Five Reasons Why a Cybersecurity Degree Is Worth the Effort

Five Reasons Why a Cybersecurity Degree Is Worth the Effort

To appreciate the value of a cybersecurity degree, it is helpful to place it in the context of some informative—and disturbing—statistics:

◉ Cyberattackers have been on a rampage since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cyberattacks jumped 50% worldwide in 2021 compared with the previous year (Check Point Research, 2022).

◉ The estimated global cost of cybercrime, including monetary losses and investments in cybersecurity, exceeded $1 trillion in 2020, amounting to roughly 1% of the global economy (Lewis et al., 2020).

Today, skilled cybersecurity professionals are in demand due to these trends and for countless other reasons. The number of unfilled cybersecurity positions worldwide reached 3.5 million in 2021, and the likelihood of closing that gap soon appears dim (Morgan, 2021). What that means for those interested in entering the field, however, is that career prospects are bright.

If you are already working in the information security industry, you probably are aware of the call for more cybersecurity specialists, and you may have noticed how rapidly the profession is evolving. The need to adapt to sudden changes underscores the importance of continuing education. The good news is that there are many paths to a career in cybersecurity.

With the COVID-19 pandemic driving demand for more cybersecurity specialists, some companies are revisiting the requirements job candidates must meet. Many are leaning toward certifications because certification course content is specifically targeted toward building cybersecurity skills, enabling participants to quickly ramp up their abilities. Further, many employers currently do not require prior cybersecurity experience for entry-level posts (Cook, 2021).

Yet the demand for cybersecurity professionals is not limited to entry-level ranks. There are pressing vacancies for roles at the middle management and executive levels, as well. For those positions, cybersecurity degrees typically are required. Educational programs that have certifications built in, like those at EC-Council University (ECCU), cover all the bases.

Breaking It Down: Cybersecurity Degree Benefits

Because there are many ways to prepare for a role in cybersecurity, anyone considering it—whether as an initial career choice or a mid-career shift—would do well to consider the advantages of getting a cybersecurity degree. The following are five compelling reasons to go the degree route.

1. Wider Career Options

To demonstrate the level of expertise necessary to combat sophisticated attacks, appropriate leadership soft skills—such as problem-solving, eagerness to learn, and ability to communicate effectively—are essential. The cybersecurity industry is in dire need of experts with specific technical skill sets, as well. Highly prized skills include cloud security, risk management, artificial intelligence, governance and compliance, and threat analysis.

ECCU offers several accredited online programs: a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, and a Graduate Certificate. The bachelor’s program focuses on fundamental cybersecurity principles, applications, tools, and techniques. The master’s program prepares information security professionals to assume cybersecurity and information assurance leadership roles, with special emphasis on organizational behavior and structure, research, and writing. The graduate certificate is appropriate for participants who want to develop competencies that would suit them for managerial and director roles in cybersecurity, including at the C-level.

A degree program is an efficient and effective way to develop the most in-demand cybersecurity skills and expand the horizons of job seekers in the industry.

2. Real-World Experience

The labor shortage in the cybersecurity industry has become critical. “It’s a talent war. There’s a shortage of supply and increased demand,” Bryan Orme, principal at GuidePoint Security, told CNN Business (Duffy, 2021).

Job candidates with cybersecurity credentials will have little difficulty landing interviews for vacancies, but even with soaring employer demand, those with a combination of education and experience have an edge.

ECCU incorporates hands-on experience into its course offerings through dedicated practical labs. Its internship and capstone projects go further by providing students with opportunities for applying and honing their skills, both nontechnical and technical, outside the classroom. Internships can fill experience gaps on many job seekers’ resumes, giving them a competitive advantage over other applicants.

3. Long-Term Rewards

A cybersecurity degree offers assurance to prospective employers that the job candidate has demonstrated the level of knowledge, proficiency, and experience the credentialing institution has established for its degree program. That is an undeniable plus.

One question that arises for those considering a degree program is cost. Tuitions vary dramatically, depending on the type of degree and institution.

ECCU helps students defray costs in several ways: accepting credit transfers for related college-level coursework or industry certifications, establishing flexible payment plans, offering a variety of scholarships, and providing fellowships through EC-Council Foundation.

A degree in cybersecurity can be an excellent long-term investment, as it opens the door to better-paying positions. A cybersecurity degree can pay for itself in a few years through higher earning potential.

4. Robust Networking Opportunities

One indirect benefit of a degree program is the networking it facilitates. Students can reap dividends from interacting with one another and with faculty members, mentors, and professionals they encounter in internship programs. Relationships built while pursuing a degree can lead to valuable career advice, job leads, referrals, and recommendations, and learning to network as a professional is a skill in itself.

ECCU faculty have both teaching expertise and substantial real-world experience as information security professionals. They not only guide students through the required coursework but also act as sounding boards and mentors as graduates prepare to embark on their cybersecurity careers.

5. Nontechnical Capabilities

Effective communications, leadership, and management skills are equally important as technical skills for many cybersecurity roles, particularly in the middle and upper tiers of an organization. Security professionals must engage with staff at every level to provide crucial information about the policies, practices, and procedures necessary to safeguard and protect their company’s infrastructure. The best security strategy cannot succeed without strong, consistent leadership that wins buy-in and results in widespread compliance.

ECCU’s master’s degree and graduate certificate programs prepare students to assume leadership roles in government agencies, small and mid-sized businesses, multinational corporations, and nonprofits. A set of core courses guides students in developing a broad range of soft skills to complement their technical capabilities.

The Value of Online Learning

For some students, the greatest obstacle to pursuing a cybersecurity degree is juggling academic requirements with full-time jobs and family obligations. The flexibility offered by an online degree program can put an achievement that might have seemed impossible within reach.

With the freedom to learn anywhere and anytime, participants in online degree programs can flourish. Whether they are starting out in their careers, switching to new fields, or building skills to advance in their current jobs, there are online programs that can meet their needs without disrupting their personal or professional lives.

ECCU’s degree programs are completely online and tailored to provide students with maximum flexibility. ECCU programs provide a framework to keep students on track with their coursework and are designed to be adaptable to individual learning styles. Supervising faculty members can also offer time-management guidance when needed.

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a tectonic shift from working in office environments to transacting much more business online. Students who complete an online degree program will gain expertise with communications technologies and virtual collaboration tools that have applications well beyond their educational pursuits and will serve them well in many employment scenarios.

Source: eccu.edu

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Cyber Security – Attacking through Command and Control

A C&C- Command, and Control server is basically a computer in control of a hacker or any cybercriminal, etc. which is maliciously used for commanding the various systems that have already been exploited or compromised by malware, and these servers are also used for receiving the desired data by the hacker from the compromised machines covertly on the target network. Now, as C&C servers are easily able to pivot through and blend in the target network easily, so many organizations have started using various types of cloud-based services.

How C&C Works?

In this section, we will be discussing various Command and Control techniques used.

1. Vindictive organization hacks have been on the ascent in the most recent decade. One of the most harming exploits, frequently executed over DNS, is cultivated through command and control, additionally called C2 or C&C.

2. The hacker firstly begins the attack by exploiting a machine inside the target organization, which may be behind a firewall. This should be possible in an assortment of ways:

◉ By means of phishing.

