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This course introduces modern cryptographic theory and practice that supports information security. The course takes an executive perspective, focusing on applying industry-best cryptography across a cybersecurity program to reduce risk and prevent data breaches.
You don’t necessarily need an undergraduate or graduate degree to become an ethical hacker, but more and more companies are valuing the benefits of a comprehensive cybersecurity education. A degree can provide extensive knowledge and skills, boost your resume and set you apart from the competition, and in some cases, a bachelor’s and master’s degree may be required.
Several notorious hackers have since paid for their misgivings and now work as white hat hackers. Perhaps the most famous is Kevin Mitnick, who was called “The World’s Most Wanted Hacker” in the 1990s until he was apprehended and spent five years in prison. After his release, he worked as a security consultant, author and ethical hacker until he passed away from cancer in 2023.
A strong background or bachelor’s degree in computer science is extremely helpful. Gain early career experience with either an internship or by working at an entry-level job in network support, network engineering or in any number of positions related to information security. Join cybersecurity-related networks and associations and consider participating in relevant conferences. Supplement your experience with relevant certifications, and consider the benefits of continuous education such as a bootcamp or master’s degree program.
The average ethical hacker salary will depend on the position, specific responsibilities and organization, but most average anywhere from $100,000–$130,000.
Yes, ethical hacking is completely legal as long as it’s performed with an organization’s consent. In fact, the U.S. Department of Justice guarantees that professionals who are conducting ethical hacking cannot be prosecuted.
While not every job demands an advanced education, many do, making it a worthwhile consideration. Earning a master’s degree can expand your career opportunities, increase your earning potential, and distinguish you from other candidates.
Most security architect positions have a six-figure salary, ranging anywhere from $100,000 to $189,000. There are even security architects who make well over $200,000. The exact amount of your compensation will vary by role, job responsibilities, location and experience required.
A cybersecurity architect is responsible for planning, designing, testing, implementing and maintaining an organization’s computer and network security infrastructure.
Yes! We are proud to offer the MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership to students who wish to study online in India. These students will get the same credential as an on-campus student or an online student in the US. The curriculum is just as rigorous and holistic as it is on campus, however it is globalized for the Indian audience so that the coursework applies to both Indian and the international job markets. In addition, to minimize language and cultural barriers the instructors are all from India and hired at the same standard as our campus faculty – with real-world experience and impressive academic backgrounds.
The total tuition cost for the MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership is $29,850.
Thousands of companies and organizations across all types of industries are looking for skilled cybersecurity professionals. A recent search on LinkedIn for “cybersecurity” revealed hundreds of thousands of openings with many top companies hiring, including Google, Amazon, Microsoft, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Deloitte, Morgan Stanley and Federal Bureau of Investigation, among many others.
Careers range from cybersecurity analysts, consultants and specialists to ethical hackers and penetration testers.
The RAND Corporation has a variety of resources available, including the latest international reports on cyberwarfare. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a centralized cybersecurity database that features the latest cybersecurity news and recent actions taken by DHS.
It depends on the type and breadth of the attack, but many outcomes include economic upheaval, disruption to critical infrastructure or stolen intelligence and research. Geographical regions or entire countries may have issues with transportation or power outages that last for hours or days; important data may be destroyed or misused and conflict may arise among certain individuals or parties. The stock market is also likely to fluctuate depending on the size of the attack.
Cyberwarfare comes in many forms, including ransomware, phishing, espionage, economic disruption and propaganda.
Cyberwarfare is a cyber attack on a nation or country’s internet infrastructure with the intention of causing disruption and damage.
Some companies may also require an advanced degree or certain types of cybersecurity-related certifications.
It depends on the position and specific responsibilities, but many threat analyst positions pay six figures. The average salary seems to hover around $100,000, but as with any position, there is a large range based on your education, experience and the position itself.
A good first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science or a related field. Experience in computer science is often required or recommended, which can often be found through an internship or an entry-level cybersecurity position.
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This type of analyst tracks and investigates cyber threats and intelligence and specializes in monitoring cybersecurity threats.
Not necessarily, but often, a master’s degree can give cybersecurity professionals an upper hand in the job market.
That depends. If a hacker is employed, then they will be compensated for their skills.
A black-hat hacker is someone that illegally breaks into computer networks to commit some type of harm.
Gray-hat hackers are in the middle of the ethical spectrum. Not necessarily fueled by malice, these hackers break into networks without permission to find vulnerabilities.
