What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the protection of online information. It pertains to safeguarding against cyber threats to employees, assets, and an organization. Additionally, it’s about preventing unauthorized access to personal data stored on devices and online. Cyber threats have become more prevalent because digital information and technology are now integrated into everyday operations.
Why is Cybersecurity important?
In today’s world, smartphones, computers, and the internet play such a crucial role that it’s hard to think of life without them. It’s more important than ever to prevent cyber criminals from accessing our accounts, data, and devices when using online banking, shopping, and corporate information. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 791,790 cybercrime-related complaints were filed in 2022, up 69 per cent from 2019, amounting to losses of more than $ 4.1 billion.
As cyberattacks become more common, businesses must dedicate more time, money, and talent to preventing them. This has resulted in a boom in demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
It is possible to categorize cyber security into five distinct types:
Why pursue Cyber security?
A career in cyber security is among the most in-demand and fastest-growing fields in the industry. If you’re considering a career change or further education, cyber security jobs offer high earnings and interesting and varied experiences that you might not find in other fields.
The industry suffers from a shortage of talent, so companies are constantly competing for the best talent.
Difference between Cyber Security & Network Security
Network security and cyber security are the most popular tech fields today. Professionals with knowledge and expertise in these fields are in greater demand due to the increasing number of cyber-attacks. Understanding the distinction between network security and cyber security is crucial if you’re considering a career in the security industry.
| Parameters | Network Security | Cyber Security |
| Definition | It is an essential aspect of cyber security, protecting the authenticity of all channels and information sent between nodes over a network. | As a branch of information security, cyber security focuses on protecting internet-connected devices such as operating systems, programs, and data from unauthorized access. |
| Structure | It is a subset of cyber security. | It is a subset of information security. |
| Data | It protects the data flowing in the realm of the network. | It protects the data residing in the devices and servers. |
| Deals with | It deals with preventing worms, viruses, and DOS attacks. | It deals with defending against online threats, including phishing and pre-texting, as well as online crimes. |
| Safeguards against | Network security works against Trojans. | Cybersecurity deals with cybercrimes and cyber frauds. |
| Popular Job roles | Network Security Engineer and Network Security Architect are popular job roles in the Network Security domain. | Cyber Security Analyst and Cyber Security Architect are two popular job titles in Cyber Security. |
How to start a career in Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity online degrees provide students the training they need to land high-paying jobs with rapid advancement potential. Degrees in these areas can prepare individuals for a wide range of careers and enable them to gain various skills. If you are interested in a career in cyber security, California has a wide range of opportunities.
Cybersecurity programs listed in this article are as follows.
| Program | Credits(May Vary) | Typical Program Length | Admission Requirements (Vary by the college) |
| Associate of Science (AS) | 60 credits | 2 years | High school Transcripts |
| Bachelor of Science (BS) Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years | High school GPA of 3.25 or higher OR ACT composite score of 21 or higher |
| Master of Science (MS) Master’s Degree | 30-60 credits | 1-2 years | Bachelor’s degree in a related field |
Online Associates Degree in Cybersecurity in California
#1 Cerro Coso Community College
Program: AS in Cybersecurity Technology
Tuition: $46 per credit hour (in-state);$329 per credit hour(out-of-state)
Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Financial Aid: Available with 82% of the students receiving the aid.
This 60-credit hour course is designed for students seeking employment as information security specialists, information security technicians, information assurance technicians, networking security technicians, and cyber security technicians. The program acts as a foundation for students interested in information security, network security, information assurance or cyber security.
#2 Palomar College
Program: AS in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $290 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Financial Aid: Available with 79% of the students receiving the aid.
The program teaches students risk management skills, cyber defence and penetration testing strategies. The programme strongly emphasises computer, network, and application security proficiency to guarantee security, confidentiality, and integrity. Students completing this programme are ready to work as cybersecurity analysts.
3 Trident University International
Program: AS in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $415 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Financial Aid: Available with 94% of the students receiving the aid.
The 60-credit-hour program is tailored to help students pursue entry-level positions in the Information Technology Industry. The course makes the students an expert at pinpointing network and security risks and developing plans to protect network hardware, system hardware and operating systems.
Online Bachelors in Cyber security in California
#1 National University
Program: BS in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $370 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Financial Aid: Available with 100%of students receiving the aid.
The coursework gives students a thorough understanding of IT management and security, and students graduate as top security analysts, network defenders, and computer incident responders. Expert faculty with real-world experience teach the curriculum, ensuring students gain the necessary competencies.
#2 University of Phoenix, California
Program: BS in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $398 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Financial Aid: Available with 67%of the students receiving the aid.
The course prepares the students to evaluate an organisation’s infrastructure to ensure compliance with cybersecurity guidelines and priorities. The program boasts faculty with rich industry experience and veterans in their field.
#3 California Institute of Arts & Technology, National City
Program: BS in Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity Concentration
Tuition: $610 cost per unit
Accreditation: Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
Financial Aid: Available with 95% of the students receiving the aid.