◉ Through vulnerabilities in browser plugins.

◉ Through the execution of various malicious programs or applications on the victim machine.

3. Thereafter, when a computer over the target network has been compromised and connection has been established, then the exploited machine acknowledges the attacker machine by sending it signals for further commands.

4. This victim machine will execute the further commands incoming from the hacker’s C&C server, and may forcefully download other supporting software for the further attack.

5. Now, the hacker has accomplished the mission of having complete control of the victim’s machine and therefore can run any kind of malicious code on it. Similarly, the malicious code will further easily pivot through the network; completely comprising the whole IT infrastructure of an organization, which will ultimately lead to the creation of a network of already compromised machines also known as a botnet.

6. In this way, a hacker can get full unauthorized access over the target’s network.

7. C&C works as the base camp to which the malware used in the attack, recursively reports the sniffed or stolen data recursively, and also the various attack supporting commands are stored on the server. In order to pivot through a network a vital step in such a type of attack is establishing the C&C connections.

8. C2 servers also serve as a headquarter for the already exploited machines in a botnet. It very well may be utilized to disperse commands that can take information, spread malware, upset web administrations, and the sky is the limit from there.

9. Besides permitting aggressors to take information, the presence of C&C programs on a machine may likewise disturb genuine applications and cause the abuse of future assets.

Botnet Architecture in C&C Server

1. The Centralized Model: Sort of network model where all clients interface with a focal system, which is the acting operator for all correspondences.

◉ This system/server would store both the correspondences and the client account data.

◉ Most open texting stages utilize a unified organization.

◉ Additionally, called concentrated mainframe structure.

2. Peer-to-Peer Model: Peer-to-Peer computing or systems administration is a circulated application design that allotments errands or outstanding burdens between peers.

◉ Peers or nodes connected are similarly favored, equipotent members in the application.

◉ They are said to frame a shared organization of hubs.

◉ Nodes make a few of their assets, for example, preparing power, circle stockpiling or organization data transmission, straightforwardly accessible to other organization members, without the requirement for focal coordination by workers or stable hosts.

◉ Peers are the two providers and buyers of assets, rather than the conventional customer worker model in which the utilization and gracefully of assets are isolated.

◉ Developing cooperative P2P frameworks are going past the period of friends doing comparative things while sharing assets, and are searching for different companions that can acquire extraordinary assets and abilities to a virtual network accordingly enabling it to take part in more noteworthy undertakings past those that can be cultivated by singular friends, yet that are helpful to all the peers.

3. Random Model: Arbitrary geography botnets don’t depend on any C&C mainframes; rather, all botnet orders are sent legitimately starting with one bot then onto the next on the off chance that they are considered to be “marked” by some uncommon methods showing that they have begun from the botnet proprietor or another approved client.

◉ Such botnets have extremely high dormancy, and will frequently take into account numerous bots inside a botnet to be identified by an analyst with just one caught bot.

◉ Commonly extraordinary types of the scrambled bot to bot correspondence over open distributed organizations are utilized related to a more perplexing C&C mainframe geography, (for example, in the TDL-4 botnet) to deliver such botnets that are especially hard to destroy.

Exploits Using C&C

◉ Stealing of Information: Delicate information, for example, budgetary records, can be duplicated or moved to a hacker’s server.

◉ Closure: An aggressor can close down one or a few machines, or in any event, shut down the entire organization’s network.

◉ Reboot: Exploited PCs may out of nowhere and consistently may get to closure and reboot, which can disturb typical ongoing tasks.

◉ Distribute Denial of Service: DDoS attacks overwhelm the server with numerous requests, or we can with huge internet traffic. Once a botnet is established, an attacker can instruct each bot to send a request to the targeted IP address, creating a traffic jam of request for the targeted address or targeted server. Thus, legitimate traffic is denied access. This type of attack can be used to take a website down.

C&C Detection

1. Observing all inbound and outbound traffic on a nonstop premise: The control explicitly proposes observing enormous exchanges of information or unapproved traffic, which may occur during the exfiltration period of an exploit.

2. Distinguishing abnormalities in network streams: The control suggests searching for inconsistencies in the organization traffic which might be demonstrative of malware action, (for example, C2 correspondences) or of already exploited machines.

3. Logging DNS inquiries and applying notoriety checks: The control proposes checking DNS demands for endeavors to determine known malevolent areas or endeavors to do C2 communications.

4. Utilizing boycotts: Use boycotts to deny correspondence from interior machines toward known malevolent hosts.

5. Putting away organization traffic: Putting away the organization traffic and cautions in logs examination frameworks for additional investigation and assessment, Capturing and breaking down netflow information to distinguish odd movement.

6. Distinguishing the unapproved utilization of encryption in network traffic: The reasoning here is that malware may utilize encryption to exfiltrate delicate information bypassing toolkits, (for example, DLPs) that depend on the examination of traffic content.

7. Hindering admittance: Hindering admittance to realized record move and email exfiltration locales. Looking for irregularities in rush hour gridlock designs.

8. Fragmenting the organization as indicated by trust zones: This action can be especially gainful in the event that it is broken down conceivable to unmistakably isolate high-hazard segments of the organization from high-esteem parts.

9. Guarantee that customers question interior DNS servers: Guarantee that the customer questions the interior DNS servers which can be observed and whose answers can be controlled to, for instance, forestall admittance to known malevolent or unapproved areas.

Controls For C&C

1. Screen all inbound and outbound traffic: All the more definitely, it is critical to review inbound traffic for indications of hacks that may prompt contamination, for ex-plentiful, drive-by-download, or phishing assaults. Outbound traffic ought to be broken down searching for signs that a C2 channel has been set up (information exfiltration, Command and Control registration, and so forth).

2. Recognize and review peculiarities in the organization’s traffic: The reasoning is that focused assaults depend on a foundation that is less inclined to be remembered for the most part accessible arrangements of pernicious endpoints or to utilize C2 methods (e.g., conventions) that are utilized additionally by broad malware. At that point, zeroing in on distinguishing abnormal traffic would empower protectors to get these novel dangers. There are two presumptions basic this proposal: directed assaults bring about strange traffic and abnormal traffic means that bargain. The two suppositions may be reexamined every now and then: we have seen that aggressors are concocting new techniques to “mix-in” with the typical traffic; the qualities of traffic on an organization may change as new administrations and gadgets are presented.

3. Gather explicit subsets of organization traffic: Gather explicit subsets of organization traffic specifically DNS questions and netflow information. Inspiration for this suggestion is that it might be simpler to gather such information, as opposed to setting up a full organization checking framework. As we have seen from our writing survey, a few methodologies have been contrived to distinguish C2 traffic dependent on these sources of info.

4. Engineer the organization: Engineering the organization helps to improve traffic checking and the enactment of reactions to assaults. For instance, by having a solitary gag point where all traffic goes through, an association is dissected can rearrange the full assortment of traffic and its investigation.

5. Screen network action: This will help to distinguish association endeavors to known-awful endpoints, i.e., IPs and areas that are known to be utilized in assaults. The reasoning is that admittance to these endpoints can be forestalled, expecting that proper components are set up (e.g., firewalls). The key perspective here is obviously that of making and keeping up exceptional arrangements of noxious endpoints.

