Want A Career In Cybersecurity?

With a growing cyber threat landscape and an estimated 1 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide, the field is wide open for both recent graduates and people looking to make a career change.

Job postings in the cybersecurity field have gone up 74% over the past five years, and US News and World Report ranked a career in information security analysis fifth on its list of best technology jobs. Average salaries nationally are $88,890, and significantly higher in cities such as San Francisco and New York.

"The job prospects are excellent," says Deborah Hurley, a professor for Brown University's executive master in cybersecurity program, "the demand far outstrips the supply."

Here are 10 different job options to explore in the cybersecurity field, with job description information from CyberDegrees.org.

1. Security Consultant
"A security consultant is the IT equivalent of Obi-Wan, advisor, guide and all-round security guru," according to CyberDegrees.org. People in this role design and implement the strongest possible security solutions based on the needs and threats facing an individual company, and day-to-day tasks may vary widely. 
A security consultant might determine the most effective way to protect computers, networks, software, data, and information systems against attacks, perform vulnerability testing and risk analyses, test security solutions, respond to any incidents, and update security systems as needed, depending on the terms of their contract. 
2. Chief Information Security Officer
The chief information security officer (CISO) is the leader of all security initiatives in a company. While these tech professionals were traditionally seen as security enforcers, they are now often considered strategists helping the enterprise avoid cyber-crime. 
CISOs typically appoint and guide a team of security experts, create a strategic plan for the deployment of information security technologies and programs, develop corporate security policies, and monitor security vulnerabilities, among a number of other tasks. 
3. Security Engineer
Security engineers are intermediate-level positions that build and maintain IT security solutions for a company. These professionals develop security for the organisation's systems and projects, and also handle any technical problems that arise. 
Security engineers are often responsible for configuring and installing firewalls and intrusion detection systems, performing vulnerability testing, developing automation scripts to track incidents, and testing security solutions.
4. Security Architect
The senior-level security architect position involves designing, building, and overseeing the implementation of network and computer security for a company. 
Security architects must plan, research, and design strong security architectures for all IT projects, perform security assessments, respond to incidents, develop requirements for LANs, WANs, VPNs, routers, firewalls, and other network devices, as well as design PKIs, among other tasks. 
5. Incident Responder
An incident responder (sometimes called a computer security incident response team engineer or an intrusion analyst) is essentially a cyber firefighter, and must rapidly address security threats and incidents within a company. "In your role as a first responder, you will be using a host of forensics tools to find the root cause of a problem, limit the damage and see that it never happens again," according to CyberDegrees.org. "Like a firefighter, part of your job will also involve education and prevention." 
This involves actively monitoring systems and networks for attacks, identifying security vulnerabilities, performing malware analysis and reverse engineering, and establishing protocols for communication within an organisation and with law enforcement during a security incident.
6. Computer Forensics Expert
A computer forensics expert acts as a digital detective, accessing and analysing evidence from computers, networks, and data storage devices. 
On a day-to-day basis, this role involves conducting security incident investigations, recovering and examining data from devices, compiling evidence for legal cases, and advising law enforcement on the credibility of acquired data. 
These experts often work for large corporations, law enforcement agencies, legal firms, private consulting firms, and the government. 
7. Penetration Tester
Penetration testers, also known as ethical hackers, are responsible for legally hacking into an organisation's applications, networks, and systems to discover and later patch security vulnerabilities. 
This role involves creating and performing formal penetration tests, conducting physical security assessments of servers, systems, and network devices, using social engineering to discover security flaws, and incorporating business considerations into security strategies.
8. Security Analyst
A security analyst detects and prevents cyber-threats for a company. 
This might involve planning, implementing, and upgrading security measures and controls, performing risk analyses, conducting internal and external security audits, managing network, intrusion detection, and prevention systems, and coordinating security plans with third party vendors.
9. Security Software Developer
These tech professionals develop security software and integrate security into applications software during the design and development process. 
Depending on the specific position and company, a security software developer might oversee a team of developers in the creation of secure software tools, develop a company-wide software security strategy, participate in the lifecycle development of software systems, support software deployments to customers, and test their work for vulnerabilities. 
10. Security Auditor
A security auditor is a mid-level role responsible for examining the safety and effectiveness of company computer systems and their security components, and then issuing a detailed report outlining the success of the system and any changes or improvements that could be made. These professionals plan, execute, and lead security audits across a company, evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance of operational processes with corporate security policies and any government regulations, and develop and administer risk-focused exams for IT systems.

TechRepublic:

You Might Also Read:

GCHQ Approved: Ten Cyber Degree Courses:

Who Needs A Computer Science Degree Anyway?:

Cybersecurity Threats Are Changing Recruitment:

 

 

« Intelligence-Led Policing Gets Automated
Cybersecurity Is A Bigger Issue Than Brexit »

ManageEngine
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Check Point

Directory of Suppliers

NordLayer

NordLayer

NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses — from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security. 

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

IT Governance

IT Governance

IT Governance is a leading global provider of information security solutions. Download our free guide and find out how ISO 27001 can help protect your organisation's information.

MIRACL

MIRACL

MIRACL provides the world’s only single step Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) which can replace passwords on 100% of mobiles, desktops or even Smart TVs.

Syxsense

Syxsense

Syxsense brings together endpoint management and security for greater efficiency and collaboration between IT management and security teams.

Gigamon

Gigamon

Gigamon provides intelligent Traffic Visability solutions that provide unmatched visbility into physical & birtual networks without affecting the performance or stability of production environments.

Swivel Secure

Swivel Secure

Swivel Secure is an award winning provider of multi-factor authentication solutions.

CNCERT/CC

CNCERT/CC

CNCERT is the national Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team / Coordination Center of China.

Dataguise

Dataguise

Dataguise provides a data-centric security solution to detect, protect, and monitor sensitive data in real time across all data repositories, both on premises and in the cloud.

CyberTrap

CyberTrap

CyberTrap is an advanced highly-interactive deception technology allowing real-time analysis and control of security breaches.

GuardiCore

GuardiCore

GuardiCore is an innovator in internal data center security and breach detection and is transforming security inside data centers and clouds.

Enosys Solutions

Enosys Solutions

Enosys Solutions is an IT security specialist with a skilled professional services team and 24x7 security operations centre servicing corporate and public sector organisations across Australia.

Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird

Bird & Bird is an international law firm with a focus on helping organisations being changed by technology and the digital world. Areas of expertise include cyber security.

S4x Events

S4x Events

S4x are the most advanced and largest ICS cyber security events in the world.

SterlingRisk Programs

SterlingRisk Programs

SterlingRisk’s Cyber practice brings experience working with a wide array of clients across a broad spectrum of industries.

Edureka

Edureka

Edureka is an online technology training provider with the most effective learning system in the world. We help professionals learn trending technologies for career growth.

Trusted Security Solutions (TSS)

Trusted Security Solutions (TSS)

TSS are specialist in IT Security and providing Cybersecurity Solutions & Services combined with storage and backup.

Swish Data Corp.

Swish Data Corp.

Swish delivers when the problems are complex, requirements are difficult, and the mission is absolutely critical.

J.S. Held

J.S. Held

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm providing technical, scientific, and financial expertise across all assets and value at risk.

Cribl

Cribl

Cribl, the Data Engine for IT and Security, empowers organizations to transform their data strategy.

iConnect IT Business Solutions DMCC

iConnect IT Business Solutions DMCC

iConnect is a trusted IT Solutions and Technology Services company, proudly serving clients across the Middle East and Africa.