What is Cyber-Engineering?

With cyber-crimes continuing to rise in the U.S. and throughout the world, there is a growing need for people capable of taking on these threats to online security. Many companies rely on information and technology stored in the cloud while conducting daily business. If you’re interested in learning advanced skills that help you take a lead role in protecting against cybercrime, then a master’s degree in cyber engineering may fit into your long-term career goals.

WHAT IS CYBER ENGINEERING?

Cyber engineering combines various elements of electrical engineering, computer science, humanities, and mathematics. Those who choose to pursue cyber engineering as a career path learn to use that knowledge in ways that help organizations protect themselves from being hacked. They help lead the way in making sure that a company’s systems stay protected against attempts at stealing information or disabling a company’s technology infrastructure.

A master’s degree in cyber engineering expands the number of available career paths for those interested in the security aspect of information technology. The field is expected to continue growing, meaning that qualified cyber engineers will remain a hot commodity in the job market. The International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)², a cybersecurity non-profit, put out a workforce study that estimated that the global demand for cybersecurity professionals would grow by 145%.

WHAT DOES A CYBER ENGINEER DO?

Cyber engineers are security professionals in the world of information technology. Individuals who work in the field often carry titles like cybersecurity engineer or information security engineer. They’re responsible for locating potential vulnerabilities in an organization’s IT infrastructure. Cyber engineers continually assess the threats those defects pose to the company and work to find solutions that protect the company against hacking.

Along with outside threats, cyber engineers also look after the internal security of a company. They work with other members of a company’s IT team to set up security policies and procedures designed to keep the company safe from various kinds of cyber crimes. Other responsibilities that typically fall under those in the role of a cyber engineer include:

• Supervising the security systems that house data for organizations
• Responding to system or network security breaches
• Overseeing the planning, implementation, management, and upgrading of security measures meant to protect an organization’s data and technology infrastructure
• Provide reports and communication to team members and company stakeholders
• Conduct penetration testing
• Identify the security weaknesses in an organization’s systems and networks

Successful cyber engineers often rely upon the following soft skills:

• Project Management — Cyber engineers act as managers of teams called upon to complete project deliverables within a specific timeframe. They oversee the work of other security team members, assign tasks, and keep up with timelines and budget.
• Communication — Cyber engineers communicate regularly with people in various roles, including IT sales professionals, corporate officers, and other cybersecurity professionals. They also pass on education on multiple aspects of cyber security to other staff members.
• Problem-Solving — Cyber engineers are often called upon to help organizations address various security vulnerabilities. They typically rely on different tools, frameworks, and processes to consistently come up with robust solutions that fully address an issue.
• Leadership — Many cyber engineers function as thought leaders who oversee the work of other security professionals. They make sure those they manage remain up to date on advances in security technology along with new cyber threats.

HOW DO I BECOME A CYBER ENGINEER?

Most cyber engineers start off earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology or another related field. Many choose to move directly into the workforce to gain professional experience and spend about three-to-five years working at it. Security professionals become eligible to qualify for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential at that point, offered through (ISC)².

From there, they start looking into obtaining a master’s degree in cyber engineering or another security-related degree. University of the Cumberlands’ cyber engineering master’s degree program provides a curriculum that teaches students the real-world skills they will rely on in their careers. Graduates will gain the knowledge needed to go out and compete for high-level jobs in the security industry.

Students looking to apply to a University of the Cumberlands Master’s program must meet the following requirements:

• Complete an application and pay the application fee
• Provide official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework taken at accredited educational institutions in the U.S.
• Meet the GPA requirement of the master’s degree program
• Provide official transcripts of any international coursework completed for evaluation
• Submit any other paperwork or references asked for by the master’s program

Learn more about the specific requirements of the University of Cumberlands’ master’s degree program in cyber engineering here.

WHAT ARE THE TOP JOBS AND SALARIES AVAILABLE FOR A CYBER ENGINEER?

Below are some of the potential jobs and related salaries that those with a master’s degree in cyber engineering might wish to pursue. Your actual salary typically depends on a company’s geographical location and your work experience.

Information Security Analyst — $99,730
These in-demand professionals typically plan and execute security measures that protect a company’s computer systems and networks.

Cybersecurity Architect — $106,362
Cybersecurity architects make sure that offensive and defensive measures are put in place to protect a company’s IT infrastructure.

Information Security Engineer — $99,834
Information security engineers help plan and implement security measures to regulate who access a company’s systems or network. They also work to prevent any unauthorized access that could put an organization in jeopardy.

EXPAND YOUR FUTURE PROSPECTS

If you find yourself drawn to the world of online security, consider pursuing the path of cyber engineering. The skills and knowledge you gain along the way can prepare you for a variety of different technical and executive career paths.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the online Master’s in Cyber Engineering degree offered at University of the Cumberlands, contact one of our admissions counselors or submit a request for more information.