Pivoting your legal career to cyber and the data privacy space can prove a wise and lucrative decision aligned with your long-term goals. By choosing to enroll in Cleveland State University’s online MLS program in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, you are choosing to learn the foundational elements of a critical industry. With a strong baseline knowledge, you can then thrive as the field continues to expand.
Privacy and Cybersecurity Concerns Rising
Consumers increasingly have a well-warranted concern for their privacy online, and companies must react accordingly. According to Fortune Magazine, a new report finds that despite executives’ efforts to add talent, there is a significant dearth of data privacy experts. As further evidenced in Business Standard, another report by data privacy and cybersecurity provider Tsaaro points out that both legal or compliance and technical privacy roles at enterprises are understaffed, and the issue has worsened since even just last year.
Data breaches put a company at risk both legally and financially. Just look at the data. TechNext recently cited an Acronis report revealing that threats from phishing and malicious emails have increased by 60%, and the average data breach cost is expected to reach an alarming US$5 million by next year. Unfortunately, the technological tools at hackers’ disposal are only growing as new updates, apps, and programs spew into a landscape already rife with online security threats. Fortunately, this means that the job market is red-hot for professionals who know their way around the legal frameworks of cybersecurity and can help prevent potentially company-sinking mistakes.
Jobs in the Cybersecurity Space
For many who are considering an advanced degree, the top concern is whether or not the time commitment will repay you with career advantages. The need for security analysts alone is projected to increase 33% from an estimated 141,200 positions in 2020 to 188,300 by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, as previously established, there is no denying the acute shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals who can adequately fill these roles.
In case you need even more convincing, the pros don’t just stop at job growth and security. The report mentions that the median annual wage for information security analysts was $102,600 in May 2021, and considering the rapid rise in demand, it’s likely substantially increased by now. CSU prepares students to break into fields such as professional services, finance, manufacturing, health care, and more.
Practical and Transferable Skills
CSU’s courses aim to cover all the bases, particularly where common sore spots may arise. Corporate Compliance 1 provides an introduction to the ways in which organizations struggle to comply with regulations and laws and manage the risks associated with a wide variety of business activities. Corporate Compliance 2 builds upon those elements, consequently introducing students to assess complex compliance risks and identify solutions. These skills are some of the practical, real-world assets that hiring managers hope to identify in a job candidate.
Last but not least, the Cybersecurity Capstone provides students with the technical security skills needed to make informed, risk-based decisions in an operational context. With seasoned industry experts like Spence Witten guiding you through, previously intimidating issues will seem much clearer. Ready to apply? We’re ready to welcome you to CSU.
