Military veterans who have served honorably in the U.S. forces have a hard time settling into their civilian lives. Due to the culture gap between civilian society and their military past, U.S. Veterans often struggle to gain employment. As of 2019, there were 284,000 unemployed veterans, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. They often fall into the dilemma of ‘what next?’ This is where cybersecurity comes in. A career in cybersecurity can help repurpose their skill sets that were developed over several years of service. This way, they can be around like-minded people again.
What is cybersecurity military?
The U.S. military, just like any other organization or business, relies on both physical and cyber security for protection since systems and networks are used in their daily operations. At the same time, the U.S. government is under constant pressure to implement a sustainable cybersecurity strategy that aligns with national security objectives. The strategy should identify primary threat actors and the reasons for the susceptibility of critical infrastructure to attacks.
Which branch of the military is best for cybersecurity?
There are have been many instances of cyber warfare in the recent past, often leading to the leak of confidential information or worse. For this reason, all branches of the U.S. military have their own cybersecurity advancement programs such as – the U.S. Department of Defense Directive 8570/ 8140, United States Navy COOL, United States Army COOL, United States Marine Corps COOL, and United States Air Force COOL program. EC-Council certifications are recognized under many of these programs and included as a part of our degrees.
Why should veterans build a career in cybersecurity?
Taking up a new role in a different office is challenging on its own but moving away from the defense industry and settling in civilian life is a struggle. The cybersecurity industry can prove to be the right fit for military veterans to use their skillset in performing a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive data for a company or even for the government. Various scholarships are available for U.S. Veterans to join the cybersecurity industry to help them start a new career. This profession will give them a chance to combat cybercrimes and make for a comfortable and purposeful living.
Why veterans are sought-after:
- Experience working in a highly stressed environment
- Leadership skills and experience
- Disciplined attitude
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- Security clearance
Do all cybersecurity jobs require a security clearance?
Most cybersecurity jobs do not need a security clearance, especially when working in the private sector; however, most government-related cybersecurity jobs require that you to have security clearance, which Veterans will already have!
How can U.S. Veterans start a career in cybersecurity?
To begin their new career in cybersecurity as a security professional, veterans will have to understand and follow a few things.
- Firstly, it is important for U.S. Veterans to understand their personal skill set. Only after that will they know if they have the skills that are expected of cybersecurity professionals. Military veterans must find their niche. Subsequently, they will understand what role will suit them better in the cyber industry.
- Once they do so, it is time to set realistic goals. These goals will help Veterans make a timeline for a smoother, faster transition.
- Next up, Veterans need to find someone who can mentor them through the whole process. They need someone from the cybersecurity industry who can offer insights and knowledge about the field.
- Fourth, they need to know the status of their security clearance. This process takes time but being defense personnel has benefits since employers prefer hiring candidates who have gone through this clearance process.
- Lastly, Veterans need to pursue an appropriate Bachelors’ or Masters’ degree in Cybersecurity that can help them enhance their potential employability quotient.
EC-Council University’s Cybersecurity Program
| “ECCU is dedicated to equipping our veteran community to become heroes and warriors in the battle for Cyber Security.”
-Lata Bavisi (President, ECCU) |
EC-Council University to honor and support U.S. veterans for the struggle that they have gone through while defending the nation extends the offer of a zero-cost application (application fee waived) for veterans. The university recognizes the challenges that they have faced and finds that they are an ideal candidate for the cybersecurity field. They can make the most of this opportunity by going through the veterans benefits and the hero scholarship that the university offers.
What is the Hero Scholarship?
EC-Council University’s Hero scholarship provides financial assistance to both new or current undergraduate and graduate students. It shows appreciation towards U.S. veterans for their service to community and country. As a part of this scholarship, a student can claim a 10% scholarship against their tuition fees.
Students who wish to apply for this scholarship will have to submit verification of military service (DD214) or a letter of employment verification from the police or fire department and evidence of being a spouse or child of such an employee if applicable.
| Stay home. A Career in Cybersecurity will come to You! |
About EC-Council University
EC-Council University is dedicated to creating superior educational programs in the discipline of cybersecurity. The programs will equip graduates with the knowledge to assess the latest I.T. security risks and expert skills to handle them successfully. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s programs. The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (BSCS) gives required exposure, builds cybersecurity skills, and develops leadership abilities that help any candidate to grow as a cybersecurity professional. Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCS) makes you an expert in desired skills and helps you in gaining domain knowledge to stand ahead of the competition.
ECCU is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education and is also an acknowledged member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
ECCU has industry practitioners as faculty members who also serve as mentors for the students when they aspire to get into cybersecurity. The iLabs facility from the university helps in gaining hands-on practice for students.
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