The cybersecurity field is the best place for job seekers looking for security, high pay, and job stability.
$6 trillion will soon be the annual cost of cybercrime around the globe, according to CybersecurityVentures.com. The number of data breaches involving big names (from Target and LinkedIn to Capital One and many others) is alarming.
The government and private sectors are raising the alarm as cyberattacks continue to grow in number and tenacity with ever-changing tactics. Almost every sector has experienced a sharp increase in demand for cybersecurity professionals.
This significant talent shortfall in critical areas of national security, and the law of supply-and-demand, means that cybersecurity professionals can expect to earn a high salary. The $420,000 annual salary of the top-ranking chief information security officer can be expected.
While it is evident that cybersecurity jobs have many benefits, which cybersecurity positions are the most desirable, and how can you get them?
The Best Jobs in Cybersecurity
1) Information Security Analyst
U.S. lists this job as #40 among the Best Technology Jobs. News & World Report cites a median income of $95,510. According to the U.S. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary in the U.S. is $98,350. Your primary responsibility in this role is to protect sensitive information. You will plan and implement strategies to prevent attacks, create policies to protect the company against such attacks, enforce policies, monitor data access, and train employees.
Estimated salary: $90,000 – $100,000
2) Lead Software Security Engineer
A lead software engineer is typically responsible for leading a team that includes security experts. They are also responsible for analyzing and assessing risks, creating secure software, and identifying vulnerabilities.
Estimated salary: $125,000 – $150,000
3) Chief Information Security Officer
The CISO is a high-ranking role that oversees the development, implementation, and maintenance of security procedures to protect the company against threats and risks. For top-ranking CISOs, salaries now exceed $420,000. CSOonline.com lists a median salary of $158,939, with a range of $140,000 to $300,000.
Estimated salary: $140,000 – $300,000
4) Security Architect
Security architects are responsible for analyzing security threats and providing solutions to protect data and information. They can help develop security software and hardware, supervise and train staff, design security models, and install firewalls, VPNs, and other security tools. Cyberseek.org reports that 27% of employers require a master’s to hire for this job. The average salary is $129,000.
Estimated salary: $120,000 – $190,000
5) Penetration Tester
The job of penetration testers is to identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s network. This is done by constantly testing and probing the network with various software and tools. Cyberseek.org reports that the average salary for penetration- and vulnerability testers is $102,000. 22% of those who hire need an advanced degree. Mondo.com reports that salaries can reach up to $130,000.
Estimated salary: $80,000 – $130,000
6) Information Security Crime Investigator/Forensics Expert
Cybercrime-fighting Sherlock Holmes is the forensics expert. He investigates cyberattacks and attempts to find flaws in systems that could allow them. Cybersecurity Forensics Analyst is a similar job title to Cybersecurity Incident Responder and Cyber Forensics Analyst. Cyberseek.org lists an average salary at $85,000.
Estimated salary: $75,000 – $110,000.
How to Get Hired
According to ZipRecruiter.com, overall cybersecurity job openings are “skyrocketing.” Employers struggle to find qualified candidates for these positions, although there is a huge demand for cybersecurity professionals.
This means that you will need to have experience, education, and industry certifications if you are looking for a job as a cybersecurity professional.
Certifications
You are likely to have worked in cybersecurity and know the importance of certifications. Although they won’t guarantee you a job, certifications can help boost your resume and sometimes even be required to get employment. It is vital to obtain the following certifications if you are interested in a career as a cybersecurity professional:
- CISSP – The Certified Information Systems Security Professional. The CISSP is a leading cybersecurity certification. It opens the doors to higher-level jobs and increases in pay. It is required for key positions at the Department of Defense and has a significant weight beyond the DoD.
- CISM – Certified Information Security Manager. This certification focuses primarily on compliance, risk management, and governance.
- CISA- Certified Information Systems Auditor. This certification is focused on auditing, monitoring, and assessing information systems. It can increase a cybersecurity professional’s annual salary by a substantial amount.
- GIAC – Global Information Assurance Certification. This certification is focused on technical skills such as intrusion detection, forensics, and other specialized areas.
- CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker. A CEH certification is a great way for entry-level candidates to get their first job or even to be promoted at your company.
Experience
It is important to have experience in cybersecurity. It is difficult to get an entry-level job without experience in the cybersecurity field. It is crucial to use internships while you earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees to be ready for the job market after graduation. Employers will often require multiple years of experience to be hired in the cybersecurity industry.
Cyber professionals must stay current in cybercrime research and developments to be able to respond to the ever-changing field. For cybersecurity professionals to remain relevant and in demand, it is vital that they continue to learn and are constantly curious.
Education
Education is essential to secure a job in cybersecurity. A bachelor’s degree is not required to hold a position in cybersecurity, but those who want to be at the top of the field and have the potential to build a career in this field should seriously consider a master’s. Master’s degrees in cybersecurity provide students with additional technical and theoretical skills. Depending on the program, they can also offer leadership, management, and business skills.
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