A white-hat hacker is a cybersecurity professional who finds vulnerabilities in networks and software to secure weak spots.
That depends. Hacking is illegal if done without the permission of the hackee.
Everywhere! The good news is that this position can be found across all types of industries, including government and defense, education, health care, information technology, financial services, retail, consumer goods and sports and entertainment. In other words, businesses and organizations of every size and interest are looking for computer forensics analysts. Microsoft, Amazon, Target, Fidelity Investments, Facebook, Major League Baseball, Pfizer and the U.S. Postal Service are just some of the companies that have recently posted for this type of position — which just illustrates the variety of businesses, agencies and organizations that are looking for skilled computer forensics professionals.
An advanced degree is typically not required, but you should look closely at the position since it may depend on the company. While it’s not often a requirement, a master’s degree is a good way of furthering your education and career — and it may give you the edge you need against other applicants.
Salary will depend on a number of factors, but the average falls in the $75,000 to $100,000 range, with some positions making more or less depending on the job responsibilities and experience required.
Job responsibilities include investigating and gathering digital evidence of illegal activities conducted through a computer; ethical hacking; recovering deleted or encrypted files; investigating security breaches; and presenting evidence to agencies, officials or the court.
Common required skills include knowledge of advanced algebra, algorithms, programming languages (C, C++, Python and Java), symmetric cryptography, asymmetric cryptography, computer networking and cybersecurity.
Cryptography is a specialized industry, but like all sub-sections of cybersecurity, it’s becoming more popular due to the prevalence of cyber threats and cybercrime.
An advanced degree may be required for some positions. Even if it isn’t, a master’s degree can set you apart from the competition and give you the edge you need to obtain your dream job.
Salary will depend on a number of factors, but the average ranges from $56,000 to $170,000.
Tuition for the MS-CSOL program is $995 per unit.
Tuition amounts shown on this website, or in other university publications or web pages, represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, the University of San Diego reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at USD at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time for correction of errors. Please note that the displayed tuition covers only the cost of courses, and additional expenses such as books and other fees are not included.
We review applications as soon as they are complete and all supporting documents (official transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc) are received. You will be notified of our admission decision by your enrollment advisor, and this generally happens within three days.
The scholarship award process follows a different timeline. All scholarship essays will be reviewed by a selection committee, and you will receive an email notification from the Academic Director.
You will be notified of your admission decision within a few days of applying. However, you will not be notified of your scholarship decision until after the submission deadline.
We review applications as soon as they are complete and all supporting documents (official transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc) are received. You will be notified of our admission decision by your enrollment advisor, and this generally happens within three days.
The scholarship award process follows a different timeline. All scholarship essays will be reviewed by a selection committee, and you will receive an email notification from the Academic Director.
You will be notified of your admission decision within a few days of applying. However, you will not be notified of your scholarship decision until after the submission deadline.
We don’t yet know if and when another scholarship opportunity will be available. Currently, the funds available for the merit scholarship are designated for students starting the Fall 2022 term only. Future scholarships, if available, may vary in amount as well as selection criteria.
Your funds will be deposited directly into your student account so that you can apply them toward your first term’s tuition.
No, not everyone will receive the scholarship.
Each course lasts a total of seven weeks. Students take two courses each semester, focusing intensively on one course at a time.
Yes. The 100% online MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership degree program is designed specifically with working professionals in mind. Online courses can be completed on your own schedule (as long as deadlines are met). It is important to note that all of our professors are industry practitioners, meaning that they have a significant amount of experience and are often well-respected leaders within the cybersecurity industry.
The MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership degree program is fully online. The University of San Diego offers two master’s degree programs in cybersecurity. The Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership is 100% online and the Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering is available on campus or online.
The degree conferred is identical to that earned by campus-based students. The online courses embody the same learning outcomes and high levels of academic excellence, educational rigor and content delivery.
No. The admissions committee takes a comprehensive approach when reviewing applications. A GRE or GMAT score is not necessarily a good indicator that someone is, or will be, a successful cybersecurity leader/professional.
The program was designed specifically to help foster the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, whether they are currently working in cybersecurity roles or launching a career in this vitally important, fast-growing field.
Many of our students are current cybersecurity professionals who are looking to take the next step in their careers. For those students, our degree program offers the security concepts, topics, theories and leadership skills necessary to be considered for C-level positions. For students with less experience, who may be at an earlier juncture in their cybersecurity career, or for those switching careers from more traditional IT roles, our degree program offers the education required to quickly advance into your desired career.