Cyber Security Vs Data Science: Which is Better?

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Data Science & Cyber Security
• Why work in Data Science?
• Why work in Cyber Security?
• Cyber Security or Data Science - Which is best?
• Affordable Cyber Security & Data Science Certifications for 2025
• Conclusion
• Bonus Points

Introduction to Data Science & Cyber Security

Data Science and Cyber Security, despite being among the top most promising career pathways of today, are vastly different. Data Science deals with the collection, analysis and interpretation of large, complex data sets to unlock insights, empower initiatives and guide strategies. 

Cyber Security, on the other hand, deals with several aspects of online security. This includes protecting networks and applications from unauthorized access, keeping private information secure, information recovery and disaster mitigation for organisations, educating users, etc. So which field should you pursue? This blog will conclude the Cyber Security vs Data Science debate, offering insights into the pros, cons and opportunities for each field. 

Why Work in Data Science?

Truthfully speaking, Data Science is not a buzzword, but the future of nearly every major industry. From Logistics to Healthcare, industries function on data – and Data Science is the domain that extracts insights from this data. The popularity of Data Science, and the demand for Data Scientists,  can only be expected to grow. Here are some reasons to become a data scientist:

• Versatility: 

As mentioned above, nearly every industry will soon rely on Data Scientists for guidance. If you choose this field, you can access career opportunities in almost every industry in the world. 

• Impressive Compensation: 

While this can be subject to experience levels, organisation size, role, location and other factors, Data Scientists typically earn impressive salaries. According to the BLS, the 2023 median pay for Data Scientists is $108,020 per annum.

• Influential Role: 

Who doesn’t like making an impact at work? As a Data Scientist, your interpretations and insights will guide nearly every organ of the company – from marketing and sales to business operations and strategy. 

• Growing Demand: 

As per BLS predictions, the demand for Data Scientists is expected to grow by almost 36% by 2033, which is significantly faster than all other occupations. In other words, you will be in demand. 

While Data Scientists do have to deal with data privacy issues, increasing competition, unclear job definitions and complex skill requirements like Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, these advantages may still make earning a Data Science Certification worthwhile. 

Why work in Cyber Security?

Cyber Security is definitely on the rise. With the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing and the Internet of Things (IoT), among others, the need to keep digital information safe has now extended to the organizational level. From top government agencies to corporations, everyone has data that needs to be protected. Here is why you should consider being a Cyber Security expert:

• Versatile Opportunities: 

Similar to Data Science, nearly every organization is looking for a way to protect sensitive information. You can, therefore, explore career opportunities across several industries. 

• Remote Work: 

Cyber Security work is all digital, which means you can find remote work opportunities easier than most other jobs. This comes with zero commute time, the freedom to work in your personal space, WFH flexibility and working on the go. 

• Growth Opportunities: 

Cyber Security offers an impressive upward growth trajectory. In addition to multiple Cyber Security roles available at entry level and above (Cyber Security Engineer, Consultant, Specialist, Administrator, Security Architect, and more), even executive roles (Chief Information Security Officers) are in demand. 

• Impressive Compensation: 

Thanks to growing demand, jobs in Cyber Security pay well. According to BLS, Information Security Analysts (a related role) paid around $120,360 per annum in 2023. 

In many ways, the professional benefits of pursuing a career in Data Science and Cyber Security are pretty similar. So what should you choose?

Cyber Security or Data Science - Which is Best?

Now that we have outlined the very similar professional benefits of pursuing Data Science vs Cyber Security, which option you choose will depend on two things – your passion, and your aptitude. 

Are you a solution-oriented person with strong problem-solving skills and a love for data? Perhaps you are also analytical, with a love for numbers, statistics and algorithms. If you wish to translate your complex data into actionable insights that bring results, then Data Science is the calling for you. Look for the best Data Science courses for you to get an idea of the domain. 

In addition to the academic foundation needed to pursue Data Science careers, you will also need to develop strong communication skills, data visualization skills, attention to detail, business acumen and strategic thinking skills. These will help you carry out your tasks with ease and precision, and give you an edge over your peers. 

On the other hand, are you passionate about new technologies, their applications and their implications? Are you empathetic to the need for data privacy and security in the modern age? Are you also proficient or interested in ethical hacking, programming languages and cryptography? Then Cyber Security could be the domain for you. Consider exploring cybersecurity courses, talking to professionals in the field and further researching its potential. 

Like Data Scientists, you would also need a host of soft skills such as communication, analytical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and a passion for learning and growth. These skills will complement your technical expertise well, allowing you to thrive in your field and career. 

Addressing these pointers will help you make the right decision about the direction of your professional future. 

Affordable Cyber Security & Data Science Certifications for 2025

Whether you opted for Data Science or Cyber Security, we know where you need to start your journey – Upskilling! UniAthena offers free-learning Short Courses for aspiring professionals. 

Here are our top picks for you:

• Basics of Cyber Attacks & Threats

The Basics of Cyber Attacks & Threats is a free-to-learn Short Course offered by UniAthena. It is beginner-friendly and covers the main cyber threats that lurk in the cyber-space right now, and how they can be addressed. This Cyber-Security course is also 100% online, self-paced, and comes with a Certification from CIQ UK. 

• Executive Diploma in Cyber Laws

The Executive Diploma in Cyber Laws from UniAthena is ideal for Learners who want to explore the domain a bit further.  This online Cyber Security course covers the concept of the Internet, Data Governance and Cyber Attacks. The course further explores e-Commerce, especially its regulation and global expansion. 

Finally, the course addresses Cyber Crimes and the need for Cyber Laws. Learners can complete this 100% Online Certification in as little as 2-3 weeks, and qualify for a Blockchain-verified Certificate. 

• Essentials of Cyber Attacks

UniAthena’s Essentials of Cyber Attacks offers insights into the evolution and development of the Internet, and the crimes that have originated on the World Wide Web. Through easy-to-navigate LMS, learners can view video lectures, browse essential readings, participate in discussions and complete quizzes to enrich their knowledge. Upon completion, Learners will qualify for a Blockchain-verified Certificate.

• Basics of Data Science

Interested in Data Science as a complete beginner? UniAthena’s Basics of Data Science is for you! This course begins with the foundational principles of Data Analytics and extracting insights from complex data sets. 

The course further explores data-cleaning methodologies and how data insights can power strategies. Learners can complete this course in as little as 4 hours and qualify for a Blockchain-verified Certificate from CIQ UK.  

• Diploma in Data Analytics

UniAthena’s Diploma in Data Analytics offers a deeper glimpse into the key concepts of the domain. This Data Science Certification course begins with the need to guide strategies with data-powered insights, how analytical techniques can be applied in this regard, the need for different data sources, and the methodological issues and challenges that come with analysing business data. 

Upon completing this self-paced online data science course, Learners can qualify for a Blockchain-verified Certificate.  

Conclusion

In the ‘Data Science vs Cyber Security’ debate, which is better? The answer depends on your preferences. As most of the professional benefits of being a Data Scientist or a cybersecurity professional seem to overlap, it appears that your passions and skills should dictate which pathway you pick. Whether you choose Data Science or Cyber Security, we have offered some insightful, free-to-learn Short Courses from UniAthena for you. 

Bonus Points:

• By 2030, it is estimated that we will have a global shortage of Data Scientists across sectors. Upskilling and building your portfolio now, and be in demand before the big shortage!
• In Splunk’s CISO Report, 35% of CISOs are already using AI for Cybersecurity applications. If Cybersecurity is your field of choice, building AI skills may prove beneficial.