Source: geeksforgeeks.org

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A Career in Cybersecurity: Here’s What You Should Know

A Career in Cybersecurity: Here’s What You Should Know

The need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has become critical in the last few years (Nelson, 2021). Companies across the globe have been on the lookout for ethical hackers and security professionals since the dawn of digitalization, but a recent rise in cyberattacks and security breaches has fueled this massive demand.

Increased awareness of the current threat landscape has inspired more job seekers to explore a career in cybersecurity. If you’re interested in entering the field, here are some tips on why it could be the right career choice and what you need to know to get started.

What Do Companies Look for in a Cybersecurity Employee?

Cybersecurity problems are increasing and constantly changing, and some employers are struggling more than ever to overcome the challenges of recruiting a capable cybersecurity workforce. The industry’s dynamic nature means many employers must maintain continuous training programs to sharpen their employees’ talent and prevent their skills from becoming obsolete.

Companies want experienced professionals with the right skillsets to meet their specific needs. Historically, many have required a bachelor’s degree, at a minimum, even for entry-level cybersecurity jobs. Eighty-eight percent of cybersecurity postings specified a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to a 2019 report (Burning Glass, 2019). A similar number of postings sought candidates with at least three years of experience.

Since then, the global COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the demand for cybersecurity professionals, and many employers are rethinking their 4-year college degree requirements (Klein, 2022). Skills acquired on the job or in targeted coursework may be enough to get a candidate serious consideration.

What Are the Best Cybersecurity Jobs and Salaries?

The field of cybersecurity is vast, with countless options. Before embarking on a career in cybersecurity, candidates should look closely at the requirements and functions of different roles in light of their strengths and ambitions.

Some of the major cybersecurity job titles include auditor, security operations center (SOC) analyst, security software developer, incident responder, Internet of Things (IoT) security professional, cloud security expert, cybersecurity trainer, and cyber forensic expert.

The following are some of the best-paying cybersecurity jobs (Payscale, n.d.):

◉ Cybersecurity analyst ($77,032)

◉ Cybersecurity engineer ($97,882)

◉ Information security analyst ($73,479)

◉ Information security officer ($94,432)

◉ Chief information security officer ($166,974)

Other top-paying jobs in today’s cybersecurity market include application security engineer, cloud engineer, penetration tester, risk manager, senior security consultant, and software architect (Indeed Editorial Team, 2022).

Preparation for a Career in Cybersecurity

While a relevant degree is useful for entering the cybersecurity industry, it is perhaps more important for career seekers to understand the security domain and focus on the specific skills employers want.

An entry-level candidate may be successful with limited knowledge about basic cybersecurity concepts. However, middle-tier and upper-level jobs typically require advanced knowledge, substantial cybersecurity work experience, and relevant industry certifications.

Study With EC-Council University

EC-Council University (ECCU) offers an exceptional launching pad for those who want to kickstart their cybersecurity careers. Founded by some of the most respected leaders in the cybersecurity field, ECCU offers cutting-edge cybersecurity programs leading to valuable degrees.

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSCS) degree program aims to help students obtain the knowledge they need to build a career in cybersecurity. The BSCS areas of focus include cybersecurity management, security threat assessment, and incident response. The BSCS program can be completed in 2 years.

Master of Science in Cybersecurity

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCS) degree program prepares candidates to assume cybersecurity and information assurance leadership roles. Participants learn about IT security threat assessment, computer security management, organizational management and behavior, incident response, and leadership challenges. The MSCS program can be completed in two years.

MSCS Specializations

◉ Security Analyst: security analysis, vulnerability assessment, penetration tests, security tests, wireless network security

◉ Cloud Security Architect: secure programming, advanced network defense, cloud security design and implementation, cloud platform security

◉ Digital Forensics: investigating network intrusions, computer forensics, cyber law, advanced mobile forensics, advanced mobile security

◉ Incident Management and Business Continuity: organizational change management, disaster recovery, incident handling and response

◉ Executive Leadership in Information Assurance: global business leadership, IT security project management, executive governance, executive management

Calling All Non-Coders

For those who are interested in cybersecurity but do not have a technical background, it may be reassuring to know that knowledge of coding and programming is not required for all cybersecurity jobs (Hayes, 2018). While it can be helpful for candidates to develop these skills, they are not a prerequisite for entering the cybersecurity field.

Source: eccu.edu

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Why are Smart Cities Most Vulnerable to Cyber Security Risks?

Smart cities are the ones supposed to utilize the advancements in the technologies related to computer science and similar fields to create a highly comfortable and hassle-free living experience. Smart cities are expected to accommodate a major segment of the urban population in the future. The entire ecosystem of a smart city revolves around smart devices connected in a network. But if a network and networked devices are there, so are the corresponding security threats. In the case of the new age smart devices, these threats are more severe than the old ones as their exploitation domain contains highly sensitive and critical elements of a smart city.

Risks and potential vulnerabilities:

Smart cities use IoT to convert everything to its smarter version. At the heart of a smart device is a microcontroller that has a networking module and other required modules connected to it. This interconnection of smart devices will provide:

◉ Remotely manageable traffic systems, electric grids, sewage systems, etc.

◉ Surveillance that needs no supervision to detect suspicious activities and events.

◉ Household appliances that can be controlled and managed using the owner’s voice.

◉ Smart homes that will send a mail/SMS to the owner if someone tries to break in.

The problem is that since IoT is a relatively new technology, the awareness related to secure implementations is rare. This is supplemented by the fact that security researchers are able to find poorly secured IoT devices including CCTV cameras on IoT search engines like Censys or Shodan and then completely take over them as administrator. Some of the devices are found to have no security at all. Not a good sign to begin with.

Exploitation Scenario:

Considering the poor state of security, it is not hard to guess the obvious consequences of exploitation:

◉ Security alarms going off for no reason creating unnecessary panic.

◉ The critical system controls getting inaccessible due to DOS attacks.

◉ People being spied on by compromised CCTV camera or baby monitor.

◉ Attackers can try privilege escalation after compromising a device to get access to a higher criticality device by exploiting the trust policy between these two.

◉ Attackers can also try database attacks to retrieve sensitive data stored on databases shared to these devices.

◉ These predictions could be scary enough for one to drop the idea of living in a smart city. But as with all other cyber problems, there are highly efficient solutions available to prevent these problems from happening.

Prevention and Mitigation:

◉ Providing developers with references and resources to help them understand potential security issues and best practices to avoid them.

◉ Establishing organizations dedicated to the development of security posture in the field of IoT. (Like we have OWASP for web applications security).

◉ Promoting the policy of IoT solution implementation only after a thorough vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.

◉ Educating end users about setting strong passwords and avoiding phishing attacks.

◉ Encouraging developers to provide frequent software updates that patch potential vulnerabilities as a part of their support and maintenance.

Apart from introducing comfort and information-security/access-control issues, smart cities will provide many jobs, many opportunities for technical advancements and above all a great launchpad for humans to become more productive.

