Professor Tom Acton
Business Information Systems
J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics
University of Galway
Cybersecurity is vital for organisations in all sectors now, and there is a way for graduates in all disciplines to get training.
Cybersecurity careers are not just for IT graduates. Now, University of Galway is opening up careers in this growth area to graduates in any subject.
Tom Acton, Professor in Business Information Systems at the university’s School of Business and Economics, says: “You don’t need an IT-related degree to take our one-year MSc in Cybersecurity Risk Management, but you do need some exposure to information technologies, otherwise, you won’t know if it’s right for you.”
“Candidates write a personal statement that shows their motivation for the programme and how they envisage it helping to progress a career.”
Applications now open
The course starts in September and offers 30 places to graduates in Ireland and worldwide.
“We aim to create strategic thinkers who can understand cybersecurity threats, manage resources, implement solutions and effectively communicate these to senior decision-makers in order to support the strategic growth of a business,” says Acton.
The course covers programming, systems development, cybersecurity ethics and law, risk management, ethical hacking, tools and techniques to prevent malicious hacking, recovering systems after attacks and how to persuade organisations to take preventive action.
Students will also boost employability through cyber knowledge acquisition and interactions with experts in the wide range of companies in Galway.
There’s huge growth in the incidence of international hacking, data theft, ransomware attacks and attempts to throw elections.
Ready for cybersecurity threats
The need is high for people with cybersecurity skills to meet future threats and aid with strategic planning. “There’s huge growth in the incidence of international hacking, data theft, ransomware attacks and attempts to throw elections,” says Acton.
“We hear about the big cybersecurity attacks, but small companies are targets too — sometimes not making the news headlines.”
Great career prospects
“Companies are becoming more proactive as they realise that prevention saves money and reputational damage, so the career opportunities can only grow — and it can be a well-paid option,” explains Acton.
It’s worth highlighting that the course is offered by the School of Business and Economics, he adds. “Demand for these skills is not limited to the tech sector. It’s growing across all sectors including banking, retail, health and the public sector.
“Many organisations do not yet understand how to deal with the constantly evolving threats, so we aim to create skilled people to help — as employees or consultants. This MSc will help make more graduates employable in cybersecurity,” he concludes.
Learn more about the MSc on universityofgalway.ie/bis/
