Cybersecurity

Overview

Professionals in cybersecurity play a crucial role in safeguarding organizations against cyberattacks, data breaches, and other computer-related crimes. They also help address the legal and ethical issues involved in digital investigations. Through ECC’s cybersecurity programs, you’ll learn essential, high-demand skills—including applying ethical best practices, securing computer systems, configuring networks, and identifying system vulnerabilities.

The Cybersecurity program at Elgin Community College offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on training. Thanks to ECC’s partnerships with local industry, you’ll gain real-world experience through labs, simulations, and classroom projects. Students in the vocational specialist program also benefit from practical, on-the-job training, helping you build a competitive edge in today’s rapidly growing cyber defense field.

Areas of study include:

• Browser security
• Computer Hardware
• Database Management
• Help Desk
• Information Security and Counter Measures
• Local Area Networks
• Network security
• Operating Systems
• Server Administration
• Technical Support

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The employment outlook for internet security and cybersecurity professionals is strong. As more businesses depend on digital systems, demand continues to grow—with about 19,500 job openings projected each year over the next decade. Cybersecurity experts protect personal, corporate, and government systems from unauthorized access and evolving cyber threats.

Growth is fueled by the rise of remote work, cloud computing, and the need for stronger security measures to safeguard sensitive data and digital environments. The demand for security professionals is expected to remain high in the coming years. Refer to Career Coach for more information regarding related occupations and compensation.

Credentials

Learn about common threats, system hardening, network security tools, access control, authentication, encryption, redundancy, disaster response, and organizational security. You will gain experience working in the high-growth field of information security. Complete the required 32-33 credit hours for this Vocational Specialist Certificate.

At ECC, you'll earn industry-recognized credentials that local employers highly value:

Courses at Elgin Community College in Cybersecurity

Here are a few sample classes:

• Cyberlaw and Ethics
• Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures
• Principles of Cybersecurity

Getting a Job in Cybersecurity

This position presents excellent prospects, with job growth expected to outpace the average for all occupations. Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 29 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, on the Internet (accessed October 13, 2025).

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital ransomware attacks. Data breaches involve illegal access, alteration, and destruction of sensitive data like credit cards, personal information, or business disruption. Implementing effective endpoint security measures is particularly challenging due to the increasing number of devices controlling every aspect of our lives. This includes mobile devices, computers, and network organizations that aim to protect. In an organization, people, processes, and technology must complement one another to create an effective defense against cyber attacks. Everyone benefits from advanced cyber defense programs. A cybersecurity attack can lead to identity theft, extortion attempts, and the loss of critical data at an individual level. Everyone relies on critical infrastructure to keep society functioning.

Why should I pursue Cybersecurity?

A cybersecurity professional ensures the data remains safe. Cybersecurity career paths vary based on interests, including incident response, security services operations, and application cybersecurity. Other paths involve digital threat assessments and implementing digital risk programs with business teams. Depending on your experience, consider the following cybersecurity jobs:

• Entry-level: Systems Administrator, Network Engineer, Network Administrator, or Security Administrator
• Mid-level: Cybersecurity Analyst, Penetration Tester, Security Technician, IT Auditor
• Senior-level: Cybersecurity Manager, Cybersecurity Engineer, Chief Information Security Officer

Many professionals are involved in Cybersecurity, including consulting, research, IT, programming, and engineering.

Should I get a degree in CIS?

At ECC, you'll have an academic advisor on day one to work with you on everything career-related. You'll collaborate to create an educational plan focused on entering the workforce, starting at community college, and transferring for a bachelor's degree. Your advisor will provide a clear pathway and guide you in gathering the necessary information to make informed future decisions.