The importance of a postgraduate degree

in the Computer Science field

Introduction

Malcolm Forbes’ quoted “The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” (Forbes, 2020) Knowledge is the best method to have the option to see things from an alternate perspective. My career started in the technology sector since leaving college with a little academic qualification. I am a professional with significant Network Engineering and Cybersecurity background. I mainly work with perimeter firewalls and email systems; therefore, I see the cyber-attack attempts immediately and always have to be on the top of the game to stop any breach. In my business, we need to prioritise the commercial aspect as first. Therefore, we must get the job done and not always exploring the specifics of the underlying technology. I want to see things from a fresh perspective and want to get involved in more research-based work, and I want to study on the progression of Cybersecurity.

What is Cybersecurity?

Stephane Nappo quoted “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and few minutes of cyber-incident to ruin it.” (Nappo, 2020)

According to the Oxford dictionary, Meaning of Cybersecurity is “The state of being protected against the criminal or unauthorised use of electronic data, or the measures taken to achieve this.” (Lexico Dictionaries | English., 2020)

UK National Cyber Security centre explains that Cybersecurity is how individuals and businesses minimise the risk of a cyberattack. The primary function of network security is to protect the devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets, and computers) that we all use and the services we access (at work and online) from theft or destruction. (What is Cybersecurity?, 2020)

Cyber Security Breaches Survey

Did you know that Gov.UK reported that 46% of businesses in the UK suffered a breach or attack in 2020? The same report demonstrated that the cost to those businesses on average (not including the cost of the lost data, reputational damage, and lost productivity) as much as £5220. (Johns, 2020)

The same report suggests that over time, organisations have become more resistant to sabotage and attacks. They are less likely to report the negative results or impact of the breach and are more likely to recover faster. However, the breach that does lead to negative results still incurs substantial costs.

With the increasing frequency and complexity of cyber threats and attacks on organisations, governments, and individuals, the demand for Cybersecurity professionals surpasses the supply. If there was time to enter the field of Cybersecurity, it is now.

As businesses awareness and attention has increased, many universities and colleges have created new cybersecurity graduate courses. Universities of Essex have created an online graduate degree programs in Cybersecurity. This short conversion course introduces of the some essential topics such as key trends and developments within Cybersecurity, Network and Information Security Management and Information Risk Management. (PG Cert Cyber Security, 2020)

According to Tripwire.com, most employers today seek a combination of experience and education. The advantages of obtaining a degree in Cybersecurity include higher salaries, job safety and expanded career opportunities. (Tripwire, 2020)

The New York Times reported that shocking statistics are echoing in Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity Ventures envisages that by 2021, there will be 3.5 million vacant cybersecurity jobs worldwide, compared with 1 million in 2014. (Perhach, 2018)

According to the Chartered Institute for IT. “It is recognised that there is a lack of cybersecurity skills in computing science degrees, yet cybersecurity must be address in the design, development and operation of any IT system.” (Irons et al., 2020) It also gives detail five essential areas of Cybersecurity

1. Information and risk

2. Threats and attacks

3. Cybersecurity architecture and operations

4. Secure systems and products

5. Cybersecurity management

Through the implementation of this guide, these five fields will be taught to computer science graduates across the universities in the UK, thereby significantly improving the UK’s ability to make up for the skills mentioned above shortage. (Irons et al., 2020)

According to the article published in theguardian.com, “US, British and other nuclear weapons systems are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, according to a new study by the international relations thinktank Chatham House.” (MacAskill, 2020)

Conclusion:

Companies in all industries need strong network security defences to prevent hackers from inevitable intrusions, which may cost companies millions or even billions of pounds. However, as far as the future safety and security of the UK are concerned, the risks are even higher, which will increasingly depend on our ability to fight high-tech warfare using advanced computer technology.

My expectation for this course is to acquire knowledge and necessary skills in the core area of ​​cybersecurity. Getting this knowledge will allow me to develop further and will allow me to contribute more to the IT industry. Having an understanding of underlying technology will give me a significant advantage when I am designing the cybersecurity solutions for SME and larger companies.

References:

Forbes, M., 2020. The Purpose Of Education Is To Replace An... - Quote. [online] Goodreads.com. Available at: https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/244543.Malcolm_Forbes [Accessed 13 September 2020].

Irons, A., Savage, N., Maple, C., Davies, A. and Turley, L., 2020. Cybersecurity Learning. [online] Bcs.org. Available at: https://www.bcs.org/content-hub/cybersecurity-learning/ [Accessed 13 September 2020].

Johns, E., 2020. Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2020. [online] Assets.publishing.service.gov.uk. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/893399/Cyber_Security_Breaches_Survey_2020_Statistical_Release_180620.pdf [Accessed 13 September 2020].

Lexico Dictionaries | English. 2020. Cybersecurity | Definition Of Cybersecurity By Oxford Dictionary On Lexico.Com Also Meaning Of Cybersecurity. [online] Available at: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/Cybersecurity [Accessed 13 September 2020].

MacAskill, E., 2020. Cyber-Attack Risk On Nuclear Weapons Systems 'Relatively High' – Thinktank. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jan/11/cyber-attack-risk-on-nuclear-weapons-systems-relatively-high-thinktank [Accessed 13 September 2020].

Nappo, S., 2020. Stephane Nappo Quotes. [online] Goodreads.com. Available at: https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/19698507.Stephane_Nappo [Accessed 13 September 2020].

Ncsc.gov.uk. 2020. What Is Cyber Security?. [online] Available at: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-ncsc/what-is-cyber-security [Accessed 13 September 2020].

Perhach, P. (2018). The Mad Dash to Find a Cybersecurity Force. [online] Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/07/business/the-mad-dash-to-find-a-cybersecurity-force.html [Accessed 12 Sep. 2020]

Perhach, P. (2018). The Mad Dash to Find a Cybersecurity Force. [online] Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/07/business/the-mad-dash-to-find-a-cybersecurity-force.html [Accessed 12 Sep. 2020]

Tripwire, I., 2020. 4 Reasons To Get Your Master’S Degree In Cyber Security. [online] The State of Security. Available at: https://www.tripwire.com/state-of-security/security-data-protection/cyber-security/4-reasons-to-get-your-masters-degree-in-cyber-security/ [Accessed 13 September 2020].

University of Essex Online. 2020. PG Cert Cyber Security | Online Masters Degree | University Of Essex Online. [online] Available at: https://online.essex.ac.uk/courses/pg-cert-cyber-security/ [Accessed 13 September 2020].