If you think cybersecurity is just for data scientists and IT professionals, think again.
The FBI reports that hackers are using deep fake identities and videos to scam their way into videoconference job interviews, hiring and onboarding, putting digital fraud detection and reporting squarely in the human resources realm.
Manufacturers must manage privacy mandates and cybersecurity regulations promulgated by a combination of federal, state, local or tribal governments, according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, making network and data protection a compliance responsibility.
Persuading consumers and supply chain partners that their data is safe falls to marketing and public relations professionals who must have a sound understanding of cybersecurity to sell it, just like any other topic of market conversation.
“Cybersecurity is no longer relegated to the IT division. It affects every company department, every step of the product or service journey and every customer,” according to Forbes.
As hackers are growing more sophisticated by using artificial intelligence, machine learning and other advanced technology to attack targets, McKinsey & Company predicts businesses — including small and midsize enterprises — will increase spending on cybersecurity to $101.5 billion by 2025 to fight back against potential losses of $10.5 trillion.
What Is the Demand for Cyber-Enabled Professionals?
IBM describes cyber-enabled professionals as those holding dual roles: business operations and cybersecurity.
“Cybersecurity job postings have exploded,” it says, citing a report that says demand for professionals with expertise in defending against digital attacks grew by 94% in just six years, a 300% increase in demand compared to the overall IT jobs market.
Even though the cybersecurity education programs have increased by a third, IBM says, quoting national education statistics, the number of graduates entering job markets cannot keep up with demand.
What Cybersecurity Programs Increase Business Professionals’ Market Value?
Murray State University offers two advanced degree programs online that prepare graduates to successfully enter or advance in the job market. The programs are as follows:
Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Cybersecurity
In addition to developing advanced expertise in accounting, analytics, business economics and finance, graduates of the MBA in Cybersecurity online program from Murray State develop expertise in managing IT professionals, securing data network and information systems, protecting data privacy, software and networks and mitigating attacks.
The MBA with cybersecurity program focus prepares graduates for careers such as the following (with their respective average salaries):
- Security Analyst (average of $113,869 a year, according to Glassdoor)
- Security Auditor (average of $82,397 according to com)
- Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance Analyst (average of $95,809 according to Glassdoor)
- Director of Privacy (average of $148,605 according to Glassdoor)
- Director of Compliance (average of $127,710 a year according to Glassdoor)
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
Distinct from the MBA program, which complements advanced business and personnel management skills with cybersecurity expertise, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity Management online program from Murray State University provides graduates with the technical foundation to manage and secure complex data networks.
Designed to add value to existing business or technical credentials, M.S. graduates are ready to identify cyberattack vulnerabilities, develop controls to detect and prevent network intrusion and optimize protocols for key encryption and message authentication.
The Murray State M.S. in Cybersecurity Management online program, which does not require students to have an extensive IT or cybersecurity background, prepares graduates for careers such as the following (with their respective average yearly salaries):
- Chief Information Security Officer (average of $191,802 according to Glassdoor)
- Information Security Manager (average of $142,669 according to Glassdoor)
- Information Systems Security Officer (average of $99,877 according to Glassdoor)
- Information Security Officer (average of $128,932 a year according to Glassdoor)
- IT Auditor (average of $106,030 a year according to Glassdoor)
The cybersecurity field is growing and cyberattacks have become more complex. As a result, professionals with advanced training and degrees in technology, data science, IT and network protection will continue to be of highly valued.
Learn more about Murray State University’s online M.S. in Cybersecurity Management program.
