If you want a job that involves plenty of technical research and data analysis, consider a career in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity has become an essential part of every company’s strategy for sustainability, security, and growth. As businesses grow, the demand for cybersecurity talent will only continue to grow simultaneously.
Cybersecurity professionals are in demand. Working in the cybersecurity field allows you to work in a fast-paced environment where you continually learn and grow. Cybersecurity might be worth considering if you’re already in the world of information technology (IT) or looking to make a career switch.
The rise in cybersecurity jobs
Before we dive deep into the various cybersecurity jobs, let’s have a glimpse of why the number of cybersecurity jobs is increasing every single day. Did you know that, according to the University of Maryland, hackers attack every 39 seconds, on an average of 2,244 times a day?
Thinking about this, you will realize how prone any digital network is, to unauthorized access from a third party. This is termed as a cyberattack. When an organization suffers a cyberattack, they lose data, money, and the trust of their customers. To prevent these dangerous cyberattacks, cybersecurity is implemented. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks and computer systems from unauthorized digital access.
With the increase in the generation of digital data, it is anticipated that cyberattacks will quadruple shortly. This proves that growth in the number of cyber security jobs will only increase as organizations will need professionals who can ensure data security. Research shows a limited workforce for cyber security jobs, and the job opportunities are limitless.
If you aspire to land a cyber security job, this article will brief you on the top job roles in this field and how you can achieve your dream job.
Skills you need to further a cybersecurity career
The skills needed to become a cybersecurity professional are varied and extensive. A cybersecurity professional needs to be able to understand the complex processes of the industry while being able to think critically and solve problems.
A cybersecurity professional needs to be able to understand how networks work, how they are built, and how they can be broken. They need to know how the software works and what vulnerabilities it has. They need knowledge of cryptography, mathematics, programming languages, networking protocols, data structures, and design patterns.
You must also have an understanding of security policies as well as legal issues such as privacy laws and intellectual property laws. They need knowledge of computer forensics as well as an understanding of defensive strategies such as penetration testing or vulnerability assessment.
To become a cybersecurity professional, you need to have the following skills:
- IT Security Expertise: This is one of the most important skills to have as a cybersecurity professional. You should be able to understand how hackers work and what they do to prevent attacks on your organization’s network or data.
- Expertise in Cybersecurity Laws: Cybersecurity professionals also need expertise in relevant laws that govern cybersecurity issues, such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986.
Career paths in cybersecurity
Information Technology Support Technician
Information technology support technicians provide in-person and remote technical support to clients who need help with setting up, maintaining and troubleshooting computer software and hardware problems. These professionals serve as the primary point of contact when a problem arises.
Average Annual Salary: Around $48,000
Education Needed: Associate degree or postsecondary training; bachelor’s degree preferred for some positions.
Systems Administrator
System administrators offer technical support services focused on servers and computer systems. These professionals are often the first point of contact within IT departments when technical-related issues arise. They ensure an organization’s computer systems are functioning smoothly.
Average Annual Salary: Around $64,000
Education Needed: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, IT systems management or a related field
Systems integration engineer
Systems integration engineers help develop and test control systems for engines. They integrate various systems, servers and networks. Systems integration engineers also document, troubleshoot and debug systems to ensure they run properly and provide quality data.
Average Annual Salary: $64,977 per year
Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts protect an organization’s computer networks, systems and databases from cyberattacks, data breaches and other threats. These professionals monitor information networks and computer infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities in digital security systems and secure sensitive information and data.
Average Annual Salary: Over $74,000
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, information security, computer science, programming or a closely related field.
IT technician
IT technicians provide computer and printer support for a company and its clients. They may also provide network support if needed, install computer hardware and ensure all computer systems run properly.
Average annual salary: $74,853 per year
Network Engineer
A network engineer sets up and maintains networks within an organization or between organizations. These professionals maintain and improve the efficiency of current computer networks, which typically include wide area networks (WAN), local area networks (LAN), intranets and extranets. They may also design and implement new network solutions.
Network engineers troubleshoot, diagnose and resolve hardware, software and other issues that arise in networks and systems.
Average Annual Salary: Around $77,000
Education Needed: A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
IT systems engineer
IT systems engineers manage and oversee a company’s infrastructure and various systems. They install and test operating systems, software and management tools. They also ensure the structural integrity of existing systems, help with new software and hardware development and perform routine tests on software to check for glitches or other issues that may arise.