Source: geeksforgeeks.org

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Four Reasons You Should Consider a Career in Cybersecurity

Four Reasons You Should Consider a Career in Cybersecurity

From email phishing scams to identity theft and ransomware, there’s no question that cybercrime is on the rise. In 2019, a business was targeted by a ransomware attack every 14 seconds, and attacks are only expected to become more common as organizations continue to digitize (Freedman, 2020).

This increase in the prevalence of cyberattacks on organizations, government infrastructures, and individuals has emphasized the importance of cybersecurity. Due to the rise in cybercrime and growing reliance on the digital world, the demand for a cybersecurity workforce has been rising faster than supply can keep up, with an estimated 4 million cybersecurity jobs left unfilled in 2021 (Banach, 2020).

Choosing a career path isn’t easy—it’s a decision that impacts your entire future. Cybersecurity is a dynamic and fast-growing field that offers excellent job security, varied and rewarding work, and competitive pay. In this article, find out why you should pursue a career in cybersecurity.

1. Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals Is Extremely High

Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field with steady demand for advanced professionals. The cybersecurity field has an incredible 0% unemployment rate (Cybersecurity Ventures, 2019), and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022) predicts that employment of information security analysts will increase by 33% between 2020 and 2030.

While these figures indicate a troubling talent shortage, they’re also great news for job seekers. In the words of Alec Ross, senior advisor for innovation at the U.S. State Department: “If any college student asked me what career would most assure 30 years of steady, well-paying employment, I would respond, ‘cybersecurity’” (Fitzpatrick, 2012, para. 2).

2. There’s a Cybersecurity Job for Everyone

Today’s information technology and cybersecurity jobs involve much more than tinkering with cables and wires in a basement. Much like how doctors can specialize in neurology or cardiology, individuals entering a career in cybersecurity can choose from a wide variety of disciplines, including ethical hacking, digital forensics, penetration testing, information security, and social engineering.

Each of these areas has its own skill set and associated expertise, and job positions range from entry level to the C suite. Here are just a few of the job roles that you can pursue with a cybersecurity degree or certification:

◉ Chief information security officer (CISO)

◉ Forensic computer analyst

◉ Information security analyst

◉ Penetration tester

◉ Security architect

It’s also important to remember that cybersecurity experts nowadays are required in just about any field you can imagine: banking, hospitality, government, education, and many more. As organizations increasingly shift their operations online, employers in a wide variety of sectors are searching for qualified cybersecurity personnel. If you’re interested in cybersecurity as well as another domain, working within that field as a security professional is a great way to pursue both passions.

3. The Compensation Is Highly Competitive

Cybersecurity’s previously mentioned 0% unemployment rate means that cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, leading to a major rise in average incomes. Due to the lack of qualified cybersecurity professionals, these salaries will likely stay high in years to come.

While top bug bounty hunters and CISOs in major cities can rake in as much as $500,000 and $421,000 per year, respectively (Fazzini, 2018; Morgan, 2016), even salaries for entry-level and mid-level positions are impressive: In the United States, average annual incomes are $90,995 for cybersecurity analysts (Indeed, 2022c), $114,697 for penetration testers (Indeed, 2022a), and $114,843 for network security engineers (Indeed, 2022b).*

4. Cybersecurity Work Is Challenging and Rewarding

As a cybersecurity professional, you’ll get to leverage critical thinking skills to solve tough problems that have a real-world impact. You can also pursue positions that offer you the opportunity to work with innovative, cutting-edge technologies, like blockchain and artificial intelligence.

Thanks to the rewarding and engaging nature of cybersecurity work, the field has outstanding job satisfaction rates. According to the 2020 Cybersecurity Professionals Salary, Skills and Stress Survey, an incredible 96% of respondents reported that they were happy with their role and job responsibilities, and 87% were pleased with their earnings (Exabeam, 2020).

What Makes a Great Cybersecurity Professional?

If you already have some coding knowledge, an understanding of web applications and system administration, or a knack for detecting network intrusions, further education in cybersecurity is a great way to hone your skills and get started in this profession.

Here are a few other signs that you’d make an excellent cybersecurity professional:

◉ You have an eye for detail. This will help you read and analyze data with ease.

◉ You love a challenge. New cyberthreats appear every day, creating a challenging and exciting atmosphere.

◉ You’re great at staying organized. Security professionals need to be extremely methodological.

◉ You’re curious. Successful cybersecurity experts are driven by personal interest in the field, including a desire to explore and learn new things.

Source: eccu.edu

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Five Key Characteristics of a Successful CISO

Five Key Characteristics of a Successful CISO

Organizations need multifaceted strategies to identify, address, and combat cyberattacks. An organization’s cybersecurity strategy is founded on a strong information security infrastructure, an experienced and skilled workforce, and a well-drafted assessment methodology, among other tools and policies.

To bring all of these pieces together and effectively implement a cybersecurity strategy, businesses need chief information security officers (CISOs) with strong leadership skills. CISOs are intellectually curious individuals who have a strong understanding of their organization’s processes and operations.

Data from Ponemon Institute (2017)

Data from Ponemon Institute (2017)

From their first day on the job, CISOs engage with all of an organization’s security layers and functions. The typical responsibilities of a CISO include synchronizing and collating information security policies across the organization, gathering data, listening to the input of various departments, and conducting training and awareness raising at all levels. Since organizational information security is a group effort, CISOs should be assigned a dedicated and skilled team to ensure they can accomplish their objectives. Research by the Ponemon Institute (2017) reaffirms the crucial role of a CISO, especially when dealing with Internet of Things (IoT) devices, managing enterprise risk, and deploying security analytics.

To effectively fulfill their responsibilities, CISOs need to have technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to articulate security concerns from a business perspective. In this article, we’ll explain the top traits that a CISO should have in order to successfully implement a robust security strategy at all levels of their organization.

To effectively fulfill their responsibilities, CISOs need to have technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to articulate security concerns from a business perspective. In this article, we’ll explain the top traits that a CISO should have in order to successfully implement a robust security strategy at all levels of their organization.

1. Ability to Align Plans with Core Objectives

CISOs are incredible planners. They’re responsible for carefully drafting strategic plans—both short and long term—to ensure that the company meets its security objectives. They set priorities, develop strategies, and create operational plans to build an effective security program that’s in line with business goals. CISOs should know how to effectively plan security strategies and policies based on their organization’s management approach, risk assessment findings, project requirements, and other relevant factors.

All strategic planning should be done in accordance with business objectives, government laws, relevant regulations and policies, and board committees of stakeholders and senior IT managers. CISOs need to be able to assess security risks at every stage of a business process and make and execute security plans that ultimately synchronize with their enterprise’s business objectives.

2. Strong Leadership Skills

CISOs oversee their organization’s information security program and act as project leaders in planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and administering its security operations. Along with information security, CISOs are often responsible for coordinating other subsidiary programs, such as physical security, risk management, purchasing and liaising, legal compliance, human resources, internal audits, and other activities at the intersection of IT and business.

CISOs often represent their company to the outside world, serving as spokespeople for information security when addressing auditors, vendors, and stakeholders. As a result, a successful CISO needs to have strong and authoritative communication skills that enable them to both interact with outsiders and develop credibility and trust with internal employees at all levels of the organization.

