Cyber security is a very important branch of computer sciences in today’s day and age. Cyber security means safeguarding systems, data, or sensitive information from digital attacks, avoiding all kinds of security breaches.
Doing an online cyber security degree, is not a bad option. However, the quality of your degree depends upon the institution you choose, and the avenues you decide to gain practical experience and network with other cyber security students and experts.
The scope of cyber security is vast. In numerous organizations cyber security professionals are in demand majorly for digital data security systems. The scope of cyber security in Pakistan is also widespread because of the expansion of technology sector in Pakistan. It is the amongst the 7 highly paid professions in Pakistan.
Online Cyber Security Programs
You can find numerous diplomas, certifications and degree programs in cyber security. The degree programs are almost the same as traditional masters and bachelors program in terms of their duration. However, you can find numerous diplomas and certifications between 6 months to 2 years or so.
Choosing to study an online degree, depends upon your individual circumstances. But, if you do have the time and financial resource, it is better to not chose the online route. When it comes to cyber security, you should prefer to take online certifications alongside your university degree. These certifications can help you go a step ahead from the rest of your fellows and you will be able to gain an experience beyond your classroom.
Skills of Cyber Security Professionals
A cyber security professional must be skilled in,
- Technical knowledge for solving highly critical issues
- Detail oriented
- In depth understanding of networking and system administration
- Proficiency at different operating environments such as Windows and Mac OS
- Knowledge of intrusion detection systems
- Proficiency at a multitude of coding languages
- Cloud security
- Internet of things
- Block Chain Security
- Laws about cyber security
- Analysis of risk
- Preparation of precautionary and response measures
These soft and hard skills are a must for cyber security professional. If you are planning to take an online degree in cyber security, you must see the course outline and search if the program has the potential to give you most if not all of the skills mentioned. Additionally, you can also choose online certifications in some of these skills like coding, block chain security etc.
Best Online Cyber Security Programs Across the World
As a Pakistani student, it will be beneficial if you could access a bachelors in cyber security from an internationally recognized institution. Various renowned institutions across the world offer online degree programs in cyber security. One thing that you must know is that all these programs will not be called as ‘BS Cyber Security’. While their major domain is cyber security many on them are also focused on some specialization related to cyber security. And they name their programs tailored to these specifics.
- BS – Information Technology: Data Networking and Security
(Liberty University)
- BS – Network Administration
(Purdue University)
- BS – Information Technology: Information Security and Assurance
(Purdue University)
- BS – Cyber Security
(Norwich University)
- BS – Cyber Security Analytics and Operations
(PennState World Campus)
- BS – Cyber Security Administration
(Syracuse University)
Besides the mentioned courses, you can still find a great variety of online degrees offered for international students at different levels of study.
Online Cyber Security in Pakistan
A BS in cyber security from FAST is the best cyber security degree in Pakistan. Other good institutions for Cyber Security include GIKI and NUST. All the bachelors and masters degrees in cyber security are offered on campus in Pakistan. However, you can still access short courses or certifications online. Some of the best ones among these are those accerditted by,
- NASSCOM
- CompTIA
- EC Council
Certified Cyber Security Professional (CCSP)
This online certification is designed keeping in mind the learning requirements of both beginners and experienced people in cyber security. Designed to ensure safety from cyber attacks, this course offers multiple modules including cryptography, cloud security, network security, malware and threat detection etc. It is a 4 months certification. You will be awarded a certificate if you qualify for it and complete all the milestones.
Cyber Security Certification Course in Pakistan by Skillogic
Skillogic offers a cyber security certification for professionals. This is also 4 month certification with the benefits of internship placements. Moreover, a cloud lab is also given for practice. This course can equip you with skills to protect digital security infrastructures, conduct risk analysis, and create cloud based security systems. The course is also suitable for beginners in the field of cyber security.
Diploma in Cyber Security from Preston University
Preston University offers two types of diploma courses in cyber security. Their simple diploma is of 6 months, while the post graduate diploma is of 12 months. The credit hours are also transferrable to a masters program. These cyber security diplomas are about infrastructural security, hacking, cloud security and other modules that will prepare you to deal with security threats faced in different digital environments.
What to Look for in Online Degrees or Certifications of Cyber Security?
Cyber security, is a popular, but also very technical field of studies. In online cyber security programs, you need to verify most importantly if they are accredited and recognized widely and by the right institutions. Other than this, you should ensure that you learn the technical skills effectively. For that, you should see if you are being provided with,
- Experienced Faculty
- Recognition of the Programs and Modules by Industry
- Specialized programs focused on skills and specializations related to cyber security
- Practical experience through assignments or projects
In an online module, you should make sure that you also find out ways to network around in the cyber security industry. A campus would typically expose you to the market in one way or another. But with an online course, you are the one who has to take charge and identify opportunities that would provide you with hands on experience.
If you cannot take an on campus degree in Pakistan, It is more preferrable to take an online degree from worlds most renowned online institutions in cyber security. Certificatons are also good, but they can only increase your career prospects if you couple them with degrees in computer science or other relatable fields.
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