One of the key factors when deciding on a professional area of expertise is potential job opportunities and this is especially true when making a career change. When deciding to turn in a new direction, different from the one we have taken for years, it could be for a few reasons: we do not feel valued, we've stopped learning, there are more opportunities elsewhere, or we simply want our economic situation to improve. No matter the driving reason for change, the ultimate goal is always the same: job stability.
Many of us know tech roles are in high demand and provide some of the best and most secure positions out there. There are many areas of technology that are up and coming, but if you have read this far, it is because you are searching for a definitive reason to take the leap you have been wanting to take for a long time. We are here to tell you that you can leave behind your doubts about becoming an expert in this rising field: cybersecurity.
Source: Berkeley
Cybersecurity experts benefit from diverse career opportunities across various industries:
For example, they can work as Security Analysts, tasked with monitoring networks for breaches and implementing security measures.
Another role is that of a Penetration Tester, who ethically hacks systems to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.
Companies like IBM and Cisco regularly seek professionals for these roles.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 31% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Furthermore, the average salary for cybersecurity professionals is approximately $99,730 per year, highlighting the lucrative nature of this career field.
Top Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity
When we talk about cybersecurity, we are referring to the techniques and methods that are used to safeguard the security of digital information technology, helping to avoid computer attacks, hacks, or any type of theft of confidential data. We are talking about a professional profile that became more necessary than ever before for businesses due to the pandemic. This forced companies to adapt to the digitalization of employment. While this transformation has been taking place, the frequency of cyberattacks has grown.
This paradigm shift in the workflow of companies has revealed a lack of preparation from companies and professionals in information security. It is more important than ever for us to understand that essential assets such as passwords, documentation, email accounts, and personal or corporate data are within reach of cybercriminals without any scruples. No individual or company is safe and companies of all sizes are now looking for cyber professionals. You can fortify your possibilities in this new digital reality if you take advantage of this opportunity to train in this essential field.
The increased threats to which governments and institutions around the world have been exposed has highlighted the lack of professionals trained in cybersecurity, whose presence has a place in myriad industries. This is undoubtedly one of the areas with the best expectations for growth in the coming years and forecasts salaries that make the field even more enticing. There are a breadth of specialties under the cybersecurity umbrella, each with their own specific functions and challenges, and we will cover some of these in this post.
Positions for a Cybersecurity Expert
1. Chief Security Officer (CSO)
This is the most senior executive responsible for digital security in a company and you will need to demonstrate your skills for designing strategies to be successful. To do this, you will have to have extensive legal and technical knowledge along with business acume, that will allow you to develop plans for both risk prevention and response to attacks. This is a highly valued professional role that takes the lead in determining what protection a company needs and how to implement it.
2. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
This newly created position responds to the need for companies to have a cybersecurity expert who monitors and analyzes the risks they face in their day-to-day life, guaranteeing the protection of information by implementing necessary measures and controls. CISOs are a common figure in the organization charts of companies that understand the weight and importance of having a corporate cybersecurity strategy.
3. Security Architect
This is the person who is in charge of carrying out the cybersecurity plan at a technical level. Security architects build the network based on the decisions made by the management in order to guarantee the security of all the activities carried out by their company. It is an essential role of a preventive nature and protection from possible attacks will depend on their quality of work.
Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash
4. Ethical Hackers
Although it seems strange to use the term hacker to speak of a professional who usually stops cybercriminals, ethical hacking has become an essential practice for testing the security of company servers and systems. This involves simulating attacks on a company to check the extent to which a company is prepared for or vulnerable to cyberattacks. These professionals may be part of a team or work externally as consultants. In any case, this is a highly demanded profile that can save companies millions of dollars in losses, leaks, and irreparable attacks.
5. Security Analyst
The main objective of a security analyst is to detect the technical weaknesses that companies may have. In this role, professionals take charge of protecting their clients from the potential threats and attacks they might face, such as viruses and many other problems that could result in chaos. This role is a hybrid in which the SA carries out technical work as well as the management tasks of locating vulnerable points, responding to incidents, establishing efficient plans and policies, and ensuring the correct execution of those strategies.
6. Attack Analyst
While it sounds similar to the role above, this is a very different position, often linked to criminal proceedings, that is sometimes referred to as a Computer Forensic Investigator. Sounds pretty cool, right? What these professionals are responsible for is carrying out an investigation once a computer attack has occurred in order to detect and document the status of the attack, the reason behind it, the responsible parties, and the consequences of the security incident. Attack Analysts can work both with electronic devices and paper documentation and they take an active role in making companies think so that they can strengthen their systems.
Photo by Petter Lagson on Unsplash
7. Incident Specialist
This is the role for you if you want to become the person in charge of coordinating the actions of a company in the case of security problems, taking charge of activating a control plan so that the whole team works together, trying to ensure that attacks have the fewest possible consequences. It is a position focused more on organization rather than research and is ideal for those with leadership skills who want to guide a team and know how to gain the trust of different groups in a company.
8. Data Protection Officer (DPO)
The ideal position for law lovers! This legal role is in charge of preserving regulatory compliance and serves as an intermediary position between the direction and the management of the company. They regularly conduct security audits as well as educate and train employees in regards to compliance and data processing. This can be an internal or external figure who informs and advises on a company’s security standard, monitors its implementation, and cooperates with the relevant authorities. It’s important to note that this position has recently become mandatory for any company that collects or processes the data of EU citizens.
Photo by Misha Feshchak on Unsplash
How to Start Your Career in Cybersecurity
Earn Relevant Certifications: Obtain certifications like CISSP, CEH, and CompTIA Security+.
Gain Practical Experience: Participate in online labs, internships, or volunteer opportunities in cybersecurity.
Network with Professionals: Join cybersecurity forums, attend industry conferences, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn.
Stay Updated: Regularly read cybersecurity news, blogs, and journals to stay abreast of the latest trends and threats.
If you have been bitten by the bug and have imagined yourself in one or more of these positions, we encourage you to learn more about our cybersecurity course, where you will obtain the necessary tools to become a professional in the sector in just 12 weeks.
About the Author:
Juliette Carreiro is a tech writer, with two years of experience writing in-depth articles for Ironhack. Covering everything from career advice and navigating the job ladder, to the future impact of AI in the global tech space, Juliette is the go-to for Ironhack’s community of aspiring tech professionals.
