Written on April 18th 2024

Source here: University 2 Business (full article in Italian)

OPIT – Open Institute of Technology was born with the aim of bridging the gap between what is taught in traditional universities and what the job market requires. Let’s discover the degree courses available.

The job market is undergoing a significant transformation that will accelerate further in the coming years. Driving this transformation is the adoption of transformative technologies such as AI, Big Data and Cloud Computing, with Cybersecurity as the “glue” necessary to guarantee the security of information and data, which increasingly represent the real asset of companies.

According to the World Economic Forum, in its “Future of Jobs 2023” report, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to create significant job turnover, with forecasts of both growth (50%) and job losses (25%). Employee training on AI and Big Data is a top priority for companies (42%), ranking third overall among professional training needs for the next five years.

As a result, AI and Machine Learning specialists are the fastest growing jobs, driven by the growing use of AI.

A 30-35% increase in demand for data-related professionals, such as analysts and data scientists, is also expected. Additionally, growing cyber threats are driving a 31% increase in demand for cybersecurity analysts, creating approximately 200,000 new jobs over the next 5 years.

Innovation in university programs transforms technology careers

Such a context of strong evolution and discontinuity places emphasis on the need for the traditional university system, especially in the technological field, of a strong update of teaching methodologies and its content, in order to be able to stay “in step with the times” and be able to adequately train new generations of professionals.

However, this poses great organizational complexities, linked to the need to update not only the programs, but also the skills and processes within the various institutions. As well as the timescales required to accredit and include new courses, which are often not aligned with the job market needs. These are problems that are not only related to the Italian market, but more generally, extend globally.

An overview of OPIT

It is in this context that OPIT – Open Institute of Technology is placed, an Academic Institution accredited by the MFHEA (Malta Further and Higher Education Authority) pursuant to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The academic institution was created with the aim of bridging the gap between what is taught in traditional universities and what the job market requires, while at the same time bringing various innovations in content and linked to the pedagogical model.

In an era characterized by an inevitable acceleration towards the most urgent transitions affecting society in the digital age, OPIT’s mission is to focus on quality online education in technology. The starting point is the awareness of the misalignment in the job market, between what is taught in most universities and what companies are looking for today. This so-called misalignment, accelerated by the advent of Artificial Intelligence, is generated by too much theory and an approach that lacks practice. We have identified the skills that will drive this change and have translated them into our innovative degree programs.

OPIT’s educational model stands out in the university education landscape for its emphasis on the needs of quality, flexibility and inclusiveness of the new generations. The focus on technology education allows us to offer high-level career-aligned learning with hands-on courses designed to best prepare students’ future careers: two Bachelor’s degrees in Digital Business and Modern Computer Science and four Master’s degrees in Applied Data Science & AI, Applied Digital Business, Responsible Artificial Intelligence and Enterprise Cybersecurity.

Technological careers, AI integrated into every degree path

Artificial Intelligence is a topic addressed, from different angles, in every single degree course we offer, not just in the more technical ones. For example, we teach digital business students how AI is changing the world and how to incorporate this expertise into the products they aspire to create. A fundamental integration to face the challenges of the contemporary world.

Our students have the opportunity to understand in depth the potential and applications of AI, developing a preparation oriented towards technology and innovation. The institution’s hybrid model combines a community of online students with the flexibility to accelerate or extend their academic path, thus responding to the specific needs of each one.

Written on April 11th 2024

Source here: Huffpost IT (full article in Italian)

Francesco Profumo: “Our universities are at the top thanks to a far-sighted policy”

Italy is the seventh in the world and second in Europe for university education. Interview with the professor and manager, now president of Uni-Italia: a success born from the reform of university autonomy; we realized early on that it was necessary to hybridize knowledge; we are attractive to the world; the south is also growing

Francesco Profumo, former Minister of Education, University and Research in the Monti government, was first dean of the Faculty of Engineering and then rector from 2005 to 2011 of the Polytechnic of Turin, the university from which he graduated in electrical engineering in 1977. He chaired the Compagnia di San Paolo and the Acri (Association of Foundations and Savings Banks) until March 2024 and is currently president of Uni-Italia and rector of the Open Institute of Technology.

Read full article here: Huffpost IT

Written on April 11th 2024

Source here: B&FT Online

Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), an EU-accredited online institution renowned for its expertise in Information Technology (IT) education, has unveiled plans to increase enrollment from African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana, for the academic year 2024.

Since its inception in 2023, OPIT has been dedicated to providing world-class education in information technology, and now, it is expanding its global reach to welcome students from diverse backgrounds across Africa.

 

 

In its inaugural year, OPIT attracted a diverse cohort of 100 students from 38 different nations, with a notable representation from Africa. A proportion of both Bachelor’s (9percent) and Master’s (7percent) students originated from African countries, demonstrating OPIT’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within its student body.

Also, a substantial percentage (40percent) of Master’s students hailed from non-STEM backgrounds, underscoring OPIT’s dedication to providing educational opportunities to individuals from diverse professional domains. OPIT’s first cohort boasted students from a wide array of industries, including consulting, tech, gaming, energy, government, financial services, agriculture, oil and gas, and education, among others. This diverse mix of backgrounds contributes to a rich and vibrant learning environment at OPIT.

