Secure CyberCity against a rising tide of cyberattacks
Cybersecurity jobs to watch in 2024 and beyond
Hey there, are you interested in a career in cybersecurity? If you are, you’re not alone. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields in the world today. Cybersecurity professionals help protect important data and systems from hackers, cybercriminals and other threats. They work in various sectors such as government, military, medical, corporate and more.
But what exactly does a cybersecurity career entail? What are the skills, qualifications and salaries of different cybersecurity roles? And how can you get started in this exciting and rewarding field?
What is cybersecurity?
Refers to the combination of people, processes and technologies created to prevent networks, computer systems and data from attack or unauthorized access. Cybersecurity is essential for ensuring the safety and privacy of important data such as health or financial records, national security information and personal information.
Furthermore, cybersecurity is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and adaptation. As technology advances and new threats emerge, cybersecurity professionals need to stay updated on the latest trends, tools and techniques to protect their organizations and clients.
What are some cybersecurity careers?
There are many different types of cybersecurity careers available, depending on your interests, skills and goals. Some of the most common cybersecurity careers include:
1. Information security analyst
An information security analyst is a professional responsible for protecting an organization’s computer systems, networks, and data from security breaches and unauthorized access. They play an important role in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring the overall security posture of an organization.
Tasks performed by an Information Security Analyst
The following are some of the tasks that information security analysts perform:
- Conducting risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats to the organization’s systems, networks, and data.
- Developing security policies and protocols, implementing security measures, and monitoring systems for potential vulnerabilities or breaches.
- Conducting regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in the organization’s infrastructure and applications.
- Analyzing security data, investigating security incidents, and responding to cyber threats or breaches promptly 1.
According to Indeed.com, the average salary for an information security analyst in the United States is $90,972 per year.
CareerExplorer rates information security analysts with a B- employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected that the US will need 33,400 information security analysts.
Related Careers
Some related jobs to information security analyst include:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Information Security Manager.
2. Information Security Architect
An information security architect is a professional responsible for designing and maintaining an organization’s security architecture. They are responsible for identifying potential security vulnerabilities and designing solutions to prevent or mitigate those vulnerabilities.
Duties and Responsibilities
The following are some of the tasks that information security architects perform:
- Designing and updating overall security strategy.
- Conducting risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats to the organization’s systems, networks, and data.
- Developing and implementing security policies and procedures that comply with relevant security standards and regulations.
- Reviewing and approving third-party solutions or technologies that are being considered for implementation within the organization.
- Overseeing security testing strategy, including vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.
- Ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an information security architect in the United States is $159,284 per year.
CareerExplorer rates information security architects with a B+ employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected that the US will need 10,400 information security architects.
Related Careers
Some related jobs to information security architect include:
- Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Information Security Manager.
3. Penetration Tester
A penetration tester is a cybersecurity professional who specializes in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. Penetration testers simulate real-world attacks on an organization’s infrastructure to identify security weaknesses and help organizations enhance their security posture.
Tasks Performed by a Penetration Tester
The following are some of the tasks that penetration testers perform:
- Conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify weaknesses and potential entry points in systems, networks, and applications.
- Performing authorized simulated attacks on an organization’s infrastructure to exploit identified vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access.
- Creating and utilizing custom exploits to take advantage of vulnerabilities discovered during testing.
- Reviewing code for security vulnerabilities and reverse engineering malware or spam.
- Documenting security and compliance issues and communicating findings to both technical staff and executive leadership.
CareerExplorer rates penetration testers with a B+ employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected that the US will need 4,200 penetration testers.
Education and Certifications
To become a penetration tester, one must first have a strong foundation in computer science and programming. They must obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. After that, they should consider pursuing a master’s degree in computer science with a strong focus on security.
Some helpful certifications for penetration testers include:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- GIAC Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN)
- PenTest+
- EC-Council Certified SOC Analyst (ECSA)
- Certified Expert Penetration Tester (CEPT)
- Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT)
- Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT) Master
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
Related jobs to penetration tester
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Security Software Developer
- IT Security Consultant
- Malware Analyst
- Information Security Architect
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
4. Malware Analyst
A malware analyst is a cybersecurity professional who specializes in identifying, analyzing, and responding to malware threats. They use a variety of tools and techniques to reverse engineer malware samples and understand how they work. Security teams use this information to develop mitigation strategies and protect systems from future attacks.
Tasks performed by a Malware Analyst
The following are some of the tasks that malware analysts perform:
- Identifying and analyzing malware samples to understand their behavior and functionality.
- Developing and implementing mitigation strategies to protect against malware attacks.
- Conducting research on new malware threats and trends.
- Collaborating with other cybersecurity professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures.
- Providing technical support to other members of the security team.
CareerExplorer rates malware analysts with a B+ employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected that the US will need 4,200 malware analysts.
Education and Certifications
To become a malware analyst, one must first have a strong foundation in computer science and programming. Next, they must obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. After that, they should consider pursuing a master’s degree in computer science with a focus on security.
Some helpful certifications for malware analysts include:
- Certified Penetration Tester (CPT)
- Certified Expert Penetration Tester (CEPT)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)-EC-Council
- Certified Web Application Penetration Tester (CWAPT)
- Certified Reverse Engineering Analyst (CREA)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Related jobs to malware analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Information Security Manager.