3. Ability to Coordinate and Delegate Across Departments

The most crucial role of a CISO is to delegate security tasks among cybersecurity staff as well as employees in other areas. In doing so, the CISO needs to ensure that each employee to whom they assign a given security task is empowered to make the associated risk management decisions when necessary.

CISOs also need to coordinate effectively—both within their own team and across departments—to ensure that all security standards are met. The roles and responsibilities of employees and the department heads who are part of the core security team must be delineated clearly and documented to avoid confusion. This minimizes duplication of work and coverage gaps in delegation.

4. Desire for Continuous Learning

The drive for self-development is another key characteristic of a successful CISO. A CISO should have a well-rounded foundation of security knowledge and a passion for learning more. Because a CISO’s actions need to simultaneously align with business objectives and support their organization’s security infrastructure, CISOs need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills that enable them to understand and recommend comprehensive solutions to practical problems.

In the course of their work, CISOs are bound to encounter a broad spectrum of information security issues, meaning that they should be prepared—and excited—to engage in on-the-job, continuous learning. Their training and professional development should address ongoing needs for security enhancements, compliance with the latest standards and regulations, and how to incorporate and handle security issues related to emerging technologies.

5. Ability to Create Effective Benchmarks

CISOs must be able to craft and understand metrics that enable them to understand their organization’s security performance and where it can be improved. They should also conduct periodic reviews with industry peers to improve their benchmarks. Security leaders should also gather operational data that can aid them in security strategizing.

Knowing how to develop, apply, and understand benchmarks and performance metrics is necessary for any cybersecurity executive—a poorly chosen or misinterpreted metric can result in the failure of an entire security program. CISOs have the unique skill of understanding how to evaluate the effectiveness of their organization’s program by creating and tracking the right metrics.

How Can You Become a CISO?

Successful CISOs know how to find an equilibrium between technical and managerial concerns. They’re inspired and have a passion that is contagious. They know when to listen, when to address, when to collaborate, and when to be visionary. While the specific responsibilities of a CISO are constantly evolving in response to changing demands in cybersecurity, these C-level executives consistently play a significant role in the security of their organizations and form an integral part of the business management team.

Source: eccu.edu

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EC-Council University: The Right Choice for a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity

A master’s degree in cybersecurity can open up a wide range of career opportunities and is well worth the investment. Although cybersecurity skills are in high demand, there aren’t enough qualified applicants to fill all open positions: In a recent survey of cybersecurity professionals, nearly 40% of respondents reported that job openings at their organization had gone unfilled, and 95% stated that the skills shortage and its impacts haven’t improved in recent years (Oltsik et al., 2021).

This growing demand has made cybersecurity a highly sought-after and rewarding career path. In this article, we’ll explain the advantages of earning a master’s degree in cybersecurity and outline why the Master of Science program at EC-Council University (ECCU) is an ideal choice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

The Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals

Cybercriminals often target enterprises and government agencies with ransomware and malware campaigns, network intrusions, and other cyberattacks, which can lead to data corruption and theft, financial losses, and damage to reputation. Organizations are facing serious threats as a result of these increasingly sophisticated and frequent attacks: According to a 2019 report, attacks rose by 67% over a 5-year period, and data breaches now cost firms an average of USD 4.24 million per incident (Bissell et al., 2019; IBM, 2021). Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the additional challenges posed by remote work have only compounded the problem, with breaches involving remote work costing an additional USD 1 million on average (IBM, 2021).

As a result, security education and awareness are becoming especially critical, and many organizations are ramping up their precautionary measures to avert cybersecurity disasters. IT and cybersecurity courses are becoming more popular as the threat of cybercrime grows along with the need for individuals who can combat it. Employers are searching for personnel who can help them strengthen their security procedures and implement appropriate incident response management.

To be eligible for in-demand cybersecurity jobs—such as security analyst, incident management handler, or digital forensic investigator—candidates first need to acquire strong foundational subject knowledge and validate their skills by earning a degree or obtaining industry-recognized certifications. If you’re an IT professional or cybersecurity enthusiast contemplating the next steps in your career, a master’s degree in cybersecurity is an excellent option for expanding your skill set and improving your knowledge and expertise.

How Can a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity Advance Your Career?

A well-respected credential like an accredited master’s degree in cybersecurity can give your resume a major boost. A master’s program provides you with the in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge you need to excel in your field. A master’s degree in cybersecurity offers the following benefits:

◉ Acquire the necessary competencies to succeed in the cybersecurity industry

◉ Access many avenues of professional growth

◉ Accelerate your career trajectory

◉ Receive relevant, hands-on training

◉ Hone your skills and become an expert in your area of interest

Since many universities and institutions offer cybersecurity master’s programs, choosing which one is right for you may be a daunting prospect. At ECCU, the curriculum of our master’s program in cybersecurity is designed to meet current industry needs and prepare learners for specific job roles. ECCU has emerged as a top choice for professionals and students seeking online education in cybersecurity.

Why Is EC-Council University a Top Pick for Cybersecurity Aspirants?

ECCU is a 100% online university that is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and is a member of the American Council on Education (ACE). ECCU has received numerous accolades for its cybersecurity degree and certificate programs, including being named one of the Top 30 Master’s in Internet Security Degree Programs of 2022 and the Most Innovative Online Program (Intelligent, 2022).

The full-time degree programs at ECCU are designed to equip students for careers in the competitive and highly challenging cybersecurity domain. ECCU’s programs are practical, engaging, and innovative. We design our courses to help students reach their full potential and become the cybersecurity leaders of tomorrow.

Prepare for Industry Certifications

ECCU’s Master of Science and Bachelor of Science cybersecurity degree programs are designed to parallel the knowledge requirements for EC-Council certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (C|HFI), and more. ECCU students graduate with not only a degree in cybersecurity but also the preparation necessary to obtain highly respected industry certifications.

In-Demand Specializations

Master’s students at ECCU can choose from the following in-demand specializations:

◉ Security Analyst

◉ Cloud Security Architect

◉ Digital Forensics

◉ Incident Management and Business Continuity

◉ Executive Leadership in Information Assurance

Industry Experts as Faculty

ECCU’s faculty are experienced educators and practicing information security professionals with years of real-world experience. Their hands-on expertise in ethical hacking, digital forensics, incident response and management, and penetration testing—among many other areas of cybersecurity—makes them excellent mentors for upcoming cybersecurity professionals.

Transfer Friendly

ECCU students can save time and money by transferring credits for college-level courses taken at other institutions or receiving credit for previously obtained industry certifications (subject to eligibility criteria and ECCU review).

Extensive Scholarship Opportunities

ECCU programs are and allow students to opt for flexible payment plans. Applicants are also able to apply for scholarships and fellowships like the EC-Council Foundation Fellowship, which financially rewards outstanding students with a GPA of at least 3.5 (or equivalent high academic achievement) with up to $10,000 in program tuition.

Why Choose EC-Council University?

Students enrolled in ECCU programs will:

◉ Earn an accredited university degree

◉ Stay up to date with ECCU’s advanced curriculum

◉ Build direct connections in the cybersecurity industry

◉ Practice live virtual exercises on iLabs, one of the most robust online learning platforms

◉ Learn from the world’s leading security experts through the Cyber Talks program

ECCU prepares its students for careers in today’s digitized, tech-driven world. Apply today for ECCU’s Master of Science program and become a global cybersecurity leader.

