The Sever Insider

The Growing Field of Cybersecurity

Join the growing field of cybersecurity and make an impact protecting businesses and organizations from online threats and attacks.

The Growing Threat

As our reliance on technology continues to grow, so does the threat of cyberattacks and the need to invest in defense against cyber crime. That’s why there is a growing demand for highly skilled cybersecurity professionals. At the Sever Institute at Washington University in St. Louis, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your cybersecurity career.

The cybersecurity field is constantly evolving and presents a variety of opportunities for job growth, career changes and additional education. Before exploring the growing cybersecurity field and its career possibilities, however, it’s important to understand the basics of cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification and destruction. It’s a broad field that encompasses a wide range of areas and systems, including:

Network security
Risk management
Incident response
Data loss prevention
Data protection
Compliance

Strong and comprehensive cybersecurity strategies can help protect personal information, financial data and infrastructure critical to the success and operations of businesses, government and more.

Securing Our Future

Understanding the Importance of Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks are becoming more common and more sophisticated. In 2022, there were over 6.5 billion cyberattacks worldwide. The repercussions of these cyberattacks, particularly those involving data ransom and identity theft, have had devastating impacts on companies, public entities and individuals alike.To combat the threat of cyberattacks, organizations must devote an increasing amount of resources—in time, money and talent in the detection and prevention of cyber crime.

The result has been a boom in demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals ready for leadership roles. As the job market for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, consider what is driving the urgency of these cybersecurity factors?

Increasing reliance on technology: As society’s reliance on technology grows, so does the threat of cyberattacks. Businesses, governments and individuals are using technology more often, for everything from day-to-day tasks to critical operations and business management. This increasing reliance on technology makes all users ever more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.
Sophistication of cyber-attacks: The techniques hackers use to access computer systems and networks are constantly evolving. As their approach advances, so does the need for robust cybersecurity strategies.
High cost of cybersecurity breaches: Victims of cyberattacks, whether businesses or individuals, can lose money and data ― and their reputation. In 2017 the WannaCry ransomware attack infected over 200,000 computers in 150 countries, causing billions of dollars in damage.
Growth of remote work: The COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to shift to remote work. As professionals began using less secure home internet connections, businesses had to quickly adapt their security postures to accommodate more distributed workforces. With so many roles now permanently remote, organizations still require nimble cybersecurity procedures to address increased demand for remote access security, cloud security, and more.
Shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals: Because of the rapid rise in the number and sophistication of cyberattacks, there are not enough cybersecurity professionals ready and able to meet demand.

In Demand

Jobs in Cybersecurity

As people become more aware of the risks of cybercrime, the demand for cybersecurity solutions is growing. This awareness is driving the growth of cybersecurity careers, as businesses and organizations look to protect themselves from cyberattacks.

Become a Cybersecurity Professional

Cybersecurity is a vast and ever-evolving field, with a wide variety of roles available for professionals with different skills and interests. Cybersecurity professionals can come from almost any background, including computer science, information technology, engineering and mathematics. So, whether you’re interested in protecting computer networks, analyzing security logs or designing security solutions, there’s a role in cybersecurity that’s right for you.

Jobs in Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity field continues to experience tremendous growth ― available positions are expected to increase 35 percent by 2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Some of the most common jobs in cybersecurity include:

Cybersecurity analyst: Monitors and analyzes security logs and data to identify and mitigate threats.
Cybersecurity engineer: Designs, implements and maintains security solutions
Forensic analyst: Investigates cybercrime incidents to gather evidence and identify the perpetrators
Compliance officer: Ensures organizations meet and uphold all applicable cybersecurity regulations
Incident responder: Responds to cybersecurity incidents
Security architect: Designs and implements cybersecurity architectures
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): Responsible for the overall security of an organization

Learn More About Cybersecurity

Learn more about becoming a cybersecurity professional. Explore the Washington University of St. Louis online master’s degree in Cybersecurity Management.

WashU’s Master of Cybersecurity Management program allows you to complete your degree fully online around your busy schedule. Our 10-course, 30 credit hour master’s degree program prepares you for growth in your cybersecurity career.

Learn more