In anticipation of its upcoming student intake, OPIT has implemented several enhancements to its programmes, faculty, and support services:

New and enhanced programmes

OPIT has introduced four specialized tracks for its BSc in Computer Science programme for 2024, including Cybersecurity, Data Science & AI, Software Development & Cloud Computing, and Metaverse & Gaming. Additionally, a new BSc in Digital Business has been launched, catering to students interested in blending digital business with core computer science principles.

In addition to the existing MSc Applied Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) programme, OPIT now offers other Masters Degree options:

 MSc Enterprise Cybersecurity

 MSc Applied Digital Business

 MSc Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Concerning its revamped Bachelors and Masters programmes, Professor Francesco Profumo, Rector of OPIT (and former Minister of Education, University and Research of Italy) said:“In an era marked by an inevitable acceleration towards the most urgent transitions impacting society in the digital age, OPIT’s mission is to focus on quality online education in Technology.

The starting point is the awareness of the misalignment in the labor market, between what is taught in most universities and what companies are looking for today. That so-called mismatch, accelerated by the advent of AI, is generated by too much theory and too little practical approach. We have identified the skills that will guide this change and translated them into our innovative Degrees.”

Faculty expansion

The faculty at OPIT stands out as one of its greatest assets. In 2024, OPIT’s faculty members boast a diverse blend of academic and professional experiences, with stints at renowned institutions and organizations including Symantec, Microsoft, PayPal, McKinsey, MIT, Morgan Stanley, University of Edinburgh, Amazon, US Naval Research, and more. This deliberate mix ensures a well-rounded approach to training at OPIT, incorporating both scholarly expertise and real-world insights.

Speaking concerning OPIT’s faculty and teaching, Riccardo Ocleppo, Founder and Director of OPIT stated: “Our teaching model combines quality, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. We believe that education, even if it takes place remotely, must guarantee closeness on all other aspects, starting from the support for the student throughout the period of study. We have translated into practice a new idea of higher education, radically different from the offering from traditional universities.”

“To support our approach, we have selected some of the most experienced academics and professionals in the Technology sphere. The quality of the Professors and the innovative format guarantees a tier-1 learning experience within a community of people linked by the common goal of entering the job market with up-to-date, relevant skills.”

Experiences & opportunities

OPIT offers a diverse array of global perspectives, as students and faculty come from various corners of the world. A freshly established Career Services Department aims to forge stronger connections between students and their desired industries and career paths.

Moreover, students from Africa enrolling in 2024 will enjoy the advantage of having their degrees recognized by the World Education Services (WES). This recognition translates to the potential conversion of OPIT degrees into points for immigration assessment processes in the United States and Canada in the foreseeable future.

Human-centric cyber threats have long posed a serious issue for organizations. After all, humans are often the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. Unfortunately, when artificial intelligence came into the mix, it only made these threats even more dangerous.

So, what can be done about these cyber threats now?

That’s precisely what we asked Tom Vazdar, the chair of the Enterprise Cybersecurity Master’s program at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), and Venicia Solomons, aka the “Cyber Queen.”

They dedicated a significant portion of their “Cyber Threat Landscape 2024: Navigating New Risks” master class to AI-powered human-centric cyber threats. So, let’s see what these two experts have to say on the topic.

Human-Centric Cyber Threats 101

Before exploring how AI impacted human-centric cyber threats, let’s go back to the basics. What are human-centric cyber threats?

As you might conclude from the name, human-centric cyber threats are cybersecurity risks that exploit human behavior or vulnerabilities (e.g., fear). Even if you haven’t heard of the term “human-centric cyber threats,” you’ve probably heard of (or even experienced) the threats themselves.

The most common of these threats are phishing attacks, which rely on deceptive emails to trick users into revealing confidential information (or clicking on malicious links). The result? Stolen credentials, ransomware infections, and general IT chaos.

How Has AI Impacted Human-Centric Cyber Threats?

AI has infiltrated virtually every cybersecurity sector. Social engineering is no different.

As mentioned, AI has made human-centric cyber threats substantially more dangerous. How? By making them difficult to spot.

In Venicia’s words, AI has allowed “a more personalized and convincing social engineering attack.”

In terms of email phishing, malicious actors use AI to write “beautifully crafted emails,” as Tom puts it. These emails contain no grammatical errors and can mimic the sender’s writing style, making them appear more legitimate and harder to identify as fraudulent.

These highly targeted AI-powered phishing emails are no longer considered “regular” phishing attacks but spear phishing emails, which are significantly more likely to fool their targets.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there.

As AI technology advances, its capabilities go far beyond crafting a simple email. Venicia warns that AI-powered voice technology can even create convincing voice messages or phone calls that sound exactly like a trusted individual, such as a colleague, supervisor, or even the CEO of the company. Obey the instructions from these phone calls, and you’ll likely put your organization in harm’s way.

How to Counter AI-Powered Human-Centric Cyber Threats

Given how advanced human-centric cyber threats have gotten, one logical question arises – how can organizations counter them? Luckily, there are several ways to do this. Some rely on technology to detect and mitigate threats. However, most of them strive to correct what caused the issue in the first place – human behavior.

