Hackers all over the globe are threatening US databases. This growing cyber threat must be addressed with a national team of cyber security professionals that are highly trained to thwart attacks from black hat hackers. Business and government are both eager to find security professionals that can design cyber security systems and implement safety protocols in their organizations. Thus, the pay rate for cyber security graduates is quite high. In response to this growing demand, Arkansas colleges and universities are expanding their cyber security courses and degree programs. Keep reading to discover more about cyber security programs in Arkansas.
It's always beneficial to have a degree. Employers need to see that you have completed a course of study, especially when you've focused on issues directly related to the jobs they offer. Indeed, many jobs are available only to those with certain degree types and you might find that you need the next level of academic achievement if you wish to move up in your field.
Sometimes advanced degrees are necessary for state licensure, or even for in industry certification. More often, degrees are used as markers of expertise and even status. This is even true in cyber security. After all, it is possible to learn all about cyber security without ever earning a degree.
Regardless, Arkansas employers prefer to see that you have at least a bachelor's degree to get started in the field. If you wish to excel in cyber security and eventually attain a managerial position, you will likely need an advanced Computer Science degree or an MBA.
Associate’s Degree
More often than not there are few, if any, requirements for entry into a cyber security program in a community college. However, if you want to excel in your courses, it will be a good idea to enter the program with a strong working knowledge of a few programming languages, such as Python. At the associate level you are more likely to encounter courses such as networking, database management, and perhaps a few programming classes. For your electives, you should consider taking as many math courses as possible. To round out your education, courses in management or business may be helpful.
Bachelor’s Degree
At the baccalaureate level, courses become more rigorous and the bar to enter a cyber security program far higher than it is for an associate degree. Depending on your school, you might need to apply for entry to the Computer Science department in order to pursue cyber security. Your application should probably reflect courses such as Introduction to Programming, a course on algorithms, advanced mathematics, and possibly some evidence of achievement in computer science.
Master’s Degree
To gain entry to a master's program for cyber security, you will most likely need to show that you have a related undergraduate major. Some options include Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science. Since there are few cyber security bachelor degree programs, you should also show that you have experience working in cyber security. On the other hand, if you are seeking a career shift into security, your application could benefit from industry certificates or additional academic coursework. Seek out courses in programming, networking, and database management. There are also many security-specific courses from various departments. You can most easily boost your transcripts by taking online courses from highly respected departments nationwide.
Certifications in Arkansas
If you are working in an IT department and wish to take your career to the next level, you will be well-served by pursuing a certification. Companies such as Microsoft and Cisco Systems offer certifications that are product-specific, so if your workplace uses one of those you may be able to attain and maintain a certification through them. On the other hand, if your firm uses Linux, for example, you can find industry associations or even reputable online schools that will provide reputable certificates. Keep in mind that these certifications frequently require that you continue taking courses in order to keep your credentials current. If you maintain a certification for a significant amount of time, and have a bachelor's degree, you might not even need a master's degree.
Accreditation
It is absolutely vital that you ensure that your degree is from a fully accredited college or university. Accreditation proves that your program has been audited and found worthy of regional or national credentials. If you are employed and seek to take advantage of a tuition reimbursement program, your employer is more likely to help you if you attend an accredited institution.
For cyber security, look for programs recognized as Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE). The program was started by the National Security Agency and is co-sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security to verify that any program maintaining this accreditation has top-notch education in the cyber security field. The CAE designation is available to degree programs from the associate level through graduate school. If you graduate from such a program, your degree is sure to be respected in both the public and private sectors.
Scholarship for Service (SFS)
Amount: Tuition; Stipends ($25,000 for undergrads, $34,000 for grads), Educational Allowance up to $15,750, $6,000 Professional Allowance
Deadline: Not Provided
Link: https://ascent.uark.edu/sfs/
This fantastic scholarship program seeks to help build the strongest possible cyber security workforce for our nation's infrastructure. Recipients not only receive generous funds for tuition, but also a living stipend, and travel money, if needed. Winners must agree to work for the federal government for a period equal to the duration of their scholarship.
(ISC)² Graduate Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 - $5,000
Deadline: February
Link: https://iamcybersafe.org/s/scholarships
Graduate students who are seeking degrees in cyber security are encouraged to apply for (ISC)²'s scholarship program. Information security students are also eligible, as (ISC)² is hoping to strengthen the entirety of the cyber security landscape. The scholarship program is made possible by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education. Applicants need to impress judges based on their relative passion, merit, and financial need.
(ISC)² Undergraduate Scholarship
Amount: $1,000 - $5,000
Deadline: February
Link: https://iamcybersafe.org/s/scholarships
Undergraduate students who have a GPA between 3.3 and 4.0 are asked to apply to the Center for Cyber Safety and Education for their annual scholarship. The award is given for up to 20 students nationwide, including Arkansas. If you are seeking an Arkansas degree in cyber security or information assurance, this is the scholarship for you.
