There has never been a greater need for cybersecurity specialists. With cybercrime rising and an estimated 1.8 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs in 2022, now is an ideal time to prepare for a cybersecurity career.
For example, the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Cybersecurity Management online program from the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) is nationally recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (NCAE-C). This designation sets graduates apart in a job search, such as with the following five roles.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analyst ranks second in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Technology Jobs and fifth in both Best STEM Jobs and 100 Best Jobs. These cybersecurity professionals protect their organization’s computer networks and information systems from unauthorized access. Typical responsibilities include:
- Maintaining security controls such as firewall technology and encryption software
- Ensuring compliance with security frameworks and standards
- Performing risk assessments
- Analyzing and responding to suspicious activity and security breaches
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for information security analysts is $102,600 as of May 2021, with the top 10% earning over $165,920.
Cryptography Analyst
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) asks, “Can you crack a code?” If you are interested in pursuing an intelligence career, UIS’s online MBA in Cybersecurity Management program can help you get noticed.
The NCAE-C program that certifies UIS’s online MBA in Cybersecurity Management program is managed by the National Security Agency‘s National Cryptologic School. As a UIS graduate, intelligence agencies may actively recruit you.
Cryptography analysts, or cryptanalysts, specialize in decoding encrypted messages, such as those transmitted by criminal organizations. Common cryptanalyst duties also include:
- Monitoring data flow for security issues
- Testing and debugging software systems
- Identifying, analyzing and addressing flaws in cryptosystems
- Researching and testing new cryptography and security applications
According to Payscale, the average annual salary for cryptographers is $185,000 as of May 2022.
Data and Cybersecurity Manager
These cybersecurity managers collaborate with other information technology (IT) professionals to ensure information system security. This means staying current on potential threats, threat detection and protection strategies and technologies.
Like other cyber leader roles, data and cybersecurity managers oversee technical teams and provide technical guidance across the organization. Responsibilities include:
- Managing security policies to ensure compliance with best practices
- Ensuring the security of all digital assets
- Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, such as penetration testing management
- Advising management on cyber-related events
The BLS reports a median annual salary for computer and information systems managers of $159,010 as of May 2021, with the top 10% earning over $208,000.
Senior Cybersecurity Policy Advisor
If an employee falls for a phishing email, what consequences would the company experience? According to the FBI, business email compromise (BEC) is one of the costliest cybercrimes.
Cybersecurity policy advisors may work for consulting firms to help clients reduce the risk of cyberthreats such as BEC, which may start with evaluating clients’ cybersecurity strategies against industry best practices. Cybersecurity advisors guide their clients in putting effective policies in place, including procedures for responding to a breach should one occur.
ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary for cybersecurity advisors of $101,743 as of December 2022, with the top 10% earning $150,000.
Chief Information Security Officer
As a member of the executive team, the company’s chief information security officer (CISO) oversees the organization’s cybersecurity program. Responsibilities include:
- Understanding both the technical and business needs of the organization
- Developing and implementing the company’s security policies and procedures to protect assets and infrastructure from internal and external threats
- Forming a cybersecurity disaster recovery plan (DRP) along with a business continuity plan (BCP) in the event of a cyberattack and data breach
- Ensuring compliance with privacy laws and regulations
- Briefing board members on risk management issues and working to develop solutions that meet security and business objectives
Glassdoor puts the median annual salary for CISOs at $255,725 as of September 2022, with top earners making $445,000.
Cybercrime trends leave organizations of every size wondering not if a cyberattack will occur but when. UIS’s online MBA in Cybersecurity Management program can prepare you for a career in cyber leadership that provides strong job security, excellent earning potential and plentiful opportunities for advancement.
Learn more about the University of Illinois Springfield’s online MBA in Cybersecurity Management program.
