Modern technology is advancing at an exponential pace – and unfortunately, cyber criminals have found many ways to keep up. Even as cybersecurity measures become more sophisticated, increases in online commerce and communication mean that individuals, businesses, and governments are all at a higher risk of cyberattacks.
Between 2019 and 2023, individuals and businesses in the U.S. lost a total of $37.4 billion to cybercrime, according to a report from cybersecurity experts at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).1 As the table below demonstrates, these losses increased steadily each year, both across the U.S. and within the state of Minnesota.
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Losses in the United States | $3.5 billion1 | $4.2 billion1 | $6.9 billion1 | $10.3 billion1 | $12.5 billion1 |
| Losses in Minnesota | $39 million2 | $58 million3 | $82.5 million4 | $104 million5 | $194 million1 |
The increasing threat of online crime has led many professionals to start careers in cybersecurity. For those who enjoy working with technology and are interested in preventing cybercrime, jobs in this field can be very rewarding. Whether you’re wondering how to get into cybersecurity or looking to move upward in your current cybersecurity career, you can learn more from the article below.
Why Study Cybersecurity?
Earning a new degree in cybersecurity can open doors to many career options. Professionals in this field work in a variety of environments, including government organizations, corporations, healthcare facilities, retailers, and more. Most cybersecurity job requirements include at least a bachelor’s degree, and many employers prefer a master’s.
Cybersecurity is part of a quickly growing, high-need industry that is likely to offer both job security and opportunities for advancement. Consider this promising information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- As of 2023, Minnesotans working in computer and mathematical occupations earned an average salary of $105,630, well above the $66,700 state average for all jobs6
- Between 2022 and 2032, the job outlook for computer and IT professionals in the U.S. is expected to grow much faster than average, with about 377,500 openings projected each year7
- In the same time period, employment of information security analysts is expected to grow 32%, accounting for approximately 16,800 openings per year8
By earning a degree, you can gain the cybersecurity skills to stop online crime before it happens. Additionally, many master’s programs include courses focused on business and management to help students advance to leadership positions in their cybersecurity careers.
High-Salary Careers in Cybersecurity
Motivated individuals have many options when it comes to starting their careers in cybersecurity. If you’re looking to pursue high-paying cybersecurity jobs, consider the following options:
Data Security Analyst ($71,849/year9)
Data security analysts work with IT managers and security teams to ensure personal or sensitive data maintained by a company is kept safe from potential risks. They help determine who should have access to different types of data and advise on how data of various sensitivity levels should be stored.
Cybersecurity Analyst ($81,268/year10)
Cybersecurity analysts help companies protect their networks and systems from cyberattacks. To do so, they may review suspicious activity, help develop plans to respond to breaches, educate employees on how to avoid cybercrime, stay up-to-date on the latest cybercrime strategies, and more.
Cybersecurity Engineer ($101,901/year11)
Cybersecurity engineers create solutions to help defend a company or organization’s data and network against cybercrime. They analyze existing software to identify vulnerabilities and then develop and implement improvements to make systems more secure.
Information Security Analyst ($112,000/year8)
An information security analyst’s job is similar to that of a data security analyst, but they work to protect a broader spectrum of information. They monitor networks and systems for threats, recommend improvements to security, and carry out other duties to help protect the information stored by the organization.
Employment of information security analysts is expected to grow 32% between 2022 and 2032, accounting for approximately 16,800 openings per year.7
Are You Ready to Stop Cybercriminals in Their Tracks?
Study a hands-on curriculum that’s designed by industry experts and earn two embedded certificates in the online M.S. in Cybersecurity program from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Is a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity Worth It?
A master’s degree – especially one that emphasizes leadership and management in addition to cybersecurity skills – can help you progress up the ladder to the next stage in your career. If you’re interested in pursuing leadership positions in cybersecurity, the online M.S. in Cybersecurity from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can help you gain a competitive advantage with new cybersecurity skills as well as advanced knowledge of management and leadership.
