Best Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity in Vermont

Many think cyber-attacks only happen to large companies and major tech and business hubs. This is not the case at all. 43% of small and medium-sized enterprises experienced cyberattacks in 2022.

Geographically speaking, Vermont’s remoteness encourages a sense of safety and community among its citizens. Because it’s far from major national points of interest and has a small business and tech landscape, one can think that Vermont is 100% safe from all threats. However, Vermont is just as susceptible to cyber threats as any other place.

While Vermont may enjoy certain geographic advantages in terms of safety from natural disasters and physical security, its prominence in the healthcare sector also makes it an attractive target for cyberattacks.

On October 28, 2020, the University of Vermont (UVM) health network fell victim to a ransomware attack, initially disrupting patient care applications and forcing the shutdown of their IT network. The attack encrypted 5,000 hospital devices and 1,300 servers.

As a result, UVM had to wipe affected devices and reinstall necessary data and software to mitigate malware persistence. By December 8, 2020, UVM Medical Center reported daily losses of $1.5 million and total losses exceeding $63 million. They also had to furlough 300 employees due to the outage.

This incident demonstrates Vermont’s rising need for cybersecurity experts who can safeguard its vital infrastructure and private information. The Green Mountain State must invest in cybersecurity knowledge to protect the safety and well-being of its citizens and enterprises in a time when the digital world has no geographical bounds.

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How To Increase Employability in Vermont’s Cyber Security Landscape

• Obtain Relevant Education: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or related fields from a reputable institution and consider relevant certifications like CISSP or CEH.
• Develop Technical Skills: Master cybersecurity tools, techniques, and technologies such as network security and penetration testing.
• Hands-On Experience: Seek internships and co-op positions and build a portfolio of personal projects in cybersecurity.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with cybersecurity trends and threats through blogs, research reports, and industry news.
• Networking: Attend Vermont cybersecurity conferences and join professional organizations to connect with experts in the field.
• Soft Skills: Develop communication and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued in cybersecurity.
• Cybersecurity Awareness: Promote awareness through workshops and presentations in your community.
• Continuous Learning: Stay adaptable by investing in ongoing learning and professional development beyond the bachelor’s degree.
• Job Search and Online Presence: Customize your resume and utilize job search platforms. Build an online presence through LinkedIn and personal websites.
• Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Explore partnerships with local colleges and universities for educational opportunities.
• Volunteer and Community Engagement: Gain experience and give back by volunteering in local organizations or non-profits.

Vermont Cybersecurity Certifications

Professional certifications are a great way to further your career after earning a bachelor’s degree. Certifications are especially valuable for individuals seeking careers in cybersecurity, network administration, and information security, and they can be earned by individuals in Vermont as well as in other parts of the world.

Some of the most valuable cybersecurity certifications include:

Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

This certification is offered by (ISC)² and focuses on information security. It demonstrates your knowledge and skills in various security domains.

What You’ll Need:

• One year of professional work experience related to information security.

Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

CCENT is a Cisco certification that validates your ability to install, operate, and troubleshoot small enterprise branch network networks.

What You’ll Need:

• There are no specific prerequisites for CCENT; it’s an entry-level certification.

Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Also offered by Cisco, CCNA certification is more advanced than CCENT and covers network fundamentals, routing and switching, and security topics.

What You’ll Need:

• CCENT can be a prerequisite, or you can take the CCNA exam directly.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

EC-Council provides this certification, which teaches ethical hacking techniques and tools to secure an organization’s information systems.

What You’ll Need:

• There are no formal prerequisites, but they recommend having some prior knowledge of information security.

Certified Information System Auditor (CISA)

ISACA offers the CISA certification, focusing on auditing, control, and assurance of information systems. It is highly regarded in the field of IT auditing.

What You’ll Need:

• Requires at least five years of professional work experience in information systems auditing, control, or security.

