For job seekers looking for job security, high pay, and an option to work in almost any sector, cybersecurity is the place to be.
In the post-pandemic world, a lot of companies are undergoing cyber threats. Vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure and ransomware attacks are becoming a nightmare. According to a recent survey, the annual cost of cybercrime has reached $6 trillion. Meanwhile, the list of data breach victims like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, etc, continues to grow.
Due to this, there’s a sharp uptick in demand for talented individuals working in cybersecurity. And since there’s a shortage of skill sets, you can expect high salaries and a comfortable working environment. For instance, top-level security officers make an average of $420,000 annually.
So while it’s clear that cybersecurity has a bright future and plenty of benefits, how can one land a perfect job in this field?
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a practice of protecting networks from digital attacks. This includes websites, stores, custom CMS, as well as offline systems. A lot of companies, including government organizations and financial sectors are looking forward to protecting their data from cybercriminals.
These attacks are handled by security testers, engineers, experts, and other professionals in the cybersecurity space. Here’s an average duty chart of a cybersecurity expert.
- Protect company data from vulnerabilities
- Analyze online threats
- Thinks like a hacker
- Understand malicious software and dept
- Act as the first line of defense
Now to work in the cybersecurity field, a person requires a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science, information technology, or a similar field. Knowledge of firewall, vulnerabilities, and various endpoints, along with considerable command on languages and tools such as Ruby, Node, C++, Java, Python, etc is required.
And the rest are your problem-solving skills, working under pressure, and staying up-to-date with the latest cyber trend.
Career in Cybersecurity
There are a lot of career options in cybersecurity. Some of the prominent fields include cybersecurity generalist, cloud data engineer, security architect, network security engineer, application security specialist, malware/forensics analyst, cybersecurity engineer, cryptographer, etc.
And the list doesn’t stop here. There are hundreds of jobs available in almost every field.
The Best Jobs in Cybersecurity
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are some of the best job choices you can find in cybersecurity.
Information Security Analyst
One of the best jobs listed in the world, which cites a median salary of starting $95,000. But with great pay, comes great responsibilities. In this role, the main duties are to protect and uphold all the sensitive data of an organization.
You create plans, strategies, and improve the overall quality of information to prevent attacks from happening. You’ll be also responsible for any security-related policies, monitor data access, and train other employees on the field.
Basic Skillset:
- Strong IT and Network experience
- Security protocols and cryptography
- Analytics and communication skills
- Risk management
Average Salary: $95,000 – $105,000
Penetration Tester
This job covers the identification and research of finding vulnerabilities in an organization’s network. They constantly check the network through different tools and software. The average salary of a penetration tester was around $70,000 back in 2018. Now with a demanding hike, it falls in the six figures category.
Basic Skillset:
- Knowledge of various operating systems and tools
- Black box testing
- Knowledge of languages, such as Java, Python, Perl, etc
- Strong reporting, networking, and analytic skills
Average Salary: $80,000-$125,000
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
A senior-level position requires a lot of skills, knowledge, and past experience. In this role, you’ll be in charge of developing, maintaining, and implementing security processes that protect the company from threats. And just for the tip, a top-level CISO earns $420,000 with the median rates mentioned below.
Basic Skillset:
- IT and Business Experience
- Strong presentation and communication skills
- Risk management
- Incident management and supervision
Average Salary: $135,000-$300,000
Forensics Expert
Sort of like a Sherlock Holmes, only this time the enemies are the cyber attackers and criminals. They identify, track, and stop system vulnerabilities. Most of the Forensics experts are well-trained professionals with an extensive background and knowledge in the field. They are also responsible for finding clues left by attackers to further protect the system.
Basic Skillset:
- Knowledge of cybersecurity
- Understanding of criminal and law investigation
- Attention to detail
- Networking skills
Average Salary: $80,000-$120,000
Lead Security Engineer
Typically tasked with leading a group of experts, assessing risk, analyzing, and developing secure software. This job also covers finding vulnerabilities in software and then fixing them so it won’t affect the end-user. A lead software security engineer can easily top an average annual salary of six figures.
Basic Skillset:
- Knowledge of cybersecurity as a whole
- Communication, analytics, and leadership skills
- Risk management, portfolio, and strategies
- Understanding of law investigation
Average Salary: $125,000-$150,000
How to Get Hired
Overall, cybersecurity job openings are skyrocketing at xscopeconsulting. However, the desperate need for knowledge and experience is still lacking. That means if you want to land a perfect job in cybersecurity, you’ll likely need a combination of industry certification, education, and experience.
Experience in this field is invaluable. Without it, you’ll be most likely placed in the dark. That’s why it is important to take internships in well-recognized firms while obtaining your Bachelor’s or master’s degree.
To get hired or recruit professionals, make sure to visit our contact us page.
Additionally, in this constantly evolving work, it is imperative to stay up to date with all the cybercrime. Make sure to read our other blogs to know more about cybersecurity and tips on how you can land the perfect job.
Start your Cybersecurity Career Today!
Almost every company requires a security expert. There has never been a good time to jump on the bandwagon and start your cybersecurity career. If you’re a skilled person and have relevant experience, you can easily land a good job across all sectors.
We explored the prominence of the best jobs in cyber security. Find out different positions and check what is currently trending on the market.
Have any questions or concerns regarding cybersecurity, do let us know in the comment section or use the Contact us page. Our qualified experts will get back to you soon.