A few examples of upper management positions in cybersecurity and IT security that one might pursue after earning a master’s degree include:
Information Security Manager ($126,000/year12)
Information security managers lead a team of IT and cybersecurity professionals to maintain the safety of a business’s network and systems. They work closely with cybersecurity technology, but they also manage employees and help others develop in their careers.
Director, Information Technology (IT) Security ($150,919/year13)
IT security directors are members of upper-level management who oversee departments of computing, networking, and information technology. Professionals in this role must have advanced knowledge of technology and cybersecurity practices as well as exceptional interpersonal communication and leadership skills.
Chief Information Officer ($175,529/year14)
Chief information officer (CIO) is the top information security position in any company or organization. The CIO is responsible for all major decisions regarding an organization’s network and systems security strategy. To reach the position of CIO, a person needs top-tier technological expertise and excellent decision-making abilities.
Pursue Certifications for Cybersecurity
To get started or advance in any cybersecurity career, you’ll need to build expertise by completing a degree program that’s committed to your success. The online MS in Cybersecurity program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota empowers students to build specialized skills with stackable certifications in Cybersecurity Management and Cybersecurity Technology.
Studying a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, you’ll graduate from Saint Mary’s in just 12-24 months with the business acumen you need to complement your technical skills and advance to leadership positions in your field. The program also offers CISSP, CISM, Network+, Security+, Cloud+, and CySA+ Certification preparation. Due to the program’s partnership with CompTIA, students can also receive discounts on these certification exams.
If you’re ready to start or advance your career in cybersecurity, there’s no reason to wait. Learn more about Saint Mary’s University today to take the next step on your journey to fighting cybercrime with the technical and leadership skills top employers are looking for.
Sources
- Internet Crime Complaint Center. “Internet Crime Report 2023.” Federal Bureau of Investigation. 2023. Retrieved Apr. 12, 2024 from https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2023_IC3Report.pdf.
- Internet Crime Complaint Center. “Internet Crime Report 2019.” Federal Bureau of Investigation. 2019. Retrieved Apr. 12, 2024 from https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2019_IC3Report.pdf.
- Internet Crime Complaint Center. “Internet Crime Report 2020.” Federal Bureau of Investigation. 2020. Retrieved Apr. 12, 2024 from https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2020_IC3Report.pdf.
- Internet Crime Complaint Center. “Internet Crime Report 2021.” Federal Bureau of Investigation. 2021. Retrieved Apr. 12, 2024 from https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2021_IC3Report.pdf.
- Internet Crime Complaint Center. “Internet Crime Report 2022.” Federal Bureau of Investigation. 2022. Retrieved Apr. 12, 2024 from https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2022_IC3Report.pdf.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Minnesota.” Apr. 3, 2024. Retrieved Apr. 17, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mn.htm#15-0000.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer and Information Technology Occupations.” Sept. 6, 2023. Retrieved Apr. 11, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Information Security Analysts.” Sept. 6, 2023. Retrieved Apr. 11, 2024 from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm.
- Payscale. “Average Data Security Analyst Salary.” Retrieved Apr. 11, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Data_Security_Analyst/Salary.
- Payscale. “Average Cyber Security Analyst Salary.” Retrieved Apr. 11, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Cyber_Security_Analyst/Salary.
- Payscale. “Average Cyber Security Engineer Salary.” Retrieved Apr. 11, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Cyber_Security_Engineer/Salary.
- Payscale. “Average Information Security Manager Salary.” Retrieved Apr. 11, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Information_Security_Manager/Salary.
- Payscale. “Average Director, Computing/Networking/Information Technology (IT) Security Salary.” Retrieved Apr. 11, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Director%2C_Computing%2FNetworking%2FInformation_Technology_(IT)_Security/Salary.
- Payscale. “Average Chief Information Officer (CIO) Salary.” Retrieved Apr. 11, 2024 from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Information_Officer_(CIO)/Salary.