Enhancing Email Security Measures

The first step in countering the most common human-centric cyber threats is a given for everyone, from individuals to organizations. You must enhance your email security measures.

Tom provides a brief overview of how you can do this.

No. 1 – you need a reliable filtering solution. For Gmail users, there’s already one such solution in place.

No. 2 – organizations should take full advantage of phishing filters. Before, only spam filters existed, so this is a major upgrade in email security.

And No. 3 – you should consider implementing DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) to prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks.

Keeping Up With System Updates

Another “technical” move you can make to counter AI-powered human-centric cyber threats is to ensure all your systems are regularly updated. Fail to keep up with software updates and patches, and you’re looking at a strong possibility of facing zero-day attacks. Zero-day attacks are particularly dangerous because they exploit vulnerabilities that are unknown to the software vendor, making them difficult to defend against.

Top of Form

Nurturing a Culture of Skepticism

The key component of the human-centric cyber threats is, in fact, humans. That’s why they should also be the key component in countering these threats.

At an organizational level, numerous steps are needed to minimize the risks of employees falling for these threats. But it all starts with what Tom refers to as a “culture of skepticism.”

Employees should constantly be suspicious of any unsolicited emails, messages, or requests for sensitive information.

They should always ask themselves – who is sending this, and why are they doing so?

This is especially important if the correspondence comes from a seemingly trusted source. As Tom puts it, “Don’t click immediately on a link that somebody sent you because you are familiar with the name.” He labels this as the “Rule No. 1” of cybersecurity awareness.

Growing the Cybersecurity Culture

The ultra-specific culture of skepticism will help create a more security-conscious workforce. But it’s far from enough to make a fundamental change in how employees perceive (and respond to) threats. For that, you need a strong cybersecurity culture.

Tom links this culture to the corporate culture. The organization’s mission, vision, statement of purpose, and values that shape the corporate culture should also be applicable to cybersecurity. Of course, this isn’t something companies can do overnight. They must grow and nurture this culture if they are to see any meaningful results.

According to Tom, it will probably take at least 18 months before these results start to show.

During this time, organizations must work on strengthening the relationships between every department, focusing on the human resources and security sectors. These two sectors should be the ones to primarily grow the cybersecurity culture within the company, as they’re well versed in the two pillars of this culture – human behavior and cybersecurity.

However, this strong interdepartmental relationship is important for another reason.

As Tom puts it, “[As humans], we cannot do anything by ourselves. But as a collective, with the help within the organization, we can.”

Staying Educated

The world of AI and cybersecurity have one thing in common – they never sleep. The only way to keep up with these ever-evolving worlds is to stay educated.

The best practice would be to gain a solid base by completing a comprehensive program, such as OPIT’s Enterprise Cybersecurity Master’s program. Then, it’s all about continuously learning about new developments, trends, and threats in AI and cybersecurity.

Conducting Regular Training

For most people, it’s not enough to just explain how human-centric cyber threats work. They must see them in action. Especially since many people believe that phishing attacks won’t happen to them or, if they do, they simply won’t fall for them. Unfortunately, neither of these are true.

Approximately 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent each day, and millions of them successfully bypass all email authentication methods. With such high figures, developing critical thinking among the employees is the No. 1 priority. After all, humans are the first line of defense against cyber threats.

But humans must be properly trained to counter these cyber threats. This training includes the organization’s security department sending fake phishing emails to employees to test their vigilance. Venicia calls employees who fall for these emails “clickers” and adds that no one wants to be a clicker. So, they do everything in their power to avoid falling for similar attacks in the future.

However, the key to successful employee training in this area also involves avoiding sending similar fake emails. If the company keeps trying to trick the employees in the same way, they’ll likely become desensitized and less likely to take real threats seriously.

So, Tom proposes including gamification in the training. This way, the training can be more engaging and interactive, encouraging employees to actively participate and learn. Interestingly, AI can be a powerful ally here, helping create realistic scenarios and personalized learning experiences based on employee responses.

Following in the Competitors’ Footsteps

When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s crucial to be proactive rather than reactive. Even if an organization hasn’t had issues with cyberattacks, it doesn’t mean it will stay this way. So, the best course of action is to monitor what competitors are doing in this field.

However, organizations shouldn’t stop with their competitors. They should also study other real-world social engineering incidents that might give them valuable insights into the tactics used by the malicious actors.

Tom advises visiting the many open-source databases reporting on these incidents and using the data to build an internal educational program. This gives organizations a chance to learn from other people’s mistakes and potentially prevent those mistakes from happening within their ecosystem.

Stay Vigilant

It’s perfectly natural for humans to feel curiosity when it comes to new information, anxiety regarding urgent-looking emails, and trust when seeing a familiar name pop up on the screen. But in the world of cybersecurity, these basic human emotions can cause a lot of trouble. That is, at least, when humans act on them.

So, organizations must work on correcting human behaviors, not suppressing basic human emotions. By doing so, they can help employees develop a more critical mindset when interacting with digital communications. The result? A cyber-aware workforce that’s well-equipped to recognize and respond to phishing attacks and other cyber threats appropriately.

