potential for harm, organizations across industries are increasingly making cybersecurity an integral part of their overall strategy. As workplace technology continues to evolve, the need for effective cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data is expected to grow as well. Given this potential growth, individuals considering earning a degree in information and cybersecurity technology may be wondering, is cybersecurity a good career choice?

The Current State of the Cybersecurity Field

The expansion of the internet’s role in organizations’ operations via technologies such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) has improved their efficiency, but it also has opened new avenues of connectivity that can be exploited. This has made the work of cybersecurity professionals much more complex, as they now face a wider range of potential vulnerabilities.

Cybercriminals have also grown more sophisticated in their attack methods. According to a 2024 report from Keeper Security, 95% of information technology (IT) leaders polled said attacks are more sophisticated than ever. New and emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), deepfake technology, and attacks through the cloud and the IoT have helped fuel this challenge.

The Response to Cyberthreats

The one-two punch of more points of entry and increasingly sophisticated attacks is expected to compel organizations to increase their spending on fighting cybercrime. According to a 2024 Statista report based on responses from business-to-consumer, business-to-business, and business-to-government organizations, cybersecurity revenue is projected to increase 7.39% between 2024 and 2029, with a market volume of $116.2 billion expected by 2028.

This increased need for organizations to invest in cybersecurity parallels their increased need for cybersecurity professionals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects there will be 377,500 job openings for computer and information technology professionals—including cybersecurity professionals—each year between 2022 and 2032.

For information security analysts, a role closely affiliated with essential cybersecurity functions, the BLS projects 32% job growth during the same 10-year time frame.

These opportunities mean that, regarding job outlook and stability, cybersecurity is a good career choice. However, the increasingly complex challenges of the field mean that cybersecurity professionals face constant changes in cyberattackers’ approaches. A solid educational foundation can be a key element in preparing to meet these evolving threats.

Why Pursue an Education in Cybersecurity?

Earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is an educational investment that can pay long-term dividends in a number of different ways. Cybersecurity programs equip students with the foundational knowledge and skills required to succeed in the field, and most programs also offer the opportunity to specialize and gain hands-on experience. And for individuals interested in taking on more responsibility, pursuing an advanced degree or further certification can further prepare them to be leaders in a complex, ever-changing field.

Degree vs. Certification

When pursuing a cybersecurity education, students can opt for a degree program or a certification program. Either one can help students learn the fundamental concepts and practices of cybersecurity, which are key to breaking into the field. However, a degree program offers individuals a more holistic approach to the discipline that can help prepare them for advanced roles.

Earning a certificate does take less time and is less expensive. It can also allow students to focus on a specific aspect of cybersecurity. Yet, when taking the long view of a cybersecurity career, a degree program may offer several advantages over a certification program. Some of these are:

Permanence: Once an individual earns a cybersecurity degree, it is a credential they have for the duration of their career. Certificates, on the other hand, typically expire.
Advanced Skills: A degree program—particularly a master’s degree program—can help individuals develop leadership and management competencies that can enable them to pursue higher-level positions.
Broader Opportunities: Some employers prefer to hire candidates with degrees. Additionally, higher-level cybersecurity roles may be open exclusively to degree-holders; in some cases, these roles may require an advanced degree.

While earning a cybersecurity certification may be enough to get a foot in the door, earning a degree can swing that door open for the rest of a person’s career. For those who have already used a certificate to gain entry into the field and are considering earning a degree, tuition reimbursement may be available to them from their employer.

Benefits of a Cybersecurity Degree

Individuals who earn a cybersecurity degree can enjoy a wide range of benefits that go beyond developing a solid knowledge base.

One of the key benefits of earning a cybersecurity degree is increased job opportunities. Some employers prefer candidates with a degree even for entry-level jobs. Additionally, senior-level IT roles, which can include roles pertaining to cybersecurity, often require a degree.

Another benefit is the potential for higher compensation, as those with a degree often earn more than those without one. Payscale reports that the median annual salary for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity was approximately $77,000 as of June 2024, while the median salary for those with a cybersecurity certification was $70,000.

Additionally, earning a cybersecurity degree can help students learn how to apply their cybersecurity skills in the context of a work environment. Undergraduate programs typically concentrate on building fundamental knowledge of key cybersecurity concepts and theories, with courses covering material such as cybersecurity technology, digital communication systems, and wireless communication. However, they often also include topics such as industrial psychology and technical presentations that go beyond the technical skills of certification programs. When students pursue an advanced degree such as a master’s they can often select courses in leadership and management as well.

Students enrolled in a cybersecurity program can also develop a professional network while they complete their studies. At the undergraduate level, these opportunities may come in the form of internships, mentoring programs, faculty recommendations, or career services resources. Connections formed through these experiences can lead to future job opportunities.

Benefits of a Career in Cybersecurity

In addition to the job growth potential, there are many reasons to pursue a career in cybersecurity. The following are just some of them.