CyberSec First Responder (CFR)

CFR certification demonstrates your ability to handle and respond to cybersecurity incidents effectively. It is offered by Logical Operations.

What You’ll Need:

• There are no strict prerequisites, but relevant work experience or knowledge in cybersecurity is beneficial.

Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)

EC-Council also offers this certification, which focuses on the skills required to investigate and respond to computer security incidents.

What You’ll Need:

• There are no formal prerequisites, but some background in cybersecurity is helpful.

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

(ISC)² offers the CCSP certification, which is aimed at professionals working with cloud computing and cloud security.

What You’ll Need:

• At least five years of cumulative, paid work experience in IT with at least three years of experience in information security and one year in at least one of the six CCSP domains.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP is one of the most well-known and respected certifications in the field of information security. It covers various security domains and is offered by (ISC)².

What You’ll Need:

• Requires at least five years of professional work experience in information security.

Certified Authorization Professional (CAP)

Also offered by (ISC)², CAP certification validates your expertise in the Risk Management Framework (RMF), as well as the authorization of information systems.

What You’ll Need:

• Requires at least two years of cumulative, paid work experience in one or more of the seven domains of the CAP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

Cyber Security Conferences and Workshops in Vermont

Most of Vermont’s cyber security conferences and workshops are organized by the state’s Centers for Academic Excellence.

Cyber security summit conferences are essential venues for cooperation, innovation, and education in the constantly developing field of network security. These events bring together industry professionals, researchers, and thought leaders to confront cyber threats and security breaches jointly.

Conferences and workshops encourage networking, creating alliances that strengthen cybersecurity defense, and sharing best practices. They are especially valuable for students earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.

Additionally, they give attendees access to the most recent studies, resources, and approaches, enabling them to keep up with new threats and continuously enhance their skills.

These events also highlight fresh goods and innovations, hastening their uptake. These gatherings help to shape international and national cybersecurity standards by facilitating conversations on cyber law, regulations, and policies.

Additionally, they support inclusivity and diversity, bringing a variety of viewpoints and ideas to the sector. The public and smaller enterprises are educated at conferences on the value of cyber hygiene and awareness, enabling them to protect themselves.

There are several conferences and workshops in Vermont. You can keep an updated list by visiting InfoSec’s web page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity in Vermont

Are online bachelor’s in cybersecurity programs in Vermont as valuable as traditional degree programs?

Yes, online bachelor in cyber security degrees are as reputable as on-campus programs if earned at reputable online colleges and universities in Vermont. Find a college or university that is accredited and has a cybersecurity program that has been designated a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE).

This approval shows that the program satisfies the stringent requirements of the National Security Agency and Homeland Security. Online cyber security degrees from accredited institutions follow the same on-campus curriculum, delivering an in-depth education on the matter.

What will I learn in an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity program in Vermont?

With an online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity program, you’ll learn specific subjects like software development and systems administration while also strengthening your math and computer science skills.

You will learn important but complicated topics like:

• Cryptography
• Software Programming
• Data Analytics
• Network Security
• Information Security
• Systems Administration
• National Security Policy

Key learning skills for your online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity include:

• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Organization
• Time Management
• Self-Pacing

In an online cybersecurity bachelor’s, you’ll learn to:

• Analyze network components, including software and hardware.
• Identify system vulnerabilities through a combination of technological and analytical insight.
• Create solutions for system vulnerabilities.
• Navigate the ethical and policy issues related to the cybersecurity profession.
• Provide both short-term and long-term organizational strategies for managing cybersecurity challenges.

What courses will I take in a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity program in Vermont?

As an online bachelor’s in cybersecurity student, you’ll take courses in areas like network security, risk assessment, and digital surveillance. Popular online courses in cybersecurity include:

Cyber Threat Intelligence

Learn to identify cybersecurity threats and the techniques used by bad actors to attack secure networks. Study ethical hacking methodologies, permissions management, threat assessment reporting, and more.

