Why You Should Consider a Security and Risk Analysis Degree

In today’s world, data breaches and cyber attacks are becoming more common every day. Organizations in both the public and private sectors are looking for professionals who can help them prevent and respond to these threats. That’s where a security and risk analysis degree comes in.

As someone interested in a career in information security, a security and risk analysis degree can provide you with the perfect foundation of knowledge and skills. In this post, I’ll explain what this degree is all about, why it’s valuable, and what kinds of careers it can lead to.

What is Security and Risk Analysis?

Security and risk analysis is an interdisciplinary field focused on protecting individuals, organizations, and governments from various threats. It involves evaluating systems and procedures to identify vulnerabilities measuring risks, and developing strategies to mitigate those risks.

A security and risk analysis degree program provides training in areas like:

• Information assurance and cybersecurity
• Cyber threat detection and response
• Data privacy
• Intelligence analysis
• Risk assessment and management

Coursework covers both the technical and strategic aspects of security. Students learn how to secure systems and networks from cyber attacks. They also study risk analysis, or how to identify, measure, and address vulnerabilities. Communication and management skills for security professionals are also emphasized.

In addition to classroom learning, many programs incorporate hands-on lab work. Students may also complete internships to gain real-world experience.

Why Earn a Security and Risk Analysis Degree?

There are several reasons why a security and risk analysis degree is a smart choice in today’s world:

High Demand for Security Professionals

Cybersecurity ventures predict there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally by 2021. Many industries are urgently looking to fill positions like information security analyst, cyber security engineer, and chief information security officer. A degree in security and risk analysis provides the right skills to take advantage of this need.

Lucrative Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for information security analysts in the U.S. is over $98,000 per year. Salaries in this field are likely to continue rising as demand increases. A security and risk analysis degree can be the first step toward landing one of these lucrative roles.

Variety of Career Paths

Security and risk analysis grads can pursue careers in a wide range of industries. You could work in technology, government intelligence, law enforcement, business, healthcare, education and more. Students can often customize their degree with electives and internships to gear their education toward a particular field.

Transferable Skills

Even if you don’t end up in a cyber security role long-term, the skills gained will still be valuable. Security and risk analysis teaches critical thinking, analysis, communication, and management abilities that are transferable to any industry. Technical skills like programming and working with networks and data systems are also helpful in many jobs.

What Will I Learn in a Security and Risk Analysis Program?

While specific courses vary, most security and risk analysis degree programs cover concepts like:

• Network security: Students learn how to secure networks, detect intrusions, and respond to attacks. Courses cover topics like firewalls, virtual private networks (VPNs), authentication systems, and vulnerability assessments.

• Information assurance: Focuses on protecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. Includes instruction on risk management, security regulations, and privacy issues.

• Cyber forensics: Covers collecting, examining, and preserving digital evidence. Students learn tools and techniques for investigating cyber attacks and insider threats.

• Risk analysis: Teaches methodologies for identifying and assessing risks, determining appropriate responses, and managing ongoing risks. Quantitative and qualitative risk analysis approaches are discussed.

• Security management: Focuses on leadership and communication skills needed for a successful security program. Includes security planning, developing policies, awareness training, and emergency preparedness.

• Programming: Languages like Python, Java, and C++ help students automate tasks and analyze data.

• OS/network administration: Students learn to configure systems like Windows, Linux, routers, and switches securely.

• Mathematics: Statistics, calculus, and algorithms support data analysis and risk calculations.

In addition to foundational security knowledge, these programs allow students to specialize through electives and hands-on labs. For example, you might focus electives on an industry like healthcare or finance.

What Careers Are Available With This Degree?

A security and risk analysis degree opens doors to careers like:

• Information security analyst – Identify vulnerabilities, recommend and implement security measures for an organization. May focus on particular industries like finance or healthcare.

• IT security consultant – Assess risks, design and implement security solutions for clients as an outside contractor.

• Security engineer – Design, build, and maintain secure networks, applications, databases and other systems.

• Cyber security operations analyst – Monitor networks for security events, contain incidents, and restore normal operations after an attack.

• Security architect – Plan and design enterprise-wide information security frameworks and policies aligned to business goals.

• IT auditor – Assess effectiveness of IT controls and make recommendations for improved security and compliance.

• Network administrator – Manage computer networks and security measures like access controls, VPNs, and firewalls.

• Security software developer – Design and code security tools and applications like biometrics, encryption, and network monitoring.

• Cyber crime investigator – Uncover and preserve digital evidence to assist law enforcement and corporate investigations.

• Security operations center analyst – Monitor, detect, investigate, and respond to cybersecurity incidents using a blend of technology solutions and threat intelligence.

These are just a few of the options. Security professionals are also needed in government agencies like the NSA and CIA. Leadership roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) are possible with additional experience.

How Can I Get Started?

If you’re interested in launching an exciting, lucrative career in security and risk analysis, here are a few steps to get started:

• Research online security and risk analysis programs from accredited colleges and universities. Look for degrees aligned with your interests and career goals.

• Make sure your program covers key industry frameworks like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework or CIS Critical Security Controls. Many align curriculum with government standards for great preparation.

• Look for opportunities like internships or labs for hands-on learning to complement online coursework.

• Consider earning an associate’s degree or undergraduate certificate on the way to your bachelor’s degree. The additional credentials stand out to employers.

• Join student chapters of professional groups like ISSA, ISACA, or (ISC)2 to start building your professional network while studying.

• Check out security and risk analysis scholarships and American Cyber Career Pathways for financial aid options.

The need for security professionals is only continuing to grow. A degree in security and risk analysis provides the multidisciplinary knowledge to be well-prepared for an exciting and meaningful career fighting cybercrime and protecting critical infrastructure and data.