Many career possibilities. Cybersecurity professionals are needed in a wide array of industries and positions. This means prospective professionals can likely find employment in a specific field or area of interest.
Dynamic roles. As technology advances, the cybersecurity field continues to evolve with it. Those who enter the profession can likely expect consistent innovation in their individual roles and the field as a whole.
Opportunities for specialization. Once graduates have a solid foundational education, they can choose to hone their skills in a specific area or field through further education or certification.
Remote capabilities. Because so much cybersecurity work is online, it’s not always required to do work in person. As long as they have internet access and the right tools, many professionals have remote working capabilities.

Cybersecurity Careers at a Glance

One element that makes cybersecurity a good career choice is the wide range of professional roles that cybersecurity graduates can pursue. While professionals in these positions all work to protect an organization’s systems and networks, they differ in how they approach this work.

Computer Support Specialist

Computer support specialists may provide tech support to computer end users, or maintain computer networks. Those in the former capacity help users resolve a wide range of computer issues, and may train them to use different types of hardware and software. Those in the second capacity identify and resolve computer network issues and help maintain the stability of a computer system’s infrastructure. They also help establish protocols to protect that infrastructure in the event of a cyberattack or other disruption.

The BLS reports that the 2023 median annual salary for computer support specialists was $60,810.

Systems Administrator

Systems administrators oversee an organization’s operating systems, computer networks, and servers. These networks can include data communication networks, wide area networks (WANs), and local area networks (LANs). They install and configure system hardware and software based on the organization’s needs, upgrading and repairing vulnerable elements as necessary. Those in the role also ensure consistent system security and optimize network performance. They may resolve various end user issues as well.

The 2023 median annual salary for system administrators was $95,360, according to the BLS.

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts execute system and network security strategies that minimize the threat of cyberattacks. They routinely monitor systems for potential security breaches and conduct investigations on successful penetrations. They also develop best practice security standards, and may also create online disaster recovery plans. Additionally, they perform various audits to make sure networks and systems are in compliance with industry standards.

According to the BLS, the 2023 median annual salary for information security analysts was $120,360.

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts respond to system or network breaches and restore functionality in the event of a successful penetration. Those in the role take proactive preventive measures such as routinely evaluating vulnerabilities and recommending changes to mitigate weak points. They also document attempted cyberattacks and successful penetrations.

The median annual salary for cybersecurity analysts was approximately $81,300 as of June 2024, according to Payscale.

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity engineers develop and implement security systems that can help protect organizations and sensitive information from threats. They create and manage solutions for both pre-existing and emerging threats, as well as reassessing and bolstering existing security measures. They may also conduct penetration testing and network upkeep.

The median annual salary for cybersecurity engineers was about $102,070 as of June 2024, according to Payscale.

Penetration Tester

Also known as pen testers, penetration testers attempt to infiltrate an organization’s computer networks, databases, and systems to identify vulnerabilities and recommend fixes. Additionally, those in the role may advise staff on best practices to prevent potential attacks. They also monitor the latest developments in cyberattack methods.

The median annual salary for penetration testers was around $95,060 as of June 2024, according to Payscale.

Security Architect

Security architects develop, build, and oversee an organization’s security systems. They work with organizational leaders to define specific security goals, and may use vulnerability assessments or penetration tests to identify weak points.

The median annual salary for security architects was around $139,630 as of May 2024, according to Payscale.

IT Auditor

Information technology (IT) auditors review IT systems and security at organizations to ensure they maintain compliance and efficiency. They also alert those organizations of any issues and advise them on how to resolve them. IT auditors can be internal or external to the organization. Internal auditors work directly for the organization and routinely assess its processes. External auditors usually work for regulatory bodies or consulting firms and perform assessments of client organizations.

According to Payscale, the median annual salary for IT auditors is $77,600 as of June 2024.

Step Into a Growing Field

By many metrics, cybersecurity is a good career choice and an increasingly crucial field. Cybersecurity professionals play a key role in protecting sensitive information from cyberattacks that can significantly damage an organization’s finances and public standing. With strong job security and competitive salaries, the field offers stability and tangible rewards.

The online Bachelor of Science in Information and Cybersecurity Technology (ICT) with a Cybersecurity concentration degree completion program at East Carolina University®️ can help you prepare for a cybersecurity career. Our program can provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills that will support your career journey, all in an online environment suited to accommodate your busy schedule.

Find out how you can make a difference in one of today’s fastest growing fields.

Recommended Readings

Cybersecurity vs. Information Technology: What’s the Difference?

Network Security Engineer Salary & Job Description

Cybersecurity Skills by Industry

Sources:

CompTIA, “What Is a Cybersecurity Engineer?”

Cyber Security and Applications, “Cyber Security: State of the Art, Challenges and Future Directions”

Cyberseek, Cybersecurity Career Pathway

Hiscox, “Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report 2023”

IBM, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023

Indeed, “Is Cybersecurity a Good Career? (With 13 Benefits)”