Can You Get Into Cybersecurity With a Computer Science Degree?

If you've earned a computer science degree and wish to pursue a cybersecurity career, you may wonder if you can use your degree in this field. It is possible to get into cybersecurity with a computer science degree, though you might need to gain additional skills or certifications, depending on your career.

The computer science field relates to cybersecurity in many ways, so there are several routes to becoming a cybersecurity professional. This may include furthering your education with another degree, learning cybersecurity fundamentals, and completing the necessary certifications.

Once you've gained the appropriate skill set, you can achieve a cybersecurity career. Keep reading to see how these two fields are connected and how computer science majors can enter the cybersecurity field.

Can Computer Science Majors Pursue Cybersecurity Careers?

Computer science majors can choose to pursue a cybersecurity career since the courses in this program can provide similar skills. The curriculum of a computer science bachelor's degree program often includes coursework that overlaps with classes covering cybersecurity.

Many security jobs allow you to utilize similar skills learned from computer science courses. Throughout your education, you may study topics such as software engineering, information technology, and artificial intelligence.

You can also opt for an additional degree in cybersecurity to learn specific skills for a cybersecurity career. After achieving a CS bachelor's degree, consider advanced degree programs, such as a master's degree in cybersecurity. This will help you gain more advanced skills and broaden your career path.

In addition, certifications may be necessary for certain positions in cryptography or digital forensics. Participating in an internship can also help to kickstart a cybersecurity career.

How Computer Science and Cybersecurity Are Related

Computer science and cybersecurity are related in numerous ways. For instance, computer scientists and cybersecurity positions are concerned with designing and learning about computer and information systems, software development, and computer engineering.

Both cybersecurity and computer science fields involve data science, applications, and operating systems.

Network Security

Professionals in both cybersecurity and computer science fields help employ security measures. Maintaining network security is crucial for careers in these areas. Many roles involve aspects of network security, such as detecting vulnerabilities and preventing threats.

Computer Science Foundation

Both fields also employ computer science foundations. Cybersecurity requires a basic understanding of computer science. To understand how to implement security measures, experts must first understand the hardware and software components involved, which are generally taught in introductory computer science courses.

Data Privacy

To ensure data privacy, those working in the cybersecurity field or the computer science field must stay aware to prevent cyber attacks. Both fields aim to maintain the confidentiality of businesses and their clients. These experts must protect sensitive business information and customer data.

Ethical Hacking

Writing algorithms, using programming languages, and analyzing malware are common duties for ethical hackers. Ethical hacking involves finding abnormalities or vulnerabilities within the computer network. It is a practice necessary in computer science and cybersecurity.

Ethical hackers attempt to bypass security measures to ensure the current measures that are in place can prevent cyber threats.

Regulatory Compliance

With most jobs involving computer science or cybersecurity, there is a degree of regulatory compliance. Whether you work in computer science or cybersecurity, as part of your job you may be required to perform regular maintenance and remain compliant with any new policies or programs.

Cybersecurity Careers for Computer Science Majors

Within the cybersecurity field, there are a variety of careers to consider, including entry-level jobs in cybersecurity, management roles, and other security positions. You can learn more about available jobs through the resources provided with your computer science program.

Penetration Tester

As a penetration tester or ethical hacker, it is your job to recognize network problems or vulnerabilities through various testing forms. This involves implementing security measures to prevent unwanted or dangerous hacking.

Ethical hacking involves trying to access one's own network as if it were an unauthorized user. This helps identify potential problems so the network stays secure. This type of security professional must have excellent problem-solving skills.

Security policies will also be enacted to provide security and strength for the business.

Security Analyst

Those who choose to become a cybersecurity analyst will monitor the condition of job functions to prevent security incidents. Those with a security analysis specialization can analyze data systems and maintain firewalls to prevent unauthorized access. The main role of a security analyst is to protect classified information and avert security incidents.

Cybersecurity Engineer

The role of a cybersecurity engineer, also known as an information security engineer, is to monitor security breaches, eliminate cyber threats, and respond to incidents. Additionally, a cybersecurity engineer must keep the company's network security measures up to date.

A cybersecurity engineer can help maintain a connection to the computer network and prevent data breaches from occurring.

Systems Administrator

A professional systems administrator must utilize computer systems. A security systems administrator will troubleshoot, maintain, and install security solutions for a business or company.

The systems administrator must be familiar with operating systems, software, and hardware.

Incident Responder

There are many jobs within the cybersecurity field, including incident responder. An incident responder provides cyber defense and oversees a company's online security.

The role of any cybersecurity job is to prevent cyberattacks or outside threats. An incident responder uses forensic tools such as intrusion detection to determine if the system has been compromised.