The rapid advancement of technology has led to unprecedented convenience for businesses worldwide. From marketing to recruiting, organizations are using tools to perform a host of tasks. However, the digital transformation has also resulted in a new breed of cybercriminals.
Fortunately, cybersecurity experts can help minimize or mitigate the risks of cyberattacks. Be it protecting sensitive data or fortifying critical systems, these experts play a pivotal role in safeguarding organizations from the relentless onslaught of cyberattacks.
Considering the growing importance of online security, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is at an all-time high. So if you are a student exploring potential career options, stepping into this thriving industry could be a rewarding option. To help you choose the right career pathway, we have put together a list of top cybersecurity careers:
1. Threat Intelligence Analyst
Threat intelligence analysts play a multifaced role. Here are some of their core responsibilities:
- Data collection and analysis: These professionals gather data from various sources, such as open-source intelligence, dark web monitoring, security feeds, and internal sources. They analyze this information to identify:
- Emerging threats
- Attack patterns
- Potential vulnerabilities
- Cybersecurity strategy development: They collaborate with other security teams to integrate threat intelligence into risk assessments, incident response plans, and vulnerability management processes.
- Reporting: Threat intelligence analysts create reports and briefings that convey complex technical information concisely. They primarily communicate:
- Threat findings
- Trends
- Recommendations
A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is often the minimum requirement for this role. However, some employers prefer an MBA in cyber security along with relevant certifications such as Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA), Certified Cyber Threat Intelligence Professional (CCTIP), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
2. Risk Manager
Cybersecurity attacks are becoming more and more sophisticated over time. According to experts, devising a risk-based strategy is the most efficient way to deal with these threats. That is where risk managers come into play.
They establish and implement a variety of information network rules and processes to ensure data security and alleviate risk along the way. Working closely with CISOs, risk managers are also responsible for setting financial boundaries and formulating risk mitigation goals for the company.
The job also gives you the luxury to work in diverse industries. A risk manager earns an average yearly wage of $102,298.
3. Chief Information Security Officer
When talking about the best careers in cybersecurity, one cannot skip chief information security officers (CISOs). These professionals oversee the security of a company’s IT and computer systems. They conduct security assessments, analyze and deploy software upgrades, and supervise team members.
Besides, CISOs are often in charge of the company’s customer care platforms and evaluate how technology might add value to the company. They also contact stakeholders and notify them of the security risks.
To become a CISO, individuals typically need:
- Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree in management information systems, computer information systems, or a related field is often required. Some organizations may prefer candidates with advanced degrees or certifications in cybersecurity.
- Experience: CISOs generally gain several years of experience in lower-level cybersecurity positions, such as security analyst, before advancing to this leadership role. This experience helps them develop a comprehensive understanding of:
- Cybersecurity practices
- Technologies
- Risk management
4. Cybersecurity Engineer
A cybersecurity engineer assesses potential risks and flaws in computer programs and operating systems. After that, they deploy cutting-edge cybercrime defense mechanisms against hacking, ransomware, malware, insider threats, and practically every kind of security breach. Cybersecurity engineers are responsible for keeping a watch on both software and hardware.
Furthermore, they have to maintain complete reports of the organization’s policies and procedures. So every time a company undergoes an internal or external security audit, the involvement of cybersecurity experts is extremely important.
Depending on your education, experience, and qualifications, the path to becoming a cybersecurity engineer might vary. As a fresher, it could take you nearly two years with the relevant experience to land an entry-level job in this field. For those with prior expertise in IT, earning a certification is a surefire method to move up the career ladder rapidly. The average income for a cybersecurity engineer is roughly $101,000 per year. However, the average yearly salary for senior-level cybersecurity engineers is $145K.
5. Cybercrime Investigator
Cybercrime investigators are the first line of defense against cybercrime. If they were not helping us cope with cybercrime, things would be a lot worse today. Data collection and analysis make up a significant portion of their job. This may also entail retrieving data that would otherwise be impossible to obtain since the original data source is destroyed or damaged.
While probing a data breach, a cybercrime investigator will typically search for the source, nature, and pathway utilized to initiate the attack. This information can be used to identify and close security holes in the system. It is a key component of the job and demands a high level of expertise in computing.
A cybercrime investigator may work in a consulting firm, providing services to both businesses and law enforcement agencies. A degree in computer forensics will help you get started in the field of cybercrime investigation. Either as a stand-alone course or as part of a larger program, computer forensics courses are readily available in universities around the world. Jobs in this industry offer salaries of approximately $98,350 per year.
6. Penetration Tester
Penetration testers, aka ethical hackers, attack systems and networks to determine security flaws. A growing number of small and large corporations are employing full-time experts or third-party contractors to penetrate their systems and find and fix gaps that cybercriminals could manipulate. They develop new tools for penetration testing and document their findings.
Penetration testing necessitates extensive use of programming skills. So you should start by learning the most commonly used programming languages, including:
- Python
- JavaScript
- PowerShell
- Ruby
Penetration testers must be up to date on the latest threats and defense technologies since the nature of potential attacks is always changing. Also, the job requires you to stay on top of your communication skills.
Though nothing beats hands-on experience, some companies prefer candidates with professional certifications in penetration testing, ethical hacking, and other facets of IT security. For a leadership role, having a master’s degree in cybersecurity will likely make you stand out among other applicants. A penetration tester’s average compensation is $102,405.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is gradually gaining traction in nearly all sectors. Companies are strengthening their workforces in the area of cybersecurity by developing new roles and recruiting specialists. When it comes to cybersecurity, there is no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” employment. So you can pick and choose what suits you best from the roles listed above and embark on a rewarding career.
