See Yourself in Cybersecurity

It’s no surprise cybersecurity is a major part of our daily life. From taking simple steps to secure our personal information to major strategic plans protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure and beyond, cybersecurity is limitless. However, there was a global shortage of cybersecurity professionals in 2021 and currently, there are more than 700,000 cybersecurity-related job openings in the U.S. in 2022 – why is that?

One major contributor is the lack of professionals with the training, education and experience necessary to enter or grow with the ever-changing industry. At Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University, we’re addressing this need through our in-person and online undergraduate, graduate and professional certification programs in cybersecurity. Our cyber degree paths include cyber intelligence and security, IT security, cybersecurity engineering, aviation cybersecurity and much more.

If you are considering a career in cybersecurity, review the questions below to better understand your interests and how Embry‑Riddle can help prepare you for a successful career in this high-demand field.

Why is cybersecurity important?

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) defines cybersecurity as the practice of being protected against the criminal or unauthorized use of electronic data, or the measures taken to achieve this.

Information sharing is constant. Whether public or private, between friends, within corporations or among nations, it is occurring and susceptible to malware, hackers or social engineering attacks. Cybersecurity is necessary to protect data and prevent or mitigate such attacks. 

What area of cybersecurity am I most interested in?

Whether you are interested in a certain industry or specialization within cybersecurity, there’s plenty of different areas to choose from. A few of the many industries hiring cybersecurity graduates are e-commerce, healthcare, finance and transportation, including aerospace. From there, you can decide whether you prefer a career in the public or private sector.

Cybersecurity specializations include, but aren’t limited to, operating and maintaining, oversight and development, protect and defend, securely provision, collect and operate, analyze and investigate, according to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE). 

What level of education will I need to work in cybersecurity?

Depending on the cyber-industry or organization you are looking to work for, you may want to consider a certification or a bachelor’s degree related to the cybersecurity field.

At Embry‑Riddle, you can build a foundation for cybersecurity in our undergraduate security and intelligence programs. Our Bachelor of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security is accredited by the ABET-CAC and prepares graduates to defend the networks that keep the world safe and productive. If you’re looking to advance your education in cybersecurity, we offer several graduate programs including our Master’s in Aviation Cybersecurity, Master of Science in Cyber Intelligence and Security, and M.S. in Cybersecurity Engineering.

How else can I prepare to enter a successful career in cybersecurity?

Within Embry‑Riddle's cybersecurity degree programs, you will work alongside expert faculty who have decades of experience from professional institutions such as the CIA, FBI, the U.S. Military as well as the private sector.

Combined with our state-of-the-art labs including the Cyber Lab, the Cybersecurity Engineering Lab or the Cybersecurity Virtual Laboratory, along with cyber- and security-focused student organizations, internships and hack-a-thon competitions, students gain valuable experience before entering the industry.