Source: eccu.edu

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The Biggest Data Breaches of the 21st Century

While major technological advances have had widespread positive effects for individuals and organizations, they’ve also increased vulnerability to data breaches: incidents in which information is stolen or accessed by hackers without the system owner’s permission.

Cyberattacks resulting in the exposure of data have become increasingly common over the last two decades. The annual number of data breaches in the United States more than tripled in just 10 years, from 446 million in 2007 to 1.6 billion in 2017 (Statista, 2021). These breaches are likely to become more prevalent as attackers exploit emerging attack surfaces such as the Internet of Things (IoT). Over 1.5 billion IoT device breaches were reported in the first half of 2021 alone—more than twice as many as in all of 2020 (Cyrus, 2021).

The potential size of a cyberattack is no longer just a theoretical question—in today’s information-driven world, data breaches have the potential to affect millions of people at once (Sobers, 2021). Cyberattacks are becoming both more common and more impactful (Embroker, 2022), meaning that data protection and cybersecurity strategies are in turn becoming increasingly important. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most significant data breaches in recent memory.

GoDaddy

According to SEC filings, domain registration and web hosting company GoDaddy experienced a data breach in September 2021 that affected over 1 million customers (Comes, 2021). The breach went unnoticed for 2 months and reportedly resulted from a compromised password—a vulnerability caused, according to security experts, by the company’s inadequate security measures and lack of preventive practices (Carroll, 2021).

Keepnet Labs

In 2020, security researcher Bob Diachenko discovered a database of data breaches reported between 2012 and 2019. Keepnet Labs, a security firm based in the United Kingdom, built the database with Elasticsearch, a data search and analytics engine based on the Lucene Java library. More than 5 billion records were exposed after they were indexed when the security firm temporarily disabled its firewall, leaving the database publicly available (Keepnet Labs, 2020).

Yahoo

In 2013, web service provider Yahoo experienced the largest data breach in history when hackers obtained security questions, backup emails, and other sensitive data for all 3 billion Yahoo accounts—although the full extent of the breach wasn’t revealed until 2017 (Stempel & Finkel, 2017). In late 2014, a separate, state-sponsored attack exposed the names, phone numbers, and other details associated with 500 million accounts (Perez, 2016). Cybersecurity firm InfoArmor’s investigation found that Yahoo user data was being sold on cybercriminal forums (Allstate Identity Protection, n.d.). In the wake of the highly publicized hacks, Verizon purchased Yahoo for USD 350 million less than originally planned (Lunden, 2017), and the company faced massive class action lawsuits (Stempel & Finkel, 2017).

First American Financial Corporation

In 2019, First American Financial Corporation was targeted in a massive data breach that exposed 885 million of the financial service provider’s records (Brook, 2020). The hack, first reported by independent journalist Brian Krebs, revealed information including bank statements, Social Security numbers, wire transaction receipts, mortgage and tax records, and driver’s license images that had been digitized in 2013. The breach originated from an authentication error called Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR)—put simply, no authentication was required to access the documents, making them available to anyone with the URL and a web browser (Mathews, 2019).

Facebook

Facebook has reported several security breaches, including the famous Cambridge Analytica scandal (Sarkar, 2018). But in 2019, the company faced its biggest data breach to date when a leak exposed the cell phone numbers of more than 400 million Facebook users, along with their geographic locations (Whittaker, 2019). The information was stored in an unprotected database that could be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.

Marriott International

While the Marriott data breach took place in 2014, it wasn’t discovered until 2018, when an internal security tool recorded a suspicious attempt to access the guest reservation database for Marriott’s Starwood Hotels (“Marriott data breach”, 2022). The attack—which occurred prior to Starwood’s acquisition by Marriott in 2016—compromised the travel records, passport numbers, and other personal information of 500 million Marriott guests, including some customers’ payment details.

Interested in Learning How to Prevent Data Breaches?

Many of the data breaches covered in this article targeted big names, demonstrating that no one is immune to cybercrime. These recent attacks on tech giants and multinational corporations highlight malicious hackers’ advanced and sophisticated capabilities, but they also underscore the failure of many organizations to adopt a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and strong data protections.

Source: eccu.edu

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5 Basic Job Requirements to Kickstart Your Career in Cybersecurity

Cyber Security is one of the fastest-growing career areas, and The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that Cyber Security jobs are likely to grow by 31% through 2029, i.e., seven times faster than the average job growth of 4%.

However, starting a career in Cyber Security is challenging. The industry is quite complex and so are its requirements. Employers and recruiters are often on the lookout for people who possess specific experience, expertise, and skills. This article will help those who are looking to start a career in the Cyber Security industry, irrespective of whether they are new to the job market or have some limited experience.

Here are the five important steps to help you start your career in Cyber Security:

1. Get a Degree in Cybersecurity

According to a report by Burning Glass Technologies, it is estimated that 84% of Cyber Security jobs require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Cyber Security professionals need solid foundational skills, achievable by attaining a full-fledged degree in the domain.

A Cyber Security degree allows students and security professionals to understand various security topics, such as wireless networks, mobile security, digital forensics, ethical hacking, etc. EC-Council University (ECCU) offers programs such as Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security (BSCS) and Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS) programs that skill students, enabling them to deal with incident responses, security threat assessments, computer security management, and much more. As a 100% online university, ECCU offers its students a perfect work-life balance and the flexibility of studying anywhere, anytime. Students also get hands-on training with ECCU’s iLabs, a 24/7 real time learning platform.

The current issue faced by the Cyber Security industry is finding professionals with the expertise in the area. According to CNN, there are around 3.12 million unfilled positions in the Cyber Security industry. This shortage could be greatly mitigated if more security professionals invested in a Cyber Security degree program. With the right qualifications, Cyber Security students can tap into the vast potential the Cyber Security sector has to offer.

2. Enhance Your Skills Through Industry-Recognized Certifications

Cyber Security is an ever-evolving sector that requires its professionals to upskill constantly. According to a report by Burning Glass Technologies, Cyber Security is largely defined by certifications. Nearly six in 10 (59%) of all Cyber Security positions request at least one certification. By comparison, only 20% of overall advertised IT jobs request an industry certification. These credentials offer stackable credentials for workers to enter and advance in Cyber Security. Cyber Security professionals continue to invest in their careers through educational programs, laying the foundation of their careers and honing their existing skills.

ECCU provides Cyber Security aspirants with an amazing opportunity to gain optimum knowledge and skills through its industry-recognized certifications. The best part of these certification programs is that one can have these while pursuing their BSCS or MSCS

◉ ECCU students graduate with not just one, but with a string of certifications. Here’s how.

◉ ECCU’s degrees prepare students for the competitive and high-demand sectors.

◉ ECCU’s innovative programs apply to the current world scenario and help students reach their full potential.

◉ These programs also provide students the training necessary to excel and to become technology leaders of tomorrow.

◉ ECCU’s MSCS (with five specializations) and BSCS are 2-year completion programs embedded with various industry certifications.

◉ Both the Master’s and Bachelor’s programs parallel the knowledge requirements for EC-Council (ECC) certifications.