National average salary: $85,271 per year
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity engineers assess an organization’s security needs, assisting with establishing standards and best practices. These professionals design, implement and maintain secure network solutions to protect an organization’s data, networks and systems against cyberattacks, hackers and other threats.
They also conduct tests to identify vulnerabilities in networks and systems, respond to security breaches and ensure all defenses are up to date.
Average Annual Salary: Over $99,000
Education Needed: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, systems engineering or a closely related field.
IT security specialist
IT security specialists assess potential security threats to a computer system. They provide new employees with login credentials, monitor the company’s system for security violations and help create and implement network security systems. IT security specialists also identify potential threats to the system and analyze it for any vulnerabilities.
National average salary: $106,306 per year
Network security engineer
Network security engineers develop and administer various pieces of network and security software and hardware. Examples of this include switches, virtual private networks and firewalls. They help resolve existing security issues, test systems for vulnerabilities and ensure all systems run smoothly.
National average salary: $112,267 per year
Information Security Manager
Cybersecurity managers are responsible for securing an organization’s computer networks and systems and protecting organizations from cyberattacks, hackers, viruses, malware and other threats.
These professionals carry out security measures, update current security systems and conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Information security managers train and supervise staff and collaborate with operations managers on their organization’s security strategy.
Average Annual Salary: Around $120,000
Education Needed: A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a closely related field.
Penetration tester
Penetration testers conduct security tests on web applications, networks and various computer systems. They create these tests intending to break into these networks and applications to identify any vulnerabilities.
National average salary: $121,963 per year
Chief information officer
Chief information officers oversee a company’s IT department. They set the department’s strategies and objectives, implement the right technology to help with internal operations and ensure the implementation of computer technologies and information.
National average salary: $130,970 per year
Benefits of a career in cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a growing industry with a lot of opportunities for growth and development. It is an industry that has the potential to be lucrative, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility.
Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for protecting their company’s information and data from attacks by hackers, viruses, or other cyber threats. These professionals typically work in teams with other IT specialists, such as software developers or programmers.
Here are some of the many benefits of this career path:
- The ability to make a difference in the world by protecting people and businesses from cyber threats.
- The opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge related to the field.
- A chance to work remotely or on location.
Tips for careers in cybersecurity
Now that you know the options available for you in cybersecurity, begin preparing for a career in this field. Use these tips to help you obtain a cybersecurity job or help you advance in the cybersecurity field itself:
Choose an area of focus
If you’re new to cybersecurity, decide on an area of cybersecurity you want to focus on. Having a specialty as an entry-level candidate can help you find the jobs you’re most interested in.
Learn the basics
If you’re new to information technology, gain basic skills through technical or community colleges. Many offer classes in security basics and network management. You may also find online classes that can help you learn cybersecurity fundamentals.
Get well-rounded experience to advance in your field
Once you’re in the cybersecurity field, expand your skill set and knowledge by learning other areas of cybersecurity. For example, learn about the fundamentals of data networks, understand how to administer operating systems or get to know the various scripting languages.
Not only does expanding your skill set make transitioning to a new cybersecurity role easier, but it can also impress hiring managers.
Get certified
To advance in this field, consider the Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification. Not only does getting certified show prospective employers that you’re skilled in cybersecurity, but it also shows you’re dedicated and serious about your career. While you don’t need a certification to succeed in this field, having one can impress hiring managers.
You also get to expand your knowledge of the field, sharpen your skills and provide opportunities for advancement.
Use your professional network
If you’re just getting started in cybersecurity, get to know as many people as you can. Consider joining community or open-source projects, attending meetups and conferences or participating in hackathons. The connections you make can help you find new employment opportunities or earn you job references or referrals.
Further your education
Advance your cybersecurity knowledge with a master’s degree or by taking continuing education courses. Doing so can help you expand your knowledge regarding your particular area of cybersecurity or help you learn more about another area you’re interested in.
Improve your skills
Having a big data background can help you succeed in a cybersecurity career. If you don’t have these skills, take a course and gain experience collecting and analyzing large data sets and information. Other skills to consider improving include technical skills to help with things such as operating system security and firewalls, your analytical and problem-solving skills to help you find solutions for security issues and your attention to detail to help you identify system vulnerabilities and potential security threats.
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