There’s no doubt about it – artificial intelligence has revolutionized almost every aspect of modern life. Healthcare, finance, and manufacturing are just some of the sectors that have been virtually turned upside down by this powerful new force. Cybersecurity also ranks high on this list.

But as much as AI can benefit cybersecurity, it also presents new challenges. Or – to be more direct –new threats.

To understand just how serious these threats are, we’ve enlisted the help of two prominent figures in the cybersecurity world – Tom Vazdar and Venicia Solomons. Tom is the chair of the Master’s Degree in Enterprise Cybersecurity program at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT). Venicia, better known as the “Cyber Queen,” runs a widely successful cybersecurity community looking to empower women to succeed in the industry.

Together, they held a master class titled “Cyber Threat Landscape 2024: Navigating New Risks.” In this article, you get the chance to hear all about the double-edged sword that is AI in cybersecurity.

How Can Organizations Benefit From Using AI in Cybersecurity?

As with any new invention, AI has primarily been developed to benefit people. In the case of AI, this mainly refers to enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and automation in tasks that would be challenging or impossible for people to perform alone.

However, as AI technology evolves, its potential for both positive and negative impacts becomes more apparent.

But just because the ugly side of AI has started to rear its head more dramatically, it doesn’t mean we should abandon the technology altogether. The key, according to Venicia, is in finding a balance. And according to Tom, this balance lies in treating AI the same way you would cybersecurity in general.

Keep reading to learn what this means.

Top of Form

Implement a Governance Framework

In cybersecurity, there is a governance framework called ISO/IEC 27000, whose goal is to provide a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, ensuring it remains secure. A similar framework has recently been created for AI— ISO/IEC 42001.

Now, the trouble lies in the fact that many organizations “don’t even have cybersecurity, not to speak artificial intelligence,” as Tom puts it. But the truth is that they need both if they want to have a chance at managing the risks and complexities associated with AI technology, thus only reaping its benefits.

Implement an Oversight Mechanism

Fearing the risks of AI in cybersecurity, many organizations chose to forbid the usage of this technology outright within their operations. But by doing so, they also miss out on the significant benefits AI can offer in enhancing cybersecurity defenses.

So, an all-out ban on AI isn’t a solution. A well-thought-out oversight mechanism is.

According to Tom, this control framework should dictate how and when an organization uses cybersecurity and AI and when these two fields are to come in contact. It should also answer the questions of how an organization governs AI and ensures transparency.

With both of these frameworks (governance and oversight), it’s not enough to simply implement new mechanisms. Employees should also be educated and regularly trained to uphold the principles outlined in these frameworks.

Control the AI (Not the Other Way Around!)

When it comes to relying on AI, one principle should be every organization’s guiding light. Control the AI; don’t let the AI control you.

Of course, this includes controlling how the company’s employees use AI when interacting with client data, business secrets, and other sensitive information.

Now, the thing is – people don’t like to be controlled.

But without control, things can go off the rails pretty quickly.

Tom gives just one example of this. In 2022, an improperly trained (and controlled) chatbot gave an Air Canada customer inaccurate information and a non-existing discount. As a result, the customer bought a full-price ticket. A lawsuit ensued, and in 2024, the court ruled in the customer’s favor, ordering Air Canada to pay compensation.

This case alone illustrates one thing perfectly – you must have your AI systems under control. Tom hypothesizes that the system was probably affordable and easy to implement, but it eventually cost Air Canada dearly in terms of financial and reputational damage.

How Can Organizations Protect Themselves Against AI-Driven Cyberthreats?

With well-thought-out measures in place, organizations can reap the full benefits of AI in cybersecurity without worrying about the threats. But this doesn’t make the threats disappear. Even worse, these threats are only going to get better at outsmarting the organization’s defenses.

So, what can the organizations do about these threats?

Here’s what Tom and Venicia suggest.

Fight Fire With Fire

So, AI is potentially attacking your organization’s security systems? If so, use AI to defend them. Implement your own AI-enhanced threat detection systems.

But beware – this isn’t a one-and-done solution. Tom emphasizes the importance of staying current with the latest cybersecurity threats. More importantly – make sure your systems are up to date with them.

Also, never rely on a single control system. According to our experts, “layered security measures” are the way to go.

Never Stop Learning (and Training)

When it comes to AI in cybersecurity, continuous learning and training are of utmost importance – learning for your employees and training for the AI models. It’s the only way to ensure all system aspects function properly and your employees know how to use each and every one of them.

This approach should also alleviate one of the biggest concerns regarding an increasing AI implementation. Namely, employees fear that they will lose their jobs due to AI. But the truth is, the AI systems need them just as much as they need those systems.

As Tom puts it, “You need to train the AI system so it can protect you.”

That’s why studying to be a cybersecurity professional is a smart career move.

However, you’ll want to find a program that understands the importance of AI in cybersecurity and equips you to handle it properly. Get a master’s degree in Enterprise Security from OPIT, and that’s exactly what you’ll get.

Join the Bigger Fight

When it comes to cybersecurity, transparency is key. If organizations fail to report cybersecurity incidents promptly and accurately, they not only jeopardize their own security but also that of other organizations and individuals. Transparency builds trust and allows for collaboration in addressing cybersecurity threats collectively.