◉ After completing a program at ECCU, students are eligible to take the certification exams, which make them industry-ready with up to seven of ECC’s globally respected industry certifications, which are very much a part of their programs.

3. Get Connected

Networking helps you develop long-term relationships with the people you come to know through shared business interests. It is not only about the exchange of information with one another, but also about nurturing and establishing mutually beneficial interests.

Cyber Security students and professionals pursuing their degree programs from ECCU build their knowledge across domains, from IT practitioner skill levels to IT executive skill levels. They receive specialized technical training in various IT security areas, acquire an understanding of the organizational structure and behavior, gain skills to work within and across organizational structures, and get the ability to analyze and navigate organizational hierarchy successfully. ECCU believes that the management aspects play a significant role in forming a Cyber Security professional who understands the global leadership concepts. These traits allow Cyber Security professionals to communicate better with their peers and seniors, thereby making boardroom-level discussions more meaningful.

ECCU provides an enriching learning experience, as it has a diverse student population from different ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. ECCU follows a rigorous protocol for hiring faculty members who have years of real-world experience in Cyber Security. ECCU’s globally renowned faculty has been associated with the FBI, Microsoft, and various other Fortune 500 companies. Our students learn from these faculty members who are Cyber Security leaders and practitioners with theoretical and real-world expertise.

4. Apply for an Internship

An internship is the best way to gain industry-related experience and put into practice the skills and knowledge you have learned theoretically through school curriculum or certification programs. ECCU has a well-designed internship program related to students’ academic specializations, learning experiences, and skills. This program helps ECCU students get the opportunity to build and develop career paths, gain practical work experience, build resumes, and grow professional connections in their careers.

All internship jobs are pre-qualified to meet ECCU guidelines and standards, which are established for internships by the Department of Labor Fair Labor Standard Act. Through ECCU’s degree programs, students can:

◉ sign up for an internship

◉ gain competitive career advancement through in-depth industry-level knowledge.

◉ develop industry-level skills, communication skills, and decision-making skills.

◉ create a competitive advantage that increases job opportunities for them.

5. Stay Up-to-date

Cyber Security is a vast domain. Staying up-to-date with trends and new technology is a huge part of the job. Reading Cyber Security news, articles, blogs, listening to podcasts, attending webinars, and subscribing to websites are great ways to keep up. Staying informed impresses potential recruiters and employers, as this indicates one’s seriousness and commitment toward their career and their willingness to keep learning.

ECCU also organizes Cyber Talks, where industry experts share knowledge about the current global scenario in the field. These Cyber Talks aim at raising awareness about the latest threats and developments in the world of Cyber Security.

There are 3.12 million unfilled positions in the Cyber Security workforce. (Source: CNN) The potential for individuals in the Cyber Security industry is vast. One can not only look at secure job opportunities, but also lucrative careers. The average salary for a Cyber Security Architect in the US is $129,474 per year (Source: Glassdoor), and the average salary for a Cyber Security Architect in India is ₹19,32,590 per year. (Source: Glassdoor)

If you are looking to start your career in the Cyber Security domain, ECCU 100% online advanced programs will enable you to do so right from the comfort of your home. Kick-start your Cyber Security career and achieve your professional goals by applying to ECCU’s degree or certificate programs, now!

Read More: EC-Council Certifications

Source: eccu.edu

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Why Being a Veteran Is a Benefit in the Cybersecurity Industry

Why Being a Veteran Is a Benefit in the Cybersecurity Industry

Any veteran knows that the shift from military to civilian life can be challenging, but leveraging the skills you’ve gained in your military career can ensure a smooth job transition. If you’re contemplating your next steps after completing your military service, cybersecurity may be the perfect fit for you.

Cybersecurity is one of today’s most in-demand careers. As of May 2021, there were around 465,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions in the United States alone (Brooks, 2021). The cybersecurity market is only expected to grow in the coming years, with 3.5 million job openings expected globally by 2025 (Cybersecurity Ventures, 2021).

To close this skills gap, companies are offering high compensation. Average salaries for cybersecurity occupations like application security engineer and ethical hacker are more than $100,000 (Salary.com, 2022a, 2022b)—more than double the U.S. median earnings in 2020 (Shrider et al., 2021). In this article, we’ll explain how being a veteran can benefit your career in cybersecurity.

Why Is Cybersecurity a Perfect Match for Veterans?

Cybersecurity professionals protect computers, networks, digital assets, and information against unauthorized access. In a broad sense, any device connected to the internet could be exposed to a cyberattack and therefore needs to be protected. As a veteran, pursuing a career in cybersecurity lets you continue your mission of protecting citizens and defending your country on the digital battlefield.

Some of the same abilities you acquired in your military service can be utilized in your work as a cybersecurity professional. Many of the skills necessary for national defense are also important in cybersecurity, such as situational awareness, willingness to learn on the job, ability to quickly process information, and alertness and quick reaction time. As a result, veterans often have a leg up on other applicants for civilian cybersecurity positions, thanks to prior training in security procedures and experience handling time-sensitive challenges.

What Makes Veterans Appealing Candidates for Cybersecurity Jobs?

The professional qualities and expertise that veterans develop while serving their country can also be applied in the civilian workforce. Here’s a quick rundown of the attributes that make former servicemembers so desirable in the cybersecurity industry:

◉ Experience working in high-stress environments

◉ Leadership skills and experience

◉ Problem-solving abilities

◉ Disciplined attitude

◉ Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

◉ Experience handling time-constrained assignments

◉ Understanding of the significance of defense and protection

◉ Ability to communicate quickly and efficiently

◉ Loyal, dedicated, and self-driven attitude

Many multinational companies are looking for talented veterans to fill cybersecurity positions, and some are partnering with military advocacy organizations to hire veterans immediately after they complete their service.

How to Transition into Cybersecurity

1. Assess Your Skills and Plan Your Career Path

First, familiarize yourself with the various jobs available in the cybersecurity industry, such as ethical hacker, penetration tester, digital forensic investigator, application security engineer, and threat intelligence analyst. You can then determine which role is the best fit for you by assessing your interests and skills and comparing them with the requirements of each position.

It’s a great idea to seek out a career path that is already well aligned with your experience and talents. For example, if you worked as a software engineer in the Air Force, you could consider utilizing your software development skills as an application security engineer in the private sector.

2. Understand the Importance of Your Security Clearance

If you currently hold a security clearance, you’re already well on your way to being eligible for a job with the federal government. Even if (like many cybersecurity professionals) you’re employed by a private company, these organizations often contract with the federal government, making a security clearance a highly desirable asset for job applicants.

According to the National Background Investigations Bureau, which tracks clearance processing times for Department of Defense contractors, it took an average of 112 days to process a Secret clearance and nearly 6 months to process a Top Secret clearance in the fourth quarter of 2021 (Kyzer, 2021). In addition to these lengthy waiting periods, the hiring company usually has to bear the cost of obtaining a clearance. Processing a Secret clearance can cost anywhere from a few hundred to $3,000 per employee, with Top Secret clearances running as much as $15,000 (TAOnline, 2021). If you already have a security clearance, you can get started in a new role faster and your new employer can avoid these expenses, making you a more appealing job candidate.