KnowBe4 Women’s Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: November
Link: https://iamcybersafe.org/s/raytheon-womens-scholarship
Arkansas women are sorely underrepresented in STEM subjects, including cyber security. The Center for Cyber Safety and Education seeks to amend that by providing substantial rewards to young women who are interested in this growing, dynamic field. Students at all degree levels are eligible to apply but every recipient must be able to complete a paid internship at the KnowBe4 offices in Clearwater, FL.
SAIC Cyberwarrior Scholarship (veterans)
Amount: Certification Exam Voucher for one of the following (ISC)² credentials: CISSP, CSSLP, CCSP, HCISPP, SSCP or CAP
Deadline: March 16
Link: https://iamcybersafe.org/s/cyberwarrior
Arkansas veterans who are seeking to join the growing world of cyber security are eligible to apply for this scholarship fund. The award will provide full exam fees for one of (ISC)²'s credentials. The award also includes the relevant textbook, study guide, and practice tests. Applications include a brief written section and must include a letter of recommendation.
Sophicity
This IT firm consults with city governments to help bolster their cyber security protocols. They provide cyber security workshops in Arkansas. Most recently they conducted a workshop in Bethel Heights. If you are interested in learning from a firm that helps bolster cybersecurity from the smallest town to the largest metropolis, seek out Sophicity's next workshop near you.
Future Compute
MIT Technology Review is hosting this conference that covers a range of computing issues. The conference's speakers address topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Edge Computing, Cyber Security, IoT and 5G, as well as Next-gen interfaces. The focus is on the near-term and the technologies that are most likely to disrupt the business landscape.
RSA Conference
This conference is one of the world's top cyber security conferences. Events are held in the USA, Australia, and Japan. In 2020, the event is in San Francisco and will cover security issues with tutorials, product demonstrations, keynote speakers, and top networking opportunities.
The surge in cyber hazards has developed a phenomenal need for cybersecurity experts. Information breaches, malware infections, and also software program susceptabilities dominate in today's modern-day technology along with it is vital to totally understand how these strikes happen, exactly how to avoid them, and additionally specifically just how to recuperate. A cybersecurity considerable will identify methods used along with the finest strategies to shield information.
Here is a list of Arkansas cyber safety and security and also protection levels that are from NSA CAE Designated Institutions: ADUniversity of The Golden State BerkeleyClick to leap to the full list of Arkansas cyber security organizations. The College of Arkansas has an online Graduate Accreditation in Homeland Safety and security, which can be totally finished in a virtual setup.
Required programs in the program are Introductory to Procedures Management, Supply Chain Checking for Treatments Supervisors, as well as also Homeland Protection for Procedures Managers. The last training course is a listing of electives that are generally specialty abilities in cyber safety. All of these training programs can begin whenever of the year, allowing a lot of convenience when generating schedules.
There are no GRE or GMAT scores called for to send. At the conclusion of the program, pupils can utilize the credit report gotten toward a Master's degree in the University of Layout with techniques in Design, Layout Surveillance, or Operations Administration. When it involves online education and learning as well as knowing, coursework can typically be done at any kind of type of time of the day, along with this will certainly either be done at the students' own price or they will definitely need to accomplish normal target dates to keep up to day with the remainder of the course.
Going after a higher-level program, such as a Master's level, in cyber protection will certainly have various demands for admission. Holding a bachelor's degree, usually a Bachelor's level, with a progressing 3.0 Grade Point Average goes to least advised. Greater ratings are specifically practical in the later years of the program. Prior coursework needs to be finished in several levels of calculus as well as also computer system programs.
There are constant opportunities used within the cyber protection area, including threat managers, designers, as well as likewise specialists. A modern-day innovation threat supervisor at the business will certainly have the capacity to establish any concerns through danger evaluation and also will absolutely apply new developments as well as additional developments for safety and security efforts to be much more streamlined as well as reliable. Those seeking this sort of positioning will definitely call for accreditation as an auditor, a Bachelor's level in a relevant area, and have at the very least three years of experience in infotech.
Individuals seeking employment at Arkansas Center for Information Sciences are considered despite race, shade, belief, nationwide beginning, age, sex, marriage condition, origins, physical or mental handicap, expert condition, sex identification, or sexual orientation. You are being offered the possibility to provide the adhering to details in order to assist us comply with federal government as well as state Equal Job Opportunity/Affirmative Task record keeping, reporting, as well as likewise other lawful requirements.
Military, ground, marine, or air remedy. An "active service war time or project badge specialist" shows a professional that offered on active service in the UNITED STATE military, ground, marine or air remedy throughout a war, or in a campaign or exploration for which a job badge has in fact been authorized under the regulations supplied by the Division of Security.
Cyber Security Degrees and Jobs in Arkansas will prepare you for a career where you can help to protect the network of businesses, homes, or organizations from cyber threats and attacks. The threat of cyber attacks on information technology systems are increasing day by day with the number of people that are involved in the Internet and computer world.
