Cybersecurity experts are some of the most highly sought-after professionals today, and with the ever-increasing amount of cybersecurity threats, there’s a greater need for cybersecurity professionals to protect sensitive data from hackers and other cybercriminals.
According to Check Point Research, there was an all-time high in weekly cyberattacks per organization in Q4 of 2021, with over 900 attacks per organization and a 50% increase in overall attacks per week on corporate networks compared to 2020, due to cybercriminals attempting to exploit the Log4j vulnerability.
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is increasing in response, making cybersecurity jobs one of the fastest-growing fields in today’s job market.
Cybersecurity-related jobs include those focused on forensic analysis, threat detection and prevention, disaster recovery planning, audit review, regulatory compliance, information assurance (which includes cryptography), policy development, and education.
Also read: Network Security Trends and Acronyms that You Must Know
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Cybersecurity Ventures reported that the number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs grew by 350%, from one million positions in 2013 to 3.5 million in 2021. This number is expected to double by 2025. With the increasing importance of cybersecurity jobs in the United States, more and more people are starting cybersecurity careers.
If you want to get into cybersecurity but aren’t sure where to start, here are some popular career paths that offer different approaches to tackling threats and vulnerabilities online. Check out our list of top 10 cybersecurity jobs in 2022 below.
A chief information security officer is an integral part of a company’s security strategy. A CISO oversees security and privacy on an enterprise-wide scale; manages IT-related risks; and is responsible for defending a company’s information, employees, and assets from cyberattacks.
At large corporations, this role is essential as corporate data and intellectual property (IP) are major targets of cybercriminals looking to harm or disrupt business in general. They are responsible for protecting data from external attacks and maintaining its integrity within an organization.
In some cases, CISOs are responsible for keeping personally identifiable information secure, especially credit card transactions and health records.
In most cases, a bachelor’s degree in computer science is required to land a job as a CISO; however, many hold advanced degrees in information security and certifications such as CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor).
This position requires at least seven to 10 years of experience within IT and should be filled by someone with extensive knowledge of federal laws surrounding cybersecurity.
Average salary: $176,131 a year
Software developers with an application security focus are responsible for two main things: securing applications and protecting data from external and internal attacks.
An AppSec engineer looks at how a company’s data is handled by its applications. These individuals build tools to ensure that bad actors can’t take advantage of vulnerabilities in an app. They also find ways to keep customer data safe while still allowing apps to function correctly.
Most entry-level application security engineers possess bachelor’s degrees in computer science or information systems and have knowledge of Linux, C++, and cloud computing concepts. Job growth for these professionals is expected to increase by 164% over the next five years.
Average salary: $111,938 a year
To be an ethical hacker, a person needs to possess knowledge of computer and networking security. An ethical hacker must be able to identify possible vulnerabilities in a system or network to be corrected before hackers find them.
Ethical hackers often have advanced programming languages and software knowledge, including standard hacking tools. Companies may hire these professionals to test their systems to find vulnerabilities or weaknesses that could allow a system breach or data theft.
Average salary: $119,289 a year
Penetration testers, or pentesters, are responsible for testing computer networks and programs to discover security vulnerabilities. The job requires a unique combination of technical skill, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and expert-level knowledge in application protocols. As their name suggests, they’re tasked with finding holes by poking at every exposed inch of software or hardware until they find something vulnerable.
Companies hire them to help improve their overall security and assess their ability to stop future attacks. Penetration testers should have a vast knowledge of software development methods, programming languages, and networks. And they need a special focus on information security since one of their main jobs is testing whether organizations have implemented adequate protections against cyberattacks.
Average salary: $102,405 a year
Bug bounty hunters find vulnerabilities in a company’s digital systems and websites, such as security holes that hackers could exploit to damage or steal information from their site. They then notify the company of those vulnerabilities, often receiving monetary compensation in return.
To become a successful bug bounty hunter, you’ll need great software development skills and deep technical knowledge of web application frameworks, operating systems, web browsers, data networks, and security mechanisms.
Average salary: $48,964 a year
Cloud security specialists are in high demand as organizations adopt cloud-based technology and move away from on-premises IT. They are responsible for securing data stored by applications, end users, and systems located in cloud environments.
Their role is similar to that of a cybersecurity engineer or computer forensic investigator. Still, they must be comfortable with various technologies, such as public clouds, virtualized servers, storage, backup devices, and networking equipment.
A cloud security specialist can set up and manage a cloud-based data storage system. Duties will include protecting information from unauthorized access and mitigating potential data breaches.
Average salary: $87,220 a year
A database administrator is an essential part of a security team, as they have expertise in protecting data from any threat. A DBA is responsible for building and maintaining databases to help support business intelligence operations within their company or organization. Within cybersecurity departments, DBAs manage access to sensitive data and ensure it stays secure when accessed by employees or users.
They also conduct regular audits to monitor who has access to what information and make adjustments if needed based on updated risk levels. The most significant responsibility of a DBA is ensuring that all data stored on internal databases remains protected at all times.
Average salary: $83,700 a year
Also read: The Pros and Cons of Enlisting AI for Cybersecurity
A network security administrator is responsible for maintaining and protecting an organization’s networks and devices. This can involve anything from intrusion prevention to firewalls to virtual private networks (VPNs), allowing users to access an intranet over a public internet connection securely.
Network security administrators usually have technical experience with IT services and strong communication skills, as they work closely with other IT professionals and different levels of management.
Average salary: $71,377 a year
Information security analysts develop and enforce organizational information security policies to protect computer networks from internal and external security threats. They may advise management on IT budgeting, data handling, disaster recovery procedures, and compliance with government regulations.
Information security analysts monitor systems, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and according to company policy. Information security jobs often require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. A background in programming is also helpful along with coursework in business and management. Most entry-level positions require between one and three years of work experience.
Average salary: $99,275 a year
A cybersecurity project manager is responsible for delivering successful digital security projects. A project manager’s exact tasks and responsibilities will vary from one organization to another, but there are some commonalities that all must have.
For example, most people in project management, regardless of their area, must be adept at establishing goals and success metrics, monitoring progress, communicating with team members, making decisions on behalf of their company’s upper management, and using critical thinking skills to improve business processes.
These qualities come in handy, as a project manager works with technology teams or other groups developing new products or services for use by clients or consumers.
Average salary: $86,163 a year
There’s no one path to cybersecurity jobs; however, mastering multiple skills sets can help you stand out from other candidates. Here are some of our favorite ways to develop your cyber security job marketability.
Also read: Top Cybersecurity Companies & Service Providers 2022
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