The evolution of cybercrime has taken a great leap forward recently. Ransomware-as-a-service has lowered barriers to entry for tech-challenged hackers. Threat actors are adept at using artificial intelligence. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance – Cyber Operations Emphasis online program from Southern Utah University (SUU) is an ideal program to acquire high-demand skills. Graduates are equipped with skills to deploy enterprise-wide cyberdefense protocols; strategies to detect, isolate and recover from breaches; and penetration testing process information.
Six out of 10 attacks are attributed to AI-powered malware, while 40% of cyberattacks on business email systems are AI generated. Deepfake video and voice phishing attacks increased by 3,000% in 2023 from the previous year. In the cat-and-mouse competition to protect data, networks and intellectual property, organizations are placing ever higher premiums on security professionals with advanced insights and understanding in cyber threat intelligence.
“Threat intelligence benefits organizations of all shapes and sizes by helping process threat data to better understand their attackers, respond faster to incidents and proactively get ahead of a threat actor’s next move,” according to Cyberstrike.
The Focus of SUU’s M.S. In Cybersecurity Online With Cyber Operations Specialization
The curriculum focuses on developing advanced skills to strengthen critical infrastructure defenses and prevent cyberattacks. Students also hone their leadership skills and gain managerial insights need to oversee complex cyber operations. Core courses include:
- Cybersecurity Risk Management: Learn how to minimize security risks and how to respond to security breaches. Studies focus on the use of firewalls and digital certificates.
- Cyber Law and Investigations: Research case law and legislation and regulatory requirements that mandate cybersecurity obligations.
- Cybersecurity Policies and Compliance: Explore cyberdefense frameworks and platforms to identify vulnerabilities, assess risk and review security and governance policies.
Beyond core courses, students also can tailor their degree to their particular interests. The program’s emphasis courses include:
- Incident Response Preparedness: Discover the proactive cybersecurity strategies organizations use to prepare, respond to and mitigate security threats.
- Cyber Threat Intelligence I & II: Acquire the insights and acumen for senior management or executive roles in security operations and cyber defense centers.
- Penetration Testing: Also known as ethical hacking, penetration testing is authorized simulated attacks on computer systems to identify and evaluate security vulnerabilities.
Graduates are prepared for roles such as intelligence operations specialist, defensive cyber operations and others. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics pegs the growth rate through 2033 for information security analyst careers at 33%, which is must faster than average.
Cybersecurity Trends on the Front Lines of Cyberattack Defense
In the arms race between cybersecurity professionals and hackers, both sides are using emerging technologies. Graduates of SUU’s M.S. in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance – Cyber Operations Emphasis online program are prepared with the knowledge needed to utilize these modern tools. Among the tools defenders are leveraging are:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Acknowledging that AI is a “double-edged sword,” CIO says its real-time data-analytics capabilities enable defenders to identify potential threats near real time. Companies like Crowdstrike report that “their AI-driven systems can detect threats in under one second.”
Machine Learning (ML)
RSK Cyber Security says ML algorithms can simultaneously scan historical and incoming data to identify anomalies and potential breaches and activate defensive measures more effectively and efficiently than human-driven methods. “Embracing these advanced technologies will be crucial for staying ahead in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape,” it predicts.
Zero Trust Frameworks
Zero trust, according to Security, “[O]ffers a more proactive approach to cybersecurity, ensuring every user, device, and application is continuously verified and validated.” The frameworks do not trust any users, devices and networks, inside and outside an organization’s perimeter. Instead, they continuously evaluate user identity and device security using biometrics, keystroke dynamics, location and risk signals.
Block Chain
Most widely known for its role in cryptocurrency, block chain technology comprises decentralized ledgers that record tamper-proof records of transactions. Supply chain cyber operations managers leverage block chain’s transparent audit trails to verify and validate every phase of a product or service’s (using block-chain enabled smart contracts) from source to end user reduce the risk of fraud, counterfeit products and unauthorized access.
Biometrics
The use of physical and behavioral traits for multifactor authentication (MFA) has increased by 90% since 2020, according to DeepThreatAnalytics.com. As is true for all emerging cyber defense technologies, ML and AI are key components for increasing biometric accuracy and reliability.
Cloud Security
Business has migrated to the cloud, requiring organizations to integrate physical security infrastructure and cloud-based solutions. Those solutions include building AI into system monitoring to detect anomalies in data streams, using ML to optimize access controls and adopting zero trust processes supported by physical and behavioral multifactor authentication tools.
With the increasing demand for experts in cyberspace operations, cyber intelligence and cyber incident response, the SUU M.S. in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance – Cyber Operations Emphasis online is a step toward a future-proof career. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance, the cybersecurity and risk management sectors offer diverse paths for those passionate about digital safety and resilience.
Learn more about Southern Utah University’s online Master of Science in Cybersecurity with Information Assurance – Cyber Operations Emphasis program.