So, our experts urge you to engage in information sharing and collaborative efforts with other organizations, industry groups, and governmental bodies to stay ahead of threats.

How Has AI Impacted Data Protection and Privacy?

Among the challenges presented by AI, one stands out the most – the potential impact on data privacy and protection. Why? Because there’s a growing fear that personal data might be used to train large AI models.

That’s why European policymakers sprang into action and introduced the Artificial Intelligence Act in March 2024.

This regulation, implemented by the European Parliament, aims to protect fundamental rights, democracy, the rule of law, and environmental sustainability from high-risk AI. The act is akin to the well-known General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) passed in 2016 but exclusively targets the use of AI. The good news for those fearful of AI’s potential negative impact is that every requirement imposed by this act is backed up with heavy penalties.

But how can organizations ensure customers, clients, and partners that their data is fully protected?

According to our experts, the answer is simple – transparency, transparency, and some more transparency!

Any employed AI system must be designed in a way that doesn’t jeopardize anyone’s privacy and freedom. However, it’s not enough to just design the system in such a way. You must also ensure all the stakeholders understand this design and the system’s operation. This includes providing clear information about the data being collected, how it’s being used, and the measures in place to protect it.

Beyond their immediate group of stakeholders, organizations also must ensure that their data isn’t manipulated or used against people. Tom gives an example of what must be avoided at all costs. Let’s say a client applies for a loan in a financial institution. Under no circumstances should that institution use AI to track the client’s personal data and use it against them, resulting in a loan ban. This hypothetical scenario is a clear violation of privacy and trust.

And according to Tom, “privacy is more important than ever.” The same goes for internal ethical standards organizations must develop.

Keeping Up With Cybersecurity

Like most revolutions, AI has come in fast and left many people (and organizations) scrambling to keep up. However, those who recognize that AI isn’t going anywhere have taken steps to embrace it and fully benefit from it. They see AI for what it truly is – a fundamental shift in how we approach technology and cybersecurity.

Those individuals have also chosen to advance their knowledge in the field by completing highly specialized and comprehensive programs like OPIT’s Enterprise Cybersecurity Master’s program. Coincidentally, this is also the program where you get to hear more valuable insights from Tom Vazdar, as he has essentially developed this course.

Natural language processing, or NLP for short, has been making waves for years, but as of late, it has caught the attention of even non-tech enthusiasts. Why is that? Simply put, natural language processing bridges human language and computer understanding to make interactions feel more natural and less like talking to machines.

For tech professionals, NLP skills have grown from “nice-to-have” status a few years ago to some of the most significant skills of the decade. The field is growing quickly, and many are interested in taking on the challenge. Luckily, many resources online can get you there and are flexible, in-depth, and practical.

Understanding Natural Language Processing

Natural language processing is an element of artificial intelligence (AI) that deals with the interaction between computers and humans using natural language.

Traditionally, human-computer interactions have largely been done through predefined commands within terminals or graphical user interfaces that obscure the “commands” behind graphical interactions. These interactions work well and aren’t going away. However, instructing a computer by “speaking” to it has been within the realm of science fiction for decades but has also been a research goal of many computer scientists for a long while.

The goal of natural language processing is to read, decipher, understand, and make sense of human language in a valuable way. Recently, it has been integrated into everything from search engines figuring out what users are searching for to translating languages on the fly. It’s even a part of predictive text that finishes sentences, particularly on mobile phone keyboards. Taking a course in NLP gives you a new skill for the CV that opens doors to many employment positions across sectors.

Choosing the Right NLP Course Online

When searching for the right NLP course, consider what you need. Specifically, focus on these:

• Curriculum
• Instructors
• Recognition
• Experience

Does the curriculum cover the latest in NLP technology? The field evolves fast, sometimes with several breakthroughs or at least advancements a year. Course material and curriculum that’s several years behind might miss some of the new developments.

Are the instructors seasoned professionals? The more experience one has in the field, the better equipped they are to pass that knowledge down.

Is the NLP course recognized by industry leaders? It isn’t a matter of appealing to authority but rather knowing that the course is of high enough quality to be considered valuable and useful.

And let’s not forget about the hands-on experience. You can’t really learn NLP just by reading about it. It would be best to try your hands in real-life projects and workshops.

Most NLP courses will walk you through the basics of machine learning, algorithms that power NLP, and hands-on projects that solidify your knowledge.

OPIT offers a full NLP course as a part of the Master of Science (MSc) in Responsible Artificial Intelligence program. The course gives you a solid theoretical foundation and plenty of hands-on experience, presented by instructors who are experts in the field. The degree teaches you how to use NLP and use it ethically and responsibly.