Security professionals have a very important role to play in the protection of a company's data and information system. As a security professional, your main job is to detect and prevent hackers from accessing a network or computer that stores important information or is linked with other computers. Most security specialists who are involved in securing networks in companies have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or computer security.
There are a number of jobs available in the field as a security specialist, however some security specialists work as consultants. A consultant can be a highly qualified individual that works independently to help protect corporations from the potential risks associated with the use of their information technology systems. Most security specialists are hired by corporations and companies to do research on the computer networks and systems and then develop the plans and procedures needed to defend the networks. A consultant may also be required to develop a system to monitor and detect any changes to the networks and systems that could be used as a means to compromise the system.
In many cases, when a security specialist is hired, he or she will work exclusively with computer programmers and developers. This person is responsible for writing the code that will protect the system from hackers and other individuals that would like access to the system. The programmer or developer will often have access to the source code that is necessary to run the system. They will use this code to prevent intruders and other individuals that would like to cause harm to the system from gaining access to the computer.
The major problem that computer programmers and developers face is that they are often not trained in the different types of vulnerabilities that a computer system may have. In order to become a successful hacker, it is not necessary to have a great deal of knowledge on computer security systems. All that is needed is to be able to learn the various ways in which a hacker might be able to access a network, what is contained within that network, and how to find the weak spots or other areas of the network.
As security specialists work in the field of protecting the computer networks of corporations and companies, they are often asked to help install software programs and to increase security for the network. These programs will work to make it more difficult for hackers to access the systems. Many times, companies will require that these specialists use special software that detects anomalies in the network and will either block it or remove it so that no one can gain access to the system.
Some security specialists are employed by law enforcement agencies to monitor and report on security issues. These professionals are required to be able to work independently to help track down hackers and other people that are involved with the illegal hacking of systems or networks. In some instances, a security specialist will be needed to help with a criminal case.
Those interested in pursuing careers as cybersecurity specialists will find it very rewarding as they are involved in the prevention of hackers and other individuals that want to obtain sensitive information or gain access to a computer network. Those interested in security careers are also able to work to educate the public on how to guard against these types of attacks.
The salary and employment outlook for Arkansas computer science and information technology professionals is bright. On the national front, information security analysts earn a median salary of $98,000 and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the profession will expand by 32% from 2018 to 2028. In Arkansas, the mean wage for this profession is approximately $81,000 and there are currently 890 professionals in the field. Other positions such as Computer Systems Analysts, Computer Programmers, and Network Administrators are also slated for significant growth in the near future.
Computer systems analysts in Arkansas are currently earning a mean wage of approximately $71,990 and fill 3,500 jobs in the state. Nationally, the profession showed a median salary of $88,740 in 2018 and is expected to grow by 9% through 2028. The BLS states the typical entry-level degree for this job is a bachelor's.
Computer programmers, on the other hand, are seeing that their profession is in a period of slight recession. Though many might have adopted other job descriptions, such as Software Developer, the BLS projects a 7% decline in the number of programmers nationwide. Meanwhile, Arkansas programmers are earning an annual mean wage of $71,000 and fill 1,900 jobs in the state's economy.
Network and computer systems administrators, on the other hand, are seeing their field grow at a steady, average rate. The BLS projects that this profession will grow by 5% through 2028. The agency also shows that the national mean salary for these professionals was $82,000 in 2018. In Arkansas, these professionals earn a mean salary of $65,000 and fill 2,000 jobs in the state.
In reviewing this jobs and salary information, please keep in mind that the national averages include salaries for professionals in places like Silicon Valley and New York City, where the cost of living is far greater than anywhere in Arkansas. Make sure you keep this in perspective.
Linux Academy
For students who are eager to get a jump start on their careers, or professionals who need to brush up on new skills, Linux Academy offers low-cost courses in a wide range of technological topics. This online resource offers specific certificate programs that include cyber security issues. Their online courses can prepare students for professional certifications including CompTIA, Red Hat Linux, and Microsoft Azure Security Technologies.
Arkansas Division of Information Systems
For everyday computer users, cyber security can seem like an esoteric field. However, everyone needs to pay attention to their relative exposure to hackers and other ne'er do wells. Thus, this Arkansas governmental agency has aggregated a long list of resources to educate the public on issues such as password security, reporting cyber-crime, online gaming, malware, and lots more.
Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education (CISSE)
Though this colloquium will take place in Baltimore, MD, cyber security academics from Arkansas are more than welcome to attend. Though focused more on academia, the colloquium includes members from government and industry, too. The history of cyber security is often written in groups such as this.
Information Systems Security Association – Arkansas Chapter
ISSA is one of the top professional associations in cyber security. Their Arkansas chapter can help you find the cyber security resources you need to advance your learning in the field, network with likeminded professionals, and advocate for computer security in the legislature. Through your membership in ISSA, you'll find job opportunities, professional friendships, and leadership potential, too.
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