The Web and the Importance of Cybersecurity
Ongoing threats will require professionals with advanced skills and knowledge in the field
The digital environment we’ve come to rely on to live, work and play is ever-evolving, as are the challenges to keep it secure. Indeed, this digital space is vast, requiring a dedicated and intense approach to preventing hacking and data theft.
Not only can these threats affect how we communicate with one another, but they can disrupt the way we bank, the way we shop, how we learn, the health care we receive and the social services we access. With all these activities dependent on a safe virtual environment, any threats to security must be taken seriously.
Cybersecurity is all about maintaining confidentiality, integrity and availability of online information. It is something that should be a high priority for everyone living in today’s technologically advanced society.
Become a guardian against cyber threats Gain expertise to keep the digital world safe.
Learn More TodayToday and into the future, cybersecurity professionals will harness advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning and quantum computing to proactively identify, mitigate and neutralize cyber threats in real time. Fortunately, the next generation of cybersecurity professionals are gaining a deep understanding of these tools through cybersecurity graduate programs, including cybersecurity graduate certificates and cybersecurity master’s programs.
Staying ahead of rapidly evolving threats will be key to creating a safer digital environment across industries and personal uses. By proactively identifying, mitigating and neutralizing cyber threats in real time, cybersecurity experts foster a more secure and interconnected digital landscape.
Four threats that cybersecurity experts must guard against
1. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks
Denial of service attacks successfully prevent or impair a computer system or a network by exhausting resources. This type of attack floods a site with traffic to disrupt operations and services. For instance, an attack could shut down a government agency website, which would prevent people from accessing information. DoS attacks can go on for days or even weeks, causing major financial losses, operational disruption, lost sales and customer complaints.
2. Malware, Worms and Trojan Horses
Email, malicious websites, instant messaging and infected websites mostly spread these. Some websites will load malware without the user’s intervention or knowledge, while others require the user to click a button or a link. Once that link is clicked, it can lead to all sorts of issues. The unwanted software could steal data, install more malware or surreptitiously track online activity. Cybercrime is on the rise and estimated to cost businesses up to about $15.6 trillion globally in the next several years.
3. Botnets and Zombies
Robot networks (botnets) are aggregations of compromised computers connected to a central controller. The individual compromised computers are called zombies. Botnets are very complex and can be used for very strongly encrypted attacks that are extremely difficult to detect. Once they gain access, they can launch ransomware attacks, steal login credentials or tap personal information. This attack activity has been on the rise, with a 50% surge in 2024 and, already this year, a 110% increase.
4. Social Network Attacks
Social network attacks use psychological means to exploit weaknesses by tricking people to share sensitive information or personal information. Bad actors may gather information by scanning the vast amount of personal details users often share on social media platforms, or they might gather publicly available data to track location, interests and connections to create profiles of targets. Social engineering attacks, including those on social networks, account for 95% of all cybersecurity breaches.
The future of cybersecurity
Cybersecurity organizations and professionals rely on protection policies, data assurance, incident response, recovery, law enforcement and military and intelligence operations to uncover potential attacks, minimize damage and speed up recovery in case of an attack.
While everyone needs to play an active role in cybersecurity efforts, the best cybersecurity master’s programs prepare professionals to combat these attacks with the tools and expertise that will keep the public safe from threats.
There will be no shortage of opportunities for cybersecurity professionals, particularly those with a master’s degree in cybersecurity. It is expected that the demand for qualified job candidates will outstrip the supply. Some sources estimate that the shortage of cybersecurity professionals will reach 85 million by 2030.
Interested in SHU’s cybersecurity programs?
At SHU, there are several programs that can prepare you for a career as a cybersecurity analyst. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, as well as a master’s degree in cybersecurity or cybersecurity graduate certificate. You can also explore Sacred Heart’s dual degree programs, that allow you to team cybersecurity with another undergraduate major, or you can minor in cybersecurity.
To learn more about undergraduate and dual degree programs, you can visit SHU’s undergraduate admissions webpage or call 203-371-7880. If you are interested in master’s degree and certificate offerings, schedule a meeting with Ed Nassr, reach out to nassre@sacredheart.edu or call 203-396-6877.
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