A List of the Best NLP Online Courses

Here are some standout NLP online courses:

• Coursera’s Natural Language Processing Specialization is for intermediate learners and spans over four months. It covers logistic regression, naive Bayes, word vectors, sentiment analysis, and more. The program is a comprehensive one that combines theory with practical assignments.
• Stanford Online’s Natural Language Processing with Deep Learning focuses on the cutting-edge intersection of NLP and deep learning. It’s an in-depth exploration of NLP’s fundamental concepts and its role in emerging technologies. This course is perfect for those looking to get a solid foundation in NLP from one of the leading institutions in the world.
• edX Natural Language Processing Courses & Programs: edX provides an intro to NLP that covers core techniques and computational linguistics. Topics include text processing, text mining, sentiment analysis, and topic modeling. It’s a great starting point for beginners and offers a broad overview of what NLP entails.
• DeepLearning.AI’s Natural Language Processing in TensorFlow on Coursera was designed by one of the pioneers in AI education. It offers practical insights into implementing NLP techniques using TensorFlow. The course covers processing text, representing sentences as vectors, and building NLP models.
• Udacity’s Natural Language Processing Nanodegree is project-focused with hands-on NLP learning. It covers foundational NLP concepts, including text processing, part-of-speech tagging, and sentiment analysis.

While these are the best natural language processing courses online, OPIT’s MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence, including NLP as part of its curriculum, is unique. This program teaches you NLP and embeds it within the broader context of artificial intelligence development, AI ethics, and responsible use. It’s excellent for those who want to go beyond the technical aspects and consider the societal impacts of their work in AI.

Benefits of Enrolling in an NLP Online Course

Attending an NLP course online might give you more than traditional on-site education. One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. You can learn at your own pace and on your schedule.

Online courses also open up networking opportunities with peers and mentors from around the globe. These are connections that on-site education would not have the scope to provide. Moreover, completing an NLP course can significantly boost your career prospects, potentially leading to job promotions and salary increases.

NLP Certification and Career Opportunities

With this certification, you’re proving your ability to understand and manipulate natural language data, making you invaluable in roles from data science and AI development to UX/UI design and content strategy.

Companies, from tech giants to startups, are on the lookout for professionals who can bridge the gap between human communication and machine understanding. The demand also translates into diverse job opportunities, competitive salaries, and the potential to work on groundbreaking projects in AI, machine learning, marketing, research, finance, and customer experience, among others.

Natural Machine Communication

NLP leads many of today’s technological advancements, making skills in this area more valuable than ever. Natural language processing courses that equip students with skills in natural language processing, AI, and related fields are growing in both offer and popularity. Completing one of these NLP courses sets you on a course for a financially promising career path within one of the most prestigious tech fields.

Get the right education and get ready for the future. Check out OPIT’s NLP course offerings within the MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence program or as a subject within our other computer science degrees.

Cloud computing has quickly become one of the fastest-growing industries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for roles in the industry will grow much faster than the average for all occupations. This means that students today will likely be able to find a career in cloud computing much faster than usual. To further illustrate the point, Indeed currently lists more than 8,000 job openings for cloud computing roles.

Despite that, many companies are seeking only top talent, which quickly reduces the available options and drives up demands (as well as salaries). If you want to get a lucrative job in the industry, you must have the appropriate skillset to match.

However, a general background in IT may no longer be enough. A dedicated cloud computing bachelor degree will provide you with the exact abilities you need to excel in these roles and will allow you to upskill to senior positions quickly.

Why Choose a Bachelor in Cloud Computing?

One of the most common misconceptions about programming jobs—and, by extension, cloud computing—is that you don’t need a degree to land a job.

While you can technically get a job in IT without a degree and go from there, the path to success through independent learning is often rocky. You may need to spend multiple years honing your skills through non-accredited courses and self-learning videos. Even if you do manage to get a role close to cloud computing, you may have a more difficult time acclimating to specific job requirements, and your progression may be limited without a degree.

On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree in IT or computer science provides an excellent foundational background. While you might not use all the theoretical knowledge you learn, finishing a bachelor’s degree gives you a broad range of expertise you can leverage to zero in on a desired career path. Specifically, for a bachelor in cloud computing, the focus is on learning different programming languages and coding practices to allow you to adapt to any platform you may need to use during your future job.

Furthermore, completing a bachelor’s shows that you have persistence and can apply theory to practice in exams and project work as part of your degree.

Additionally, many institutions that offer a bachelor’s degree in cloud computing also have close connections with nearby companies that require these positions to grow. They can provide internships to promising students even before they finish their studies and keep them on as permanent team members afterward.

Understanding the Curriculum of a Cloud Computing Bachelor Degree

Cloud computing is an extensive term that encompasses pretty much every application that accesses remote servers over the internet. As a result, there have been many implementations of the concept, and several programming languages were developed to leverage it.

A Bachelor of Science cloud computing degree (or computer science in general) will often have multiple courses dedicated to learning programming languages at the start. Later, the curriculum moves to dedicated courses that translate those basics into tangible skills and projects.

In general, here’s what you will need to learn:

• Algebra and advanced mathematics
• Technical English
• Computer architecture (hardware)
• Programming principles
• Programming languages (C, C++, C#, Java, Node.js and Javascript, Python, Ruby, Golang, etc.)
• Algorithms and data management
• Database concepts and management
• Networking concepts
• Application development
• Web development

Additionally, you will likely have courses on machine learning and AI, given how the industry has bloomed around them in the past few years.

Generally, the curriculum for any given bachelor in cloud computing will include theoretical classes first. Later sections or courses will focus more on implementing these concepts in practice.

Alternatively, you can also have courses that more heavily focus on application, such as a bachelor’s degree from OPIT. It covers the theoretical parts as necessary to apply them while students follow practice work and develop projects.

