The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has created an arms race between organizations and cybercriminals, with both parties working to outmaneuver the other using the latest technologies. This dynamic will likely spark a need for qualified cybersecurity professionals in the coming decades.
Young professionals who hope to stand out in this competitive job market should pursue a cybersecurity degree. Specialized programs, like Avila University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Cybersecurity, educate rising graduates on the latest strategies to identify and mitigate cyberattacks using AI and ML. Obtaining this type of specialized degree also communicates to future employers that graduates have the necessary skills to excel in this rapidly changing industry, positioning them for lucrative careers. For example, entry-level cybersecurity roles earn an attractive $99,400 average annual salary, per Indeed.
Understanding the Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape
The sophistication of cyberwarfare is escalating each year as both cybercriminals and organizations arm themselves with the latest technology. On one end, AI-powered technology has allowed cybercriminals to enhance the precision, efficiency and scalability of their attacks. Specifically, cybercriminals do this using sophisticated strategies like automated phishing campaigns, deepfakes and the exploitation of interconnected internet-of-things technologies.
The potential damage of modern cyberattacks has caused some experts to flag cybersecurity as a critical business priority, not just an infrastructure technology afterthought. Fortunately, many organizations are leveraging this very same technology to protect themselves
AI and ML Applications in Cyberdefense
Modern organizations leverage AI and ML algorithms to fight cyberattacks due to their unique capabilities for analyzing immense amounts of data and identifying potential breaches in real time. Here are three ways that modern corporations are using AI to battle cyberattacks:
- Anomaly detection: AI algorithms can monitor user behavior, network traffic and application activity in real-time, flagging anything out of the ordinary as a potential security breach or attack. This real-time detection allows companies to respond more quickly to cyberattacks and potentially mitigate damage.
- Predictive analytics: AI can help cybersecurity teams address vulnerabilities preemptively by analyzing historical data. This includes examining past attacks, analyzing them and ensuring that the same attack doesn’t happen in the future.
- Automated threat intelligence: AI algorithms are adept at recognizing threats from various sources and facilitating swift, automatic responses to mitigate potential damage. Automation reduces the need for 24/7 human surveillance and helps protect companies around the clock without spending immense resources.
Young professionals looking to succeed in the cybersecurity space can fast-track their knowledge in this space by taking courses like Algorithm Solutions, offered in Avila University’s online B.S. in Cybersecurity program. This course teaches students how to solve cybersecurity issues by developing algorithms, strategies for developing multiple solutions and the best approaches to determining a path forward.
Advancing Your Education in Cybersecurity With Avila University
Rising cybersecurity leaders must have just as good a grasp on AI technology as the criminals they oppose. The best way to secure this knowledge is by obtaining a B.S. that teaches students the latest AI and ML techniques for fighting cybercrime. Programs like Avila University’s online B.S. in Cybersecurity are perfect for graduates with minimal experience in cybersecurity but a strong desire to learn.
Avila University’s program provides students with the skills, theories and standards to excel in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity industry. In this program, students take a range of introductory and advanced courses, like the following:
- Introduction to Cybersecurity: Students learn the basics behind different types of threats, attacks and methods of defense.
- Cybersecurity Policy and Governance: Students learn the legal and ethical aspects of this industry, such as regulations, compliance and risk management.
- Secure Coding Practices: Students learn how to develop secure software applications utilizing secure frameworks that incorporate threat modeling into the development process.
- Introduction to Machine Learning: Students learn ML concepts using the Python programming language, investigating data classification of data and how to process new data without human intervention using ML algorithms.
Upon graduation from the program, students are prepared to pursue a job in the cybersecurity field. They’re also equipped with a continuous learning mentality, which helps them adapt to new technological advancements later in their career.
Learn more about Avila University’s online Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity program.
