In the era of hacktivists and cyberterrorists, cybersecurity represents a major challenge for professionals, institutions, associations, etc. Motivations and attackers tend to multiply throughout the world. As a result, cyber threats concern all information systems. However, there is specific training to meet cybersecurity needs.
A master’s degree in cybersecurity: what does it consist of?
A master cybersecurity is a diploma and higher education program in computer science, at Bac+5 level. It is more precisely a master’s degree in computer security & cybersecurity. The training is aimed at future managers of data and network security in public or private organizations. It then allows you to work in various sectors such as telecommunications, finance, banking, commerce, public administration, etc.
The course aims to both improve the skills and employability of IT security experts. It thus covers the essential knowledge in:
- Algorithmic;
- Probability and statistics ;
- System and network architectures;
- Interconnection and dynamic routing;
- Software development ;
- Software architecture;
- Development of cryptographic software;
- Standardization, accreditation and certification;
- Space and mobile telecommunications;
- Embedded computer systems;
- Machine learning and AI;
- Automatic processing;
- Identity and access management;
- Application security;
- Big data and data processing;
- Business organization;
- Project management ;
- Management control;
- Accounting and Management ;
- Audit;
- Right ;
- Communication…
These themes can be approached and grouped in different ways depending on the program. In any case, the objective is to provide professionals who are immediately operational and capable ofensure the security of an information system (IF). The training is also accessible to IT professionals wishing to strengthen their cybersecurity skills. It is also possible in alternation.
Where can you do a master’s degree in cybersecurity?
The cybersecurity master’s degree is offered in universities, engineering schools, polytechnic institutes and affiliated training centers. At Bac+5 level, this French diploma is delivered after validation of 120 ECTS credits. Admission is usually done by selection of files (with CV, cover letter and letter of recommendation), followed by an interview. Additionally, the candidate is expected to:
- Proof of a Master 1 (Bac+4) or Master 2 (Bac+5) in computer science, networks, telecommunications, applied mathematics, engineering, electronic or electrical engineering;
- Master professional English;
- Have at least 3 years of experience in IT professions (for professionals);
- Obtain the agreement and support of the employer to follow the course (replaces the cover letter for employees).
This last point is not always required for workers simply wishing to resume studies. In this case, you will have to commit to finding time for classes and the various work related to the program. During the training, the student may be required to carry out a simulation in real conditions or a internship in company. The future cybersecurity expert will thus be able to react effectively in the event of an attack. That said, the security specialist must above all develop his proactivity.
What outlets are possible?
After a master’s degree in cybersecurity, graduates often favor corporate IT teams or SSIs (IT service and engineering companies). That said, the entrepreneurial spirit can also encourage the founding of cybersecurity consulting and auditing companies. L’security expert can also join the university, engineering schools or the public sector (national education, ministry, hospitals, etc.). In these different structures, the holder of the master’s degree can notably become:
- Responsible for the security of an IS;
- Security administrator;
- Security architect;
- Security auditor;
- IT security consultant;
- Network administrator;
- Systems and networks engineer;
- Technical architect;
- IT Project Manager ;
- Data architect;
- Data scientist;
- Database administrator;
- IT project director;
- Design and application development engineer;
- Specialist in application integration and security;
- Analyst Programmer ;
- IT operations analyst;
- Operations technician;
- Computer science researcher;
- Research engineer ;
- Teacher-researcher…
However, the field of research most often requires additional years of study in order to obtain a Bac+6. This level may also be required to manage a research team and cybersecurity development in a private company. Conversely, the profession of consultant is less demanding. It only requires transparency regarding the field of expertise of the speaker and any team members.
