Arizona

Cyber security is without a doubt one of the most important areas of business in the world today. In Arizona, as more startups and technology companies flock to the state, cyber security is a rapidly growing career that’s in high demand. One small data breach by hackers or the shutdown of operations by ransomware can destroy a business of any size. It is imperative that all businesses and homeowners protect their networks, along with sensitive and private client and employee information. As such, someone with a career in cyber security faces daily challenges and high rewards at the same time.

Arizona Cyber Security Education Degrees & Requirements

Associate’s Degree

An associate degree in cyber security is the bare minimum you will require for a limited selection of entry-level positions. Many cyber security professionals use this degree as a way to break into the industry while you work toward a bachelor’s degree for career advancement. With this type of degree, you will be required to complete a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission. Admission to an associate degree program will also commonly require a 2.0 GPA as a prerequisite. You can pursue most associate degrees at community colleges rather than four-year higher learning institutions. Core courses will vary from one school to the next, yet they will likely be similar including such titles as Network Security, System Administration, Operating System Basics, and Network Administration.

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for a cyber security position at top employers. Each college and university will have unique admissions requirements and additional activities that influence admission decisions, however most will have a similar baseline, such as a minimum high school GPA of 2.5, proven extracurricular activities, volunteer work, relevant work experience, and more. You can expect some common core courses including Information Security in Public and Private Sectors, Systems Cyber Security Engineering, Business Data Communications, and Networking and Data Mining for Business Intelligence. It is important to note that, while a bachelor’s degree is critical to secure good jobs, you will require an advanced degree and continued training, such as certifications, to advance your career. These are critical in the cyber security industry as threats and technology change daily. The great news is that, today you can complete many of these degrees online rather than having to go to a physical campus several times a week.

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is often required by the best jobs to advance your career. You’ll likely be required to have at least a 3.0 GPA in your core classes during your bachelor’s degree or complete equivalent work experience. Most people these days choose to complete cyber security master’s degrees online. This allows you to continue to work full-time or to stay at home to care for loved ones without greatly disrupting your routine. You can expect a master’s degree to take anywhere from one to two years to complete. In some instances, it may take three years. Keep in mind that, while you can take as few or as many courses as you like at one time, many programs will require you to complete a degree within five years or less or you will have to start over. Some example courses include Software Security, Advanced Computer Network Security, and Information Assurance Security.

Certifications in Arizona

Certificates are an effective way to stay current on the latest industry threats and required skills. Accessing certification courses will generally require extensive college course completion, such as 30+ hours, plus a portfolio of your verified work experience. Some certificate programs will require degree completion before you can take the program. It is also important to note that some certificates are designed to provide you with professional designations, whereas others are simply meant to boost your knowledge base of the existing industry environment. Certificate offerings will vary greatly from one institution to the next but may include Information Security in the Public and Private Sectors, Systems Security Management, and Information Security Risk Management.

Why is Accreditation Important?

Accreditation of a college or university is significantly important to employers. When your chosen higher learning institution is regionally accredited, it means that the school meets the highest level of standards. To employers, this tells them you have been educated and trained by a reputable organization. Those without this distinction are considered lower-quality schools. It is also important to note that individual programs within a school can be accredited by various national and international professional organizations. This may be considered even better by certain organizations. In cyber security, you want your program to be endorsed by the Centers of Academic Excellence. This type of accreditation is specifically given to programs in cyber security that meet the requirements of the NSA and Homeland Security. These programs will give you the best start to your future, especially since the NSA and Homeland Security departments are the largest employers in the field of cyber security.

Conferences and Workshops

Scottsdale Cyber Security Summit

The Scottsdale Cyber Security Summit is customized for both business and government leaders alike to address many growing concerns of cyber security, the implications of security breaches, and the best practices to avoid potential threats and protect critical data. Most attendees will be senior executives and C-level leaders. The event is hosted by The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona Cyber Threat Response Alliance, Arizona InfraGard, and Arizona Commerce Authority.

Phoenix Cyber Security Conference

The Phoenix Cyber Security Conference is for all cyber security professionals who are interested in today’s leading obstacles, challenges and solutions. Because cyber security is an ever-evolving entity, the subject matter discussed will vary greatly each year including event security, current threats, security models, current attacker techniques, and much more. The event is hosted by Data Connectors.

IT Security Leadership Exchange

IT Security Leadership Exchange is for Chief Information Security Officers, industry experts, and top decision-makers. One can only attend by invitation. The exchange places an emphasis on the most prolific and current challenges faced by the industry at any given time. You will network and learn about security tools, procedures, techniques, and new technical know-how to better manage your organizations. The event is hosted by CyberRisk Alliance and nGage Events LLC.

You have three options for distance levels at the graduate level. The University of Arizona has a committed MS in Cybersecurity targeted at experts with 3 years of technological task experience. 2 tracks are available information systems (MIS) or physical systems (engineering) in addition to coursework covering both ideas along with strategy. Alternatively, you could have a look at UA's MS in Administration Details Equipment.

Each program counts in the direction of the MS in Administration Details Remedy, needed to determine to continue their studies. Two substantial scholarships approached huge in the Grand Canyon State, the outcome of the state's flagship public colleges obtaining multimillion dollar grants from the National Scientific Research Structure. We'll cover those as well as also a number of other tempting honors for protection students at particular schools listed below: CyberCorps Scholarship for Remedy: Upperclassmen, college student as well as additionally PhD prospects registered in the Details Assurance focus can search for a full journey through this scholarship.

