Any company that gathers or stores data needs the help of cyber security professionals. Their expertise can prevent that information from falling into the wrong hands.
In fact, the need for qualified cyber security experts is now greater than ever. As reported by CNBC, large-scale security breaches are growing more frequent – and more serious. In 2020, the number of large-scale breaches increased by 273% in its first quarter, compared to the same time in 2019.
IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2020 revealed that the global average total cost of a data breach was $3.86 million. Of the breaches tracked in the study, 52% were caused by malicious attacks, 19% by comprised credentials and cloud misconfigurations, and 13% by nation state attackers.
As a graduate of our online, part-time MSc in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, you’ll be positioned to progress in the world of cyber security and forensic IT in several ways.
As so many companies, across industries and sectors, require professionals with your expertise, you can expect to have a variety of roles to choose from.
You have the option to explore technical jobs such as being a malware analyst or cyber security architect. Alternatively, you can work in law, insurance, or business analysis – to name just a few choices.
With the knowledge and understanding you’ll gain from your Master’s, combined with the practical lessons included in our course, you’ll be able to translate your learnings to real-world challenges regardless of how they present themselves.
While cyber attacks continue to rise, the number of qualified professionals entering the field has yet to match the global demand for them.
For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that cyber security jobs will experience growth of 31% between 2019 and 2029, in contrast to the national average job growth of 4%.
The UK has estimated that approximately 653,000 organisations (48%) have a basic cyber security skills gap – meaning that they lack the ability to complete fundamental security tasks endorsed by the government.
The soft skills that you’ll develop during your course will also prove to be an advantage. In the above report, 29% of cyber firms said that applicants lacking interpersonal skills like communication and leadership has prevented them from meeting their business goals.
Due to the specialised, research-based study that a Master’s will challenge you with, your course can also be an important step towards earning a PhD. In fact, in certain cases, universities will require you to hold a Master’s before you can do a PhD.
Starting on your PhD will allow you to explore your subject of interest in more detail. You’ll be able to build in-depth knowledge and expertise that could make you a valuable hire to many employees. If you’re interested in staying in academia long-term – for example, as a researcher – then undertaking a Master’s course can be an excellent way to develop the time management skills and self-direction that you’d need to succeed.
With the University of Portsmouth’s online, part-time MSc in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, you can earn your degree from anywhere in the world, at the times most convenient to you. Learn from our experienced tutors and benefit from engaging theoretical and practical coursework that will help you prepare for the next stage of your professional ambitions, whatever they may be.