This 130-credit-hour program has been awarded the 2022 best cybersecurity program based on curriculum, quality, graduation rate, and post-graduate employment. The course positions certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, EC Council, etc., to ensure its students meet employers’ demands.
#4 California Baptist University
Program: BS in Cyber security
Tuition: $23,163 per semester
Accreditation: Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
Financial Aid: Available with 100% of the students receiving the aid.
The program offers students the opportunity to develop information technology (IT) skills necessary to plan and implement security measures for an organization’s computer networks. In addition to fulfilling the academic requirements of the National Security Agency / Department of Homeland Security National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CD) program, this program aligns with essential concepts and learning outcomes identified by the Joint Task Force on Cybersecurity Education.
Online Masters in Cyber security in California
#1 National University
Program: MS in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $442 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Financial Aid: Available with 100%of students receiving the aid.
The program sharpens the students’ technical and managerial skills, enabling them to design, build and implement computing and systems issues. In this professionally focussed degree, there are two choices of specialization-Ethical hacking and Pen Testing or Information Assurance and Security Policy.
#2 The California State University, San Marcos
Program: MS in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $825 per credit hour
Accreditation & Ranking: Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Financial Aid: Available with 77% of the students receiving the aid.
This degree program combines technical courses with business courses of the MBA level and real-world experience. The 38-credit hour program does not require GRE scores for admission. The program is ranked 7th among the nation’s bests online cybersecurity master’s programs of 2022 by Fortune magazine.
#3 University of San Diego
Program: MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership
Tuition: $925 per credit hour
Accreditation & Ranking: Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Ranked #9 in Best Catholic Colleges in America.
Financial Aid: Available with 84% of the students receiving the aid.
The 30-credit hour program attracts graduate students from a wide range of backgrounds interested in gaining a deeper understanding of cybersecurity concepts, topics, and theories. The students hon their skills to develop the ability to lead organisations in cybersecurity operations and effectively communicate mission-critical cybersecurity needs and priorities.
#4 University of the Pacific
Program: MS in Cybersecurity
Tuition: $1280 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Financial Aid: Available with 99% of the students receiving the aid.
The most distinguishing feature of the 31-credit hour program is the boot camp for non-computer science professionals, which gives you the hands-on knowledge and technical skills to succeed. The degree can be completed in less than one year and provides an opportunity for network and community building.
#5 University of California, Berkeley
Program: MS in Information and Cybersecurity
Tuition: $5,850 per semester
Accreditation & Ranking: Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Ranked #9 in Top Public Universities in America.
Financial Aid: Available with 61% of the students receiving the aid.
The program is run under the aegis of the UC Berkeley School of Information, which aims to prepare future leaders who will drive the future of cyber security by leading and managing tomorrow’s solutions. The degree can be completed in as little as 20 months, and no GRE/GMAT is required to enter the program.
#6 California State University, San Bernardino
Program: MS in Cyber Security and Analytics
Tuition: Total cost of the program is $3600
Accreditation: Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Financial Aid: Available with 87% of the students receiving the aid.
MSCA (Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Analytics) is designed to combine cybersecurity with data analytics skills in the real world. After completing the program, graduates will be job-ready and prepared to create value for their organizations after taking cybersecurity and analytical courses and a practicum/capstone course.
#7 University of Southern California
Program: MS in Cyber Security Engineering
Tuition: $31,734 per semester
Accreditation & Ranking: Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Ranked #2 in Best Colleges for Design in America.
Financial Aid: Available with 76% of the students receiving the aid.
In this program, students will develop hands-on skills by interacting with real-world situations, simulated with extensive laboratory work designed by current and former information security practitioners. In addition to understanding the challenges and problems of secure operating systems and applications, secure networking, and key management, students will also learn how to use cryptography effectively.
What can you do with a degree in Cybersecurity?
Businesses are increasingly recognizing the need to protect themselves from data breaches and hacking, thanks to the increasing prevalence of such attacks. As the demand for cyber security services grows, so does the opportunity to pursue an education and career in this growing field.
Job Prospects with a degree in Cybersecurity
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing throughout the state, the nation, and the globe. The U.S. Department of Labor projected information security profession would be one of the top ten fastest-growing occupations, with a growth rate of 35.5%, from 2018-2028. The study says that the U.S. cybersecurity workforce needs to grow by 62% to meet the demand.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts bring home a median annual salary of $102,600.Let us take a look at various job profiles along with the salary.
| Job Description | Median Salary($) |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | 78,668 |
| Computer Programmer | 93,000 |
| Cybersecurity Engineer | 99,663 |
| Information Security Analyst | 102,600 |
| Computer Network Architects | 120,520 |
| Chief Information Security Officer | 172,622 |
Source: BLS & Payscale
This can be further represented in graph as below:
Is a Career in Cybersecurity Worth It?
Your options are endless if you have a cybersecurity degree. Many graduates end up working for businesses or corporations that pay top dollar for someone to protect their assets and prevent hackers from stealing their information. Also, Security agencies like the NSA or FBI are always seeking candidates who will protect against those trying to scam the government, as well as serve their country.