3. Find a Mentor and Research Potential Employers

It’s always a good idea to seek a mentor’s advice when you’re about to embark on a new career—when you don’t know which road to choose, you’re much more likely to get lost. Reach out to contacts in your network who can guide you in transitioning to a civilian career and entering the cybersecurity field.

You can take advantage of online job listings to do your homework before applying for jobs. Research what employers are currently looking for in terms of skills, experience, education, and certifications to see whether your qualifications meet these requirements. Online job portals are a great source for finding opportunities in the cybersecurity job market and exploring typical salaries for the positions you’re interested in.

4. Pursue a Specialized Cybersecurity Education

An industry-recognized education can give you an advantage when entering the cybersecurity sector. According to a recent report, 88% of cybersecurity job postings require a bachelor’s degree or higher (Burning Glass Technologies, 2019), and obtaining industry-recognized certifications can result in salary increases of more than $16,000 (Owaida, 2019).

Source: eccu.edu

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Do You Have What It Takes to Become a CISO?

Although the title of chief information security officer—or “CISO”—has only been around since the mid-90s, CISOs have quickly become indispensable to many organizations across a wide range of industries (Morgan, 2020). Have you ever wondered how CISOs approach cybersecurity and management? What challenges do they face, and what skills do they need to develop to overcome those challenges?

In this article, we’ll outline the unique role that CISOs play in organizations as well as the skills and qualifications that a CISO should possess. We’ll also explain how the cybersecurity master’s degree program at EC-Council University (ECCU) can benefit individuals seeking careers in this high-level cybersecurity position.

Understanding the Role of a CISO

While CISOs are the highest-ranking members of the cybersecurity hierarchy, their role demands much more than just a deep understanding of information security. As C-suite executives, CISOs need to balance a focus on information security with a well-honed business sense. For a CISO, understanding an organization’s strategic vision and protecting its information technology (IT) infrastructure are both part of the job.

A CISO’s primary responsibilities include:

◉ Hiring and leading a team of cybersecurity professionals

◉ Overseeing the development of information security solutions

◉ Creating strategic IT security plans in association with the rest of the executive team

◉ Collaborating across multiple departments to maintain a secure IT infrastructure

◉ Tracking security incidents from identification to resolution

◉ Regularly conducting and updating cybersecurity awareness programs for employees

◉ Planning, forecasting, and managing security budgets

◉ Monitoring software releases and upgrades

◉ Ensuring that network upgrades are completed on time

◉ Confirming that IT projects are completed without violating security standards

What’s the Difference Between a CISO and CIO?

The distinction between a CISO and a chief information officer (CIO) is subtle, and many organizations blur this line by combining the two roles into a single position. Both CIOs and CISOs need IT expertise as well as leadership skills. However, CIOs are normally in charge of an organization’s IT activities and initiatives in general, whereas CISOs are more narrowly focused on security-related concerns like cyber risk management, data protection, and security awareness training (Hiter, 2021).

CISO Key Competencies

Risk Management

Organizations rely on many tools, third-party vendors, and applications to automate and execute work processes, all of which pose potential risks. As a result, the scope of IT security implementation is broad, incorporating not just internal organization members but also vendors, partners, visitors, remote employees, and all devices and individuals directly or indirectly connected to the organization’s IT infrastructure.

Because all of these associations present security challenges, risk management is a critical skill for CISOs. To prevent information loss, damage, and theft, a CISO needs to have a solid knowledge of risk management. This means understanding the flow of information within and outside the organization and defining security policies accordingly, including overseeing software patch management.

Compliance

CISOs are in charge of making sure that their organization follows all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. They oversee their organization’s compliance with the security-related statutes and regulations in force where the organization operates, such as Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA).

Depending on their organization’s specific operations and needs, CISOs may also need to consider cybersecurity frameworks and standards that don’t have the power of law but are still contractually required by business partners or widely adopted in their industry (Baadsgaard, 2021). Examples of commonly used industry frameworks and standards include the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard ISO/IEC 27001.

Technical Proficiency in Cybersecurity

While CISOs hold a C-level position that requires strong management and leadership skills, they must also be well versed in cybersecurity. A CISO should be capable of managing complex IT architectures and have a thorough understanding of the activities and tools associated with IT operations.

While CISOs are not typically involved in the day-to-day execution of cybersecurity and IT functions, they are responsible for managing and coordinating vulnerability scans, security assessments, penetration tests, secure coding practices, and so on. To perform these duties effectively, they need extensive cybersecurity expertise. Crucial IT and cybersecurity topics for CISOs include:

◉ Security architecture development

◉ Incident response and remediation

◉ Disaster recovery planning

◉ Mobile and endpoint management

◉ Remote device management

◉ Identity and access management

◉ Data and information management

◉ Security policy and framework implementation

◉ Application and database security

◉ Management of network security and firewalls

Communication and Leadership

CISOs hold a highly influential position at the top of the corporate ladder. As such, they frequently represent their organization when speaking with external stakeholders, law enforcement and government agencies, and the media about cybersecurity developments and concerns.

In addition to representing their company to outsiders, a CISO is also typically responsible for communicating security policies and raising security awareness internally among their organization’s personnel. Given these responsibilities, CISOs are therefore expected to be high-energy individuals with outstanding communication and leadership abilities.

How to Become a CISO

Attaining this high-level position involves several steps, including gaining the necessary education, experience, and certifications.

1. Obtain Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees

Many CISOs have bachelor’s and master’s degrees, generally in cybersecurity or a related subject. Because the CISO position involves complex job duties and considerable responsibility, a Master of Science degree is expected at many organizations—and can significantly boost your earning potential (Indeed, 2021).

Many universities today offer online master’s programs in cybersecurity. If you’re already in the workforce, an online learning program can help you pursue a degree without leaving your current job. At ECCU, we offer a fully online Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCS) program, including a specialization in Executive Leadership in Information Assurance designed to prepare you for a career in cybersecurity leadership.

2. Get Certified

Obtaining industry-recognized certifications is essential to secure a high-level cybersecurity position, as these credentials serve as proof of your knowledge and abilities. Certifications provide and validate specialized expertise in specific areas of cybersecurity, like network security and penetration testing.

EC-Council offers a leading certification for aspiring cybersecurity executives: the Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO). In addition to this CISO-specific credential, it’s also a great idea to pursue other certifications that demonstrate your proficiency in multiple technical areas, such as ethical hacking, computer forensics, or any other topic connected to your field and interests.

3. Build Technical and Management Experience

While degrees and certifications are important prerequisites for a CISO role, a great education alone isn’t enough—to be considered for a position at the top of the cybersecurity hierarchy, you’ll need to have relevant experience to back up your academic credentials.

CISOs have to demonstrate a unique blend of IT and managerial abilities. To build a strong resume, start by refining your technical skills. To be eligible for EC-Council’s C|CISO certification, candidates need experience in each of the five C|CISO domains:

1. Governance, risk, and compliance

2. Information security controls and audit management

3. Security program management and operations

4. Information security core competencies

5. Strategic planning, finance, procurement, and third-party management

In addition to learning and developing skills in each of these areas, seek out experience in leadership and management. Any prospective CISO must prove their ability to successfully lead teams, collaborate effectively across departments, and establish and enforce high-level policy and strategy.

Source: eccu.edu

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