Technology is fast advancing and businesses and organizations are using this opportunity to upgrade their systems. And new systems mean new threats and job opportunities to cybersecurity experts.
We have analyzed and come up with 5 top careers in cybersecurity relevant to the ever-changing technology.
Information security officer
An information security officer aligns security initiatives with business objectives. They ensure the protection of data and information. Information security officers secure information technologies in an organization.
Furthermore, they protect all programs in IT from both internal and external threats. They are responsible for setting up procedures for neutralizing all threats. As an information security officer, you facilitate training on minimizing threats to IT systems. Also, you assist in data transfer procedures.
Information security officers are in high demand. This is because organizations are now incorporating computer systems in their workplaces. These systems contain both clients’ and employees’ data which should be safe at all times.
Information security officers have a different title in some organizations. The two major titles are information systems analyst and information security investigator. Despite the difference, the main goal is protecting the information in an organization.
The average salary for an information security officer is $48,000 for entry-level to $148,000 annually for experienced officers.
Your chances of being the chief information officer increase when you:
- Advance your education and pursue MSc in cybersecurity
- Get different professional certifications
As a business owner, you need financial resources to be able to hire a chief information officer. In case you don’t, you can always consider online small loans to facilitate the hiring process.
Software security officer
A software security officer deals with software security. Software security officers test, install and operate modern software security techniques. They do this in consent with a technical reference atmosphere.
Software security officers perform security testing and code review to improve software security. They also troubleshoot any issues that arise in software. Moreover, they analyze software designs and execute security protocols.
Also, coming up with countermeasures for any threats is part of their job. Software security officers depend on analysis to decide on defensive measures. For any technical documentation, software security officers are present during the process.
Software security officers get an average of $99,800 annually.
Penetration tester
A penetration tester plans and designs penetration tests in an organization. You carry out tests and simulations of attacks and create reports and recommendations on your findings.
Besides, you give advice to management on security improvements or changes that need to be made. You also work with fellow employees to improve the organization’s cybersecurity. The report you give may also be used by a cybersecurity consultant to provide further insight.
In a penetration testing career, you have different scenarios to mimic:
- Targeted testing: you work given a specific target. You test all the vulnerabilities asked to test and give your report.
- External testing: here you use the visible servers of an organization to access any information. Your work is to mimic an external attack.
- Internal testing: you replicate an attack from an authorized employee. Your task is to bring out the dangers an employee could expose your organization to.
- Blind testing: you test the security without the knowledge of the employees. Here you provide responses from your findings
- Double-blind testing: only one or two employees know about the test. You work with these employees to achieve your task.
- Black-box testing: you are not provided with any information. You access the organization’s security systems through your means.
- Whitebox testing: you get information about the targeted network or security concern.
On average, a penetration tester earns $84,690 per year. An advantage in a penetration testing career is you could work flexibly.
Cybersecurity analyst
Cybersecurity analysts major in the analysis of cyber threats and crimes. They keep a constant record of threats. They keep track of an organization’s network for potential security vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity analysts identify, analyze, and report events that may occur.
The average salary for a cybersecurity analyst is $76,460 annually. You could advance in this career to more specialized careers in engineering or penetration testing.
Networks engineer or architect
A network engineer/ architect designs, implements, and tests secure computer networks. You conduct upgrades in network software and hardware. As well, network architects plan the execution of security patches. As a network engineer, you apply to guard systems to protect networks against vulnerabilities.
Other tasks of network engineers include:
- Keeping up with new network technologies for analyzing current data to predict effects on an organization’s network.
- Advising on how network security aids in business strategies.
With the increasing advances in network systems, opportunities for network engineers are increasing. The annual average salary for network engineers/architects is $111,130.
Conclusion
A lot of organizations are now adopting the use of computer systems. All these systems need maintenance and protection. This provides an opportunity for cybersecurity specialists. All skills in this field help organizations. To obtain competitive skills you could acquire additional certificates in your specialty.