Arizona's warm environment makes it a noticeable venue for seminars. In 2017, for conditions, University of Arizona organized the Ladies in Cybersecurity Workshop as well as likewise Scottsdale invited both the Seminar on Electronic Crime Research Study and also the Seminar on Information & Application Safety & Personal Privacy. Numerous seminars and also workshops have in fact also made the Grand Canyon State their irreparable residence.

With a surge in cybercrime affecting the federal and people possibilities that permit your part in helping maintain information and also protect from cyberpunks. You'll take just one 5- or 6-week program at once, when getting your on-campus or on the internet cyber safety and security level at an identified university.

The educational program in these programs straightens with the material on qualification exams such as Safety and security and also protection +, Licensed Honest Hacker, Certified Network Protector, as well as Information Equipment Audit and additionally Control Organization (ISACA) exams, which will help you prepare to take them. The educational program is in addition developed with input from a market advisory council of knowledgeable sector leaders, making sure that the product you're uncovering is pertinent in the work environment.

Are you looking for a career with an increased risk of cyber security breaches? Cybersecurity jobs are available in every industry. Whether you are looking for a career as a hacker or just working on your computer, there are many avenues to choose from in the Phoenix area.

One of the most popular career opportunities in cyber security is that of a computer security engineer. Many computer engineers work on the development of new software to help protect computers. Other jobs in this field involve creating computer security systems to prevent hackers from gaining access to information. Some jobs may also involve testing security software and performing network analysis. All of these tasks may require the use of hacking tools or other methods of computer hacking.

Computer security engineering jobs are a great career choice for people with computer skills who enjoy writing code and solving problems. Most jobs in this area require you to have either a high school diploma or the equivalent. There are many opportunities available to you online in cyber security, but because the Internet is often used for scams, many of these programs don't give out all of their job requirements. The best thing to do is to research any company you are interested in working with and see if they offer what is needed for a cyber security engineer job.

The field of computer security is a growing one with more companies becoming aware of the need for people to know about data security and other forms of security. With that in mind, many schools have started offering online classes for those who are looking for a career in the field. Online education has made it easier for students to get a degree while still working a traditional job. Cyber Security jobs and degrees are in plentiful supply and demand and there are many jobs available to you.

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing industry and is expected to continue growing as people become more educated about how to keep themselves and their business protected online. As more companies and government agencies start to implement the use of computers on a larger scale, there will be a need for more qualified people to monitor networks. Cybersecurity professionals can easily obtain a degree and get the skills they need to start their own company. and be on their way to becoming a certified technician or an expert.

In the cyberworld, you can expect your identity to be stolen, and you will not be able to keep your identity hidden from cyberbodies. unless you take the time and money to learn the basics of cybersecurity. and how to defend yourself. from cyber-intruders who are after your identity and credit card information.

Cybersecurity is a fast-growing industry in Arizona, and you can find jobs that are compatible with your schedule if you are ready to learn. You will need to think outside of the box to get the right information, but this is an exciting career with lots of opportunities for growth and new jobs each day.

Arizona Cyber Security Jobs and Salary

• Information Security Analysts

Information security analysts plan and implement security practices to secure information, networks, and computer systems. These professionals are required to remain up-to-date on current security methodologies at all times. There are currently 2,570 information security analysts employed in Arizona and the $93,960 is the mean salary in the state.

• Computer Systems Analysts

Computer systems analysts are at the forefront of design and procedural management of information systems and their effectiveness and efficiency. These professionals unite IT and business sectors to ensure seamlessness operational practices. There are currently 11,570 computer system analysts employed in Arizona and the $88,970 is the mean salary in the state.

• Computer Programmers

Computer programmers are also referred to as systems programmers and software engineers. These professionals design and create programs for software; they also debug programs, maintain operating systems, write instructions, train end-users, analyze algorithms, modify source code, and integrate software and systems. There are currently 3,320 computer programmers employed in Arizona and the $95,900 is the mean salary in the state.

• Database Administrators

Database administrators oversee database software modifications and ensure such modifications are in accordance with the wishes of the employer. These professionals also maintain the performance, integrity, and security of company databases. There are currently 1,930 database administrators employed in Arizona and the $88,670 is the mean salary in the state.

• Network and Computer Systems Administrators

Network and computer system administrators manage the daily operational tasks of networks. These professionals arrange, integrate, and support computer systems, such as WANs, LANs, intranets, network segments, and more. There are currently 1,930 network and computer system administrators employed in Arizona and the $88,670 is the mean salary in the state.

Resources

• AZ Cyber Talent

AZ Cyber Talent is part of the AZ CyberSecurity Workforce and connected to the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and Phoenix Forward. The organization is dedicated to employers, employees, and educators in the cyber security realm to provide resources for all aspects of the cyber security ecosystem throughout Arizona, as well as the shortages in talent available in the state.

• Cybersecurity Council of Arizona

The Cybersecurity Council of Arizona is a non-profit organization founded by a group of dynamic women; however, the organization is for everyone. The focus of the organization is to build a strong, inclusive group of InfoSec community professionals that address current cyber security issues and solutions. They work with employers to encourage greater employee training and offer sponsorship and certification for state professionals.

• Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation

The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation was founded to help create more qualified cyber security professionals to meet the growing need for such talent in the booming technology industry of Arizona. This organization is dedicated to improving the cyber security workforce in Arizona to better serve and protect local communities and businesses.

• Cyber Security Canyon

Cyber Security Canyon is committed to attracting and retaining cyber security talent in Arizona. They offer educational partnerships, promote benefits of the sector, and share jobs in the profession on the site. They work with private sector businesses and economic development organizations.