Advance Your Career in IT: Cybersecurity Pathways in Business

Cybercrime is increasing; global data breaches rose 20% between 2022 and 2023. In the U.S., the Federal Bureau of Investigation received a record number of cybercrime reports in 2023, with potential losses exceeding $12.5 billion.

A shortage of skilled business cybersecurity experts is exacerbating this worrying trend. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the global cybersecurity workforce fell four million professionals short of demand in 2024. Unsurprisingly, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 32% increase in information security analyst jobs by 2032.

Conditions are ripe for IT and business professionals to upskill or reskill themselves to capitalize on the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise and boost their career opportunities and earning potential. Continue reading to learn about the career pathways open to professionals with business cybersecurity skills and to explore the opportunity to build those skills in the online Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. 

Careers Paths and Positions that Blend IT, Cybersecurity and Business

Professionals specializing in business cybersecurity can pursue various career paths, including roles focused on IT management, risk mitigation and project management. Read on to learn about a few career paths that blend IT, cybersecurity and business. Note: job titles and responsibilities vary among employers and industries.

Business Cybersecurity Analyst

These information security analysts monitor and report on security incidents related explicitly to cybercrime. Their day-to-day responsibilities include analyzing cybersecurity alerts, investigating potential threats and taking action to mitigate risks. They also handle reporting when cybersecurity breaches occur. The role requires computer science, cybersecurity, risk analysis and management skills.

Most cybersecurity analysts work for technology, consulting, and business and financial companies. According to Salary.com, entry-level cybersecurity analysts earn annual salaries of around $120,000. 

Cybersecurity Project Manager

Cybersecurity project managers work with technical specialists to complete cybersecurity projects. Their key responsibilities include defining the project’s scope, creating and managing a project plan, budgeting, and ensuring work is completed on time and complies with all necessary industry standards. Cybersecurity project managers are skilled in project management tools and best practices and understand cybersecurity foundations. 

Cybersecurity project managers can work at any business prioritizing cybersecurity, including financial institutions, healthcare organizations and corporations. According to the BLS, project management specialists earn an average annual income of about $99,000. However, project managers specializing in cybersecurity typically earn higher salaries (around $115,000).  

Information Security Analyst 

Information security analysts devise and implement security measures to safeguard an organization’s computer networks and systems. They monitor their organization’s networks, investigate security breaches, and maintain software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs. Information security analysts have in-depth knowledge of IT security and the latest industry tools. They must also stay up-to-date with the methods attackers use to gain access to computer systems. 

Most information security analysts work at computer systems design and related services companies; some work at financial institutions and information organizations. According to the BLS, information security analysts earn an average annual income of about $120,000.

Cybersecurity Consultant 

Businesses in various industries hire cybersecurity consultants to maintain the security of their systems and software. Their day-to-day responsibilities include developing business strategies to protect their clients’ systems against cyberattacks, planning and implementing cybersecurity architecture, evaluating corporate risk management strategies and developing business continuity plans. 

The top skills needed to become a cybersecurity consultant include cybersecurity, computer science, project management and vulnerability detection expertise. Cybersecurity consultants earn around $132,000 annually. 

Chief Information Security Officer 

Chief information security officer (CISO), technical director or information systems security manager are all senior leadership jobs requiring expertise in business and technology. While job titles vary from employer to employer, business cybersecurity leaders play a critical role in incorporating cybersecurity best practices and initiatives in business strategies. To become a CISO or information systems security manager, you must have strong cybersecurity and business management skills. According to Salary.com, CISOs earn about $244,000 in salary, plus considerable incentives like bonuses and stock options. 

Develop Your IT Cybersecurity Skills with an MSBC from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

If you’re an IT or business professional interested in a career that blends IT, cybersecurity and business, earning a master’s degree in business cybersecurity can help you gain the skills and expertise needed to succeed. Graduate business cybersecurity programs, like the online Master of Science in Business Cybersecurity (MSBC) offered by the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville, teach students to leverage cybersecurity foundations to inform business strategy. Graduates emerge prepared to pursue career paths focused on, business strategy, project management and more. 

The UT online MSBC curriculum includes the following courses: 

• Foundations of Business Cybersecurity 
• Business Security Governance and Ethics
• Business Communications and Network Security
• Risk Management and Business Continuity
• Business Information Asset Security
• Organizational Security Management
• Business Security Architecture and Systems
• Business Software Development Security
• Emerging Topics in Business Cybersecurity
• Capstone 

The UT online MSBC program is taught 100% online and offers flexible part-time learning. Students nationwide can benefit from studying at the AACSB-accredited Haslam College of Business, whose expert faculty members are active researchers, mentors, directors and leaders. 

Next Steps: Apply to the Master’s in Business Cybersecurity Program at UTK Online

Demand for cybersecurity business professionals is growing rapidly. UT’s online MSBC program can help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to kickstart and advance your business cybersecurity career. 

Email an enrollment advisor to learn more about the UT online MSBC program and admissions requirements. Or, if you’re ready to move forward, start (or complete) your application.