The Best Offline and Online Bachelors in Cloud Computing

Here are some of the best courses and universities you can attend to get a cloud computing bachelor degree.

1. OPIT – Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) in Modern Computer Science

OPIT is one of the leading European higher education institutions that solely focuses on online learning. Due to a more modern design compared to a traditional university, OPIT fully utilizes the benefits of online learning to support students through an array of both theoretical and practical courses.

The bachelor’s degree lasts for six terms and teaches all aspects of computer science, but students can pick elective courses that zero in on cloud computing in later terms. These include cloud architecture, data stacks, cybersecurity in the cloud, and digitalization protocols for converting traditional applications to the cloud. The bachelor’s courses also include an introduction to business management, allowing students to delve into entrepreneurship and become future leaders.

2. Purdue University Global – Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing and Solutions

Purdue is a U.S.-based university that provides an online four-year bachelor’s degree course. As a degree fully focused on cloud computing, it foregoes most of the basics of computer science. Students learn by following online lessons and applying the theory to practical projects and lab work. Additionally, the program includes project management practices that help students migrate into senior roles.

3. WGU – Cloud Computing Bachelor’s Program

WGU makes its offer extremely lucrative by focusing on some of the most popular cloud computing platforms: Amazon, Azure, and AWS. The program is designed to be completed within three years, with online learning allowing students to accelerate their progress as much as they want. Furthermore, the degree contains over 16 different certificates as part of its curriculum, allowing students to fill in their resumes even before they finish the degree.

4. University of Liverpool – Computer Science With Software Development With a Year in Industry – Offline Degree

The University of Liverpool is one of the top British universities, ranked around 150th in the world. Its computer science degree focuses on teaching theoretical knowledge in the first year, applying that to lab work in the second, and developing projects in the fourth. The third year is dedicated to working in a software development company that works closely with the university. This presents a unique opportunity for students to apply what they learn and develop their skills in real-life scenarios.

5. Morgan State University – Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing

MSU is a U.S.-based university in Maryland, but it offers a bachelor’s degree in cloud computing as a fully online course. The program is designed for people who are already in the workforce and need a degree to upskill and progress through their careers. It focuses on modern aspects of cloud-based engineering and architecture. The degree lasts three years but contains slightly more general-purpose classes than dedicated courses.

The Online Advantage: Earning Your Bachelor Degree in Cloud Computing Remotely

The advent of online learning has broken traditional barriers to achieving higher education. Since you no longer have to relocate, the price of studying for a bachelor’s goes down dramatically. Furthermore, online classes typically have portions of the coursework as pre-recorded asynchronous lessons. This can be a great option for people with full-time jobs who can’t attend live lessons frequently.

OPIT provides a thorough support system for online students, with regular assessment sessions and thorough career and study advisory.

Career Outcomes With a Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Most experts in cloud computing have developer or management positions that design and implement applications. Some of the most common positions in the industry include:

• Cloud architect
• Cloud network engineer
• DevOps engineer
• Cloud database administrator

Regardless of the role, cloud computing is a lucrative career and attracts a high salary.

Industry Certifications and Your Bachelor in Cloud Computing

Certifications are perhaps even more important than just having a bachelor’s degree. They are structured tests that showcase that you have the knowledge and practical aptitude for a platform or programming language. Many bachelor’s degrees in cloud computing, including OPIT, will directly provide students with the knowledge necessary to obtain these certifications, and some have the certifications built into the program.

Financial Investment and ROI of a Bachelor Degree in Cloud Computing

Apart from being an exciting career opportunity in terms of growth, the salaries of cloud engineers are also lucrative. A cloud engineer in Germany typically earns around €65k per year. However, salaries in the U.S. can frequently reach six figures.

So, don’t be put off by the high admission fees for cloud computing bachelor’s degrees. Consider it an investment into a comfortable future. OPIT’s bachelor’s degrees ensure access to higher education by keeping admissions low and providing scholarships.

Start Your Career in Cloud Computing With a Bachelor’s From OPIT

By getting a modern degree in cloud computing, you can get skills that will be relevant in the coming decades as the world increasingly turns to web-based applications. OPIT’s bachelor’s degree in modern computer science will provide you with the breadth of knowledge necessary to progress to leadership positions and ensure an excellent career. Go to OPIT’s course page to find out more and enroll today.

The world has become interconnected by technology and information. The vast amount of data available to companies has also made it increasingly evident that it needs to be stored and protected. It’s no surprise that there are around 2,300 cyberattacks daily, and that number is only expected to rise, seeing that 2023 saw over 70% more attacks than 2021.

These statistics open the door for valuable employment opportunities for specialists in cybersecurity and risk strategy. A cybersecurity expert in Germany can earn between €58k and €85k per year, and the wages in the U.S. are even higher.

Cybersecurity is a relatively vast field that requires both broad IT and management knowledge, but also dedicated experience that correlates to particular job postings. That makes cybersecurity experts difficult to find, as evidenced by the fact that Indeed currently has around 13,000 positions related to the industry.

If you’re already working in IT or planning an IT career, obtaining a master of science in cybersecurity and risk strategy can help you secure a lucrative position.

