How to Land a Job in Cybersecurity

In every business and sector, cybersecurity practitioners work to protect companies from data breaches and attacks. The need for specialists in cybersecurity is rising at an unprecedented speed. Job postings for cybersecurity positions have risen three times faster than the total IT job openings.

Since a security specialist is an entry-level position in the vast world of cybersecurity, at first there are roles in which you can begin and then work your way up the ladder into a management role. After entering, there are several paths to take to executive-level positions, which is a great career.

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A cybersecurity specialist is an expert in an organization’s subject matter to protect their information. They employ a variety of methods to accomplish this, such as vulnerability testing, tracking systems and networks for potential violations, and then dealing with whatever is discovered. It involves restoring the areas where an assault may have happened and then reinforcing them.

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A cybersecurity specialist is an expert in an organization’s subject matter to protect their information. Photo credits: https://www.enisa.europa.eu/news/member-states/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2018.

Careers in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity experts are advised to keep up-to-date with innovations by enrolling in ongoing training programs due to constantly evolving technology, as well as increasingly sophisticated black hat tactics. Many industry-standard qualifications can aid in the professional development of a specialist. In addition, on-the-job learning is constant as programs and firewalls continually evolve.

Career prospects for cybersecurity experts are very good. When businesses put strategic importance on managing and analyzing their information, it will only increase the need for professional and knowledgeable people to protect it. With the increased reliance on technology, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to malware and hackers.

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Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts work as a front-line defense, finding and evaluating potential security threats. To defend against attacks, they set up firewalls and authentication, and constantly monitor and review networks for any suspicious behavior. Through technical reports, they explain their findings.

Computer Forensics Analyst

Forensics researchers focus on cybercrime, a phenomenon that is constantly expanding. They work alongside law enforcement agencies in both public and private sector organizations and are asked to perform a broad range of tasks including the retrieval of deleted files, the identification of crime-related data, and the review of mobile phone records.

Security Architect

You should consider a job as a security architect if you’re excited about problem-solving and creating big-picture strategies. A technology architect is responsible for the design, installation, and implementation of an organization’s network and software security.

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Security architects are responsible for the creation and proper functioning of complex security systems. They build security systems to combat malware, invasion of hackers and attacks on DDoS. As such, they are essential to many prominent businesses.

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Education in Cybersecurity

Some employers may consider an associate’s degree or a few years of work experience when looking for hires. Generally, a professional bachelor’s degree will be required to move your way up to some of the positions mentioned above. A master’s degree that specializes in technical protection or obtains approved certifications will give you the advantage to pursue your career.

Wherever you start, with general Information Technology expertise, all cybersecurity careers begin. Before you can know how to secure and protect it, you need to understand how the technology works. In addition, it is important to regularly continue your education so you can always stay up-to-date on the latest cyber knowledge.

Average Salary of an Entry-Level Cyber Security Job

According to Indeed, the average salary for an entry-level cybersecurity analyst ranges from approximately $56,716 per year for an Intelligence Analyst to $115,835 per year for IT Security Specialist. 

Conclusion

To land a job in cybersecurity, it takes a lot of years of education and training. However, the basic job qualifications may include the ability to perform vulnerability and penetration tests. You will also need to understand computer protection programs and software such as anti-malware, anti-virus, and firewalls. For more software and information technology-related jobs, click here.

Also read – Online IT Support Jobs – How To Apply?