Industry Outlook:

CYBERSECURITY

Cybersecurity involves technologies, processes, and practices designed to safeguard computing devices (such as computers, servers, and mobile devices), networks, and data from threats, including malware, phishing, social engineering, denial of service, data breaches, insider threats, vulnerabilities and exploits, and identity theft.

As technology evolves, so do cybersecurity threats, and staying vigilant and proactive is crucial to maintaining a secure digital environment. With the rising frequency and sophistication of cyberthreats, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals to secure digital assets and protect against potential attacks increases.

The field of cybersecurity offers a range of career paths and specializations. Whether you’re interested in ethical hacking, penetration testing, security analysis, incident response, or security policy development, there are many opportunities to explore.

Future of the Cybersecurity Industry

Projected Growth Rate

The global cybersecurity market is projected to grow from $172.32 billion in 2023 to $424.97 billion in 2030, a compound annual growth rate of 13.8% as more manufacturers, financial institutions, and health care and insurance companies adopt security solutions.

The more people use devices equipped with the Internet of Things and intelligence software, the more cyberthreats are likely to occur. Organizations must adopt cybersecurity practices and hire professionals who can employ them to mitigate cyberattacks.

Annual Wage

As of May 2022, the median annual wage for professionals in the computer and information technology industry was $100,530.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2022 to 2032, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. About 377,500 openings are projected to occur each year due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the workforce.

States with Most Cybersecurity Job Openings

Cyberseek, a company that provides valuable data about the cybersecurity industry, reports that from September 2022 to August 2023, the total number of cybersecurity job openings in the United States was 572,392.

The website reports that as of April 2023, the total number of people employed in the field was 1,178,662, which is a whopping 74% increase since 2010. States where additional job growth is expected are Maryland (31,422), Florida (30,190), and New York (23,071).

Enter the Industry

Common Degrees for Cybersecurity Professionals

The most common level of education that a cybersecurity professional has is a bachelor’s degree, although, according to Zippia.com, employees with a master’s degree earn more than those without one. For example, a cybersecurity professional with a master’s degree earns about $102,065 on average annually, while those with a bachelor’s degree earn about $93,788 and those with an associate degree earn about $81,263.

Earn Your Degree with Excelsior

It’s a smart time to enter or advance in the field of cybersecurity. Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program enhances your technical knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. The program is designed to prepare you for cybersecurity-related jobs in the U.S. Cyber Command, the NSA’s signal intelligence operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, law enforcement agencies, and corporate environments. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity curriculum focuses on data communication, ethics, legal and compliance issues, operational process, ethical hacking, software security, project management and risk management, and defensive technologies.

Contact Us

Take the Next Steps

If you’re interested in learning more about Excelsior University’s online Cybersecurity program, contact Excelsior to request more information. No matter where you are on your education journey, we’re here to help you get to the finish line.

7 Columbia Circle, Albany NY 12203