National Security Policy

Learn the laws, policies, and practices shaping the cybersecurity profession in the United States. Study American cybersecurity policy as well as international policy and the policy approaches in other nations.

Enterprise Risk Management

Learn how to analyze security conditions for commercial enterprises to identify vulnerabilities and provide solutions. Study best practices as well as legal and ethical responsibilities in creating network security strategies.

Network Security Administration

Learn how to assess, operate and improve network security information for private, public, or non-profit organizations, including agencies like Homeland Security and the National Security Agency. Study cloud security, information security, systems auditing and more.

Digital Forensics

Learn how to investigate cybercrime and produce evidence to be used in prosecuting these crimes. Study the tools, techniques, and principles driving digital forensics investigation.

If the online bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is your first experience with online education, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

For a look at some of the advantages of pursuing your bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity online, check out these 5 Ways Online Education Can Be More Effective Than Traditional Classroom Education.

What jobs can I do with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in Vermont?

You can do a lot of jobs in computer and network security with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity in Vermont. The bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is the basic qualification for students who want to become:

You can do a lot of jobs in computer and network security with a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online. The bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is the basic qualification for students who want to become:

Computer and Information Systems Managers

As a Computer and Information Systems Manager, you will plan, coordinate, and lead a wide range of computer-related activities in your organization, including network security, permissions management, database management, and more.

Computer and Information Systems Managers earned a median pay of $164,070 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 15% rate of growth by 2032, with 46,900 new jobs added.

Computer Network Architects

As a Computer Network Architect, you will design and build data communication networks. This includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and Intranets, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The BLS also notes that computer network architects earned a median pay of $126,900 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% rate of growth by 2032, with 10,200 new jobs added.

Database Administrators and Architects

As a Database Administrator or Architect, you will work within an organization to create, organize, and oversee the systems used to both store data and keep this data secure. Database Administrators and Architects earned a median pay of $112,120 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% rate of growth by 2032, with 10,200 new jobs added.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

As a Network and Computer Systems Administrator, you are responsible for both the daily and long-term operation and oversight of internal network and computer systems for your organization. It includes maintenance, updates, data management, security, and more.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators earned a median pay of $90,520 in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 2% rate of growth by 2032, with 19,800 new jobs added.

How long does it take to earn a bachelor’s degree online in cybersecurity in Vermont?

It typically takes four to six years, or 120 credits, to earn a bachelor’s degree online in cybersecurity in Vermont. Some online programs may offer accelerated or self-paced options where you can earn your bachelor’s degree online in as little as 18 to 24 months.

Are there prerequisite courses for enrolling in an online cybersecurity program in Vermont?

Prerequisites for a bachelor’s degree online can vary. However, having a background in mathematics and computer science is highly advised to become a strong candidate for a program. Some online colleges offer preparatory courses for applicants who do not meet prerequisites.

Can I transfer credits from previous college courses to an online cybersecurity program in Vermont?

Many online programs accept transfer credits from recognized colleges. The university determines the number of transferable credits and any other rules.

Is it cheaper to get a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree online than a traditional degree?

It can be cheaper to get your online cybersecurity bachelor’s degree if you go to a public school in Vermont. Colleges and universities have tuition discounts for in-state students. Online students get these same in-state discounts.

Your tuition for the online degree will be the same, or slightly more, than the tuition for an in-person degree. But you will save on expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees.

So the most affordable option in most cases will be to earn your bachelor’s degree online in cybersecurity with an in-state discount and save on the expenses mentioned above. For more, check out our Guide to the Cost of Online College vs. On-Campus College.

Should I pursue certifications upon earning a bachelor’s in cybersecurity online in Vermont?

If you want to advance in your career as a cybersecurity expert, you need to pursue certifications. Completing an industry-specific certificate program will prove your knowledge, abilities, and expertise. You’ll be able to stand out from the competition, open more job opportunities, and have higher job security.