Cybersecurity professionals protect data in computers and networks from crimes such as hacking and data theft. Illinois State’s Cybersecurity major focuses on security basics, cryptography, ethical hacking, security defenses, and forensics. It covers current tools and techniques, and managing security risks. To be successful in these areas, you'll get a background in programming and networking as well as basic knowledge of computer hardware and systems software. Hacking and cybercrimes are major problems for any organization. Our strong dependence on digital technologies calls for increased security. Because of these factors, cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. The Cybersecurity program at Illinois State gives you practical, hands-on experience. You'll develop system and network defenses, and perform simulated attacks on computers to test their security. You also get exposure to computer forensics. This teaches you how to gather and preserve evidence from devices to use in a court of law.