5. IT Security Consultant
An IT security consultant provides expert advice and guidance on information technology security matters to organizations. Their primary role is to assess an organization’s IT infrastructure, systems, and processes to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and recommend appropriate security measures.
Tasks performed by IT Security Consultant
IT security consultants work closely with clients to understand their specific security needs and goals and develop customized strategies to enhance their overall security posture. IT security consultants perform a range of tasks, including conducting security assessments and audits, developing security policies and procedures, designing and implementing security solutions, and providing ongoing monitoring and support.
They have a deep understanding of cybersecurity principles, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements. They stay updated with emerging threats and trends in the field of IT security to effectively advise clients on the most effective security measures to protect their digital assets.
Additionally, IT security consultants may also assist with incident response planning, employee training, and security awareness programs to promote a culture of security within organizations.
Salary and Employability
CareerExplorer rates IT security consultants with a B+ employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected that the US will need 16,800 IT security consultants.
Education and Certifications
To become an IT security consultant, one must first have a strong foundation in computer science and programming. Next, they must obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. After that, they should consider pursuing a master’s degree in computer science with a focus on security.
Some helpful certifications for IT security consultants include:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Certified Information Security Officer (CISO).
Some related jobs to IT security consultant
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Information Security Manager.
6. Security Software Developer
A security software developer is a professional responsible for designing and developing software applications with a strong focus on security. They play an important role in ensuring that software systems are resilient against cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
Tasks
These developers utilize their expertise in secure coding practices, encryption, access controls, and other security measures to build robust software solutions.
They also conduct thorough testing and vulnerability assessments to identify and address any potential security weaknesses. By staying updated with the latest security trends and technologies, security software developers contribute to creating secure software that protects sensitive data and mitigates the risk of security breaches.
The role of a security software developer goes beyond writing code. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, including cybersecurity professionals, software architects, and quality assurance teams, to align security requirements with the overall software development process.
They work on integrating security controls and measures throughout the software development lifecycle, from design and implementation to deployment and maintenance. Their goal is to ensure that security is embedded within the software architecture and that the software remains secure in the face of evolving threats and vulnerabilities.
Salary and Employability
According to Payscale, the average salary for a security software developer in the United States is $75,776 per year.
CareerExplorer rates security software developers with a B+ employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected that the US will need 22,500 security software developers.
Education and Certifications Required
To become a security software developer, one must first have a strong foundation in computer science and programming. Usually, this training starts with college courses or related work experience in software development or software engineering.
A background in dealing with security threats is also an important part of the career development for this kind of position. On-the-ground experience wrangling cybersecurity threats becomes really valuable when trying to conceptualize potential product development problems and solutions.
There are numerous certifications and training offered via security or software vendors such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or Microsoft AZURE Security Associate.
Some related jobs to security software developer
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Information Security Manager.
7. Security Engineer
A security engineer is a cybersecurity professional who specializes in designing, implementing, and maintaining security measures within an organization’s IT infrastructure. They focus on protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and vulnerabilities.
Tasks
The following are some of the tasks that security engineers perform:
- Designing and implementing security systems that protect an organization’s digital infrastructure from cyber threats.
- Conducting scans of networks and penetration tests to look for vulnerabilities.
- Monitoring networks for breaches or intrusions.
- Leading incident response activities and investigations into how intrusions occurred.
- Helping plan cybersecurity strategy.
CareerExplorer rates security engineers with a B+ employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected that the US will need 22,500 security engineers.
Education and Certifications
To become a security engineer, one must first have a strong foundation in computer science and programming. Usually, this training starts with college courses or related work experience in software development or software engineering. A background in dealing with security threats is also an important part of the career development for this kind of position.
For the most part, people aiming for a security engineer job will have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as engineering, computer engineering, or computer science.
Helpful certifications for security engineers include:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Security 5 Certification
- IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
Related jobs to security engineer
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Security Software Developer
- IT Security Consultant
- Malware Analyst
- Information Security Architect
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Penetration Tester.
8. Chief information security officer (CISO)
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior executive responsible for developing and implementing an information security program that protects an organization’s data and systems.
CISOs are responsible for managing risk and ensuring that the organization’s security posture is aligned with its business objectives.
They work closely with other senior executives, such as the chief information officer (CIO) and chief technology officer (CTO), to ensure that the organization’s security program is effective and efficient. CISOs typically have a background in information security, computer science, computer engineering or another related field.
To succeed as CISO, you must have extensive knowledge of security technologies and processes as well as a strong understanding of business and risk management.
Tasks that CISOs perform
- Developing and implementing security policies and procedures, perhaps using a security framework as guide.
- Managing security staff, which means overseeing many security teams at larger organizations.
- Understanding network activity and preparing for potential threats.
- Overseeing incident response and disaster recovery planning.
- Coordinating the response and recovery efforts when a data or security breach occurs.
- Reporting to the designated hierarchy, which might be the CIO, the CEO and even the board of directors.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a CISO in the United States is $188,345 per year.
CareerExplorer rates CISOs with a B+ employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected that the US will need 4,200 CISOs.
Education and Relevant Certifications
To become a CISO, one must first have a strong foundation in computer science and programming. Next, they must obtain a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related field. After that, they should consider pursuing a master’s degree computer science with a focus on security.
Some helpful certifications for CISOs include:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Certified Information Security Officer (CISO).
Some related jobs to CISO
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Network Security Engineer
- Security Software Developer
- IT Security Consultant
- Malware Analyst
- Information Security Architect.