Understanding Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy

Cybersecurity risk and strategy analyzes the potential for attacks and creates proactive and reactive defenses against them. A complete risk and strategy outline must include all the potential consequences of an attack, such as financial, reputation, and operational losses. In general, a cybersecurity risk and strategy expert will do the following:

• Identify vulnerabilities in the system, whether they come from technical aspects (improper password storage) or human factors (susceptibility to phishing).
• Outline risk factors and the possible rates of attack.
• Create proactive measures, such as implementing more robust security protocols or training personnel on safe online practices.
• Detect attacks once they do come through via intrusion detection systems or other benchmarks.
• Coordinate efforts to contain and remove threats and recover lost data or funds.

A cybersecurity specialist needs to have expert knowledge in various technologies but also solid interpersonal and psychological skills. That’s why a dedicated master’s degree in cybersecurity can help create a complete skillset for the role.

The Curriculum of a Master’s in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy

A master’s degree in cybersecurity builds upon the IT essentials from a dedicated bachelor’s program. As such, it will likely cover the following:

• Cryptography
• Secure coding practices
• Operating system security
• Network security
• Penetration testing
• Vulnerability assessment
• Government and national cybersecurity
• Ethics, governance, and law implications of cybersecurity
• Systems and security management
• Incident response tactics

However, even more importantly, a good master’s degree program must provide real-life practice assessments. It will allow students to apply the theoretical knowledge and gain valuable experience throughout the curriculum.

Thankfully, online learning has made this type of approach more accessible. Since cybersecurity is web-related by nature, online courses can give students the full breadth of experience and provide more opportunities for a holistic understanding of the subjects and how cybersecurity advances globally.

Take the OPIT Master’s Degree in Enterprise Cybersecurity as a perfect example of this concept. It’s an online-first master’s program that delves deep into cybersecurity concepts such as network security and intrusion detection, cryptography, and even AI in cybersecurity and systems management. Furthermore, students can sign up for practical internships with some of the industry leaders in data management and cybersecurity systems.

Career Outcomes With a Master’s in Cybersecurity

Since IT is a versatile industry, cybersecurity is no different. Students who obtain a master’s degree in this field can have a slew of openings available to them. Entry-to-mid-level roles include:

• Security engineer: In charge of designing, implementing, and maintaining security protocols.
• Penetration tester: Designs programs that ethically hack into existing systems to uncover exploits and vulnerabilities so they can be patched before malicious hackers can reveal them.
• Security analyst: Analyzes information provided by security systems to uncover possible threats and assist other cybersecurity roles.

Mid-to-senior level roles include:

• Security system architect: Designs and implements secure IT infrastructures. Architects can specialize in one specific sub-field, such as cloud, network, or local systems engineering.
• Security manager: In charge of an entire organization’s security systems and implementation.
• Threat response manager: Directly responsible for minimizing the consequences of an active threat or incident.
• Cybersecurity compliance officer: Ensures that the company follows the most recent ethical and legal standards in implementing proactive measures.
• Chief information security officer (CSO or CISO): A leadership position for broad cybersecurity management in larger corporations.

The Online Advantage: Pursuing Your Master’s at OPIT

If you’re interested in a career in cybersecurity, you might have been discouraged to find expensive or prohibitive local colleges. While in-person lessons have their merits, not all colleges are created equal and provide modern knowledge and practice to sharpen students’ skills and prepare them for work.

That’s why OPIT has designed an all-online master’s degree in enterprise cybersecurity. It’s a fully accredited three-term course providing broad and relevant knowledge in modern cybersecurity mechanics.

However, what sets OPIT apart from traditional online degrees is its close relationship with industry leaders. This is emphasized by the complete support from the institution staff and a close-knit community from its digital campus. The courses are a mixture of pre-recorded content that students gain full access to as well as live classes with guests from companies that can share their experience with cybersecurity measures.

As such, OPIT focuses on teaching students relevant skills and how to apply them in real-world situations. Additionally, the course doesn’t have a final exam but provides periodic assessments through projects and assignments to ensure what you learn sticks.

The master’s degree can last between 12 and 18 months, depending on whether you want to take the classes at an accelerated rate. The admission cost is €6,750, with discounts if you apply and pay the entire fee early. The application process is fully online. You need a background in STEM or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and be proficient in English.

Becoming a Leader in Cybersecurity

Ultimately, the aim of a master’s degree is to provide students with relevant skills and experience to advance in their careers (or make a significant change).

Apart from teaching technical subjects, the degree focuses on creating situations where students have to apply critical thinking. As mentioned, modern cybersecurity has a significant human factor, so students will also need to develop their interpersonal and management skills if they want to advance to senior-level roles.

OPIT’s master program allows students to partake in interactive projects that will test their newfound knowledge and allow them to flourish in controlled environments with full support from the faculty. This will help reinforce their knowledge and allow them to be more adaptable in the future.

Learn From the Best With OPIT

Since cybersecurity is a rapidly-advancing industry with extreme potential for growth, prospective IT specialists need to be proactive with their learning. Online courses such as OPIT’s master’s degree in enterprise cybersecurity provide all the relevant skills and experience to create a foothold for a successful career in the industry.

Take the next step in your career and upskill yourself with OPIT. Click here to learn more and apply.