Both the job outlook and the average salary of cybersecurity engineers makes this a great role for individuals wishing to build a cybersecurity career and earn a high wage doing so. Many entry-level cybersecurity roles do not require programming skills, but it is an important skill for mid- and senior-level cybersecurity jobs. The pathways to – and through – a career in cybersecurity are truly innumerable. There is a wide array of starting points, countless combinations of education, training, and learning experiences, and a broad range of job opportunities. It varies by role and organization, but generally, a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as computer science, information technology or cybersecurity is necessary.
Additionally, gaining experience in secure coding practices or IT infrastructure management can be valuable. Besides industry experience and advanced certifications, the best way to increase a cybersecurity salary is to complete a master’s degree program. It’s also important to point out that in many cases, cybersecurity may be one part of the job but not the entire job.
Sample cybersecurity specialist job description
In the context of cybersecurity, these professionals often focus their work on large scale enterprise data recovery and damage mitigation efforts. In a large organization, a lot of data is generated in a short amount of time. To minimize this data loss, backups are regularly created to help avoid catastrophic loss. cybersecurity specialist courses Certifications like CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), PenTest+ and Project+ can prove you have the skills to take your cybersecurity career to the next level. Most people, young and old, don’t understand what a cybersecurity practitioner does or the multiple career pathways to get into the cybersecurity field.
The ideal candidate has an understanding of cybersecurity standards and certifications, extensive knowledge of how cybercriminals work, and determination to never allow them access. The effectiveness of any security-focused job depends on clear definitions of roles and strong communication up and down the line as to the tasks and responsibilities for which each player is responsible. Crafting a good cyber security job description is a big challenge, because each company has different needs and has its own expectations for each role on the security team. As a manager, you must be comfortable working with a wide range of other cybersecurity professionals and providing direction when necessary. If you handle responsibility well, enjoy working with others, and are comfortable in a leadership position, then you might consider a career as a cybersecurity manager.
Featured Cybersecurity Programs
If you’re new to the field, get started with the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Top 10—a document that outlines the top 10 web application security risks. While prevention is the goal of cybersecurity, quickly responding when security incidents do occur is critical to minimize damage and loss. Effective incident handling requires familiarity with your organization’s incident response plan, as well as skills in digital forensics and malware analysis. Many cybersecurity attacks take place across a network of connected devices. The same technologies that allow companies to collaborate can also lead to security vulnerabilities.
A good information security architect straddles the business and technical worlds. Writing a solid, clear job description ensures that both sides understand the role. Tests, implements, deploys, maintains, reviews, and administers the infrastructure hardware and software that are required to effectively manage the computer network defense service provider network and resources. Addresses problems; installs, configures, troubleshoots, and provides maintenance and training in response to customer requirements or inquiries (e.g., tiered-level customer support).
Preferred skills and qualifications
The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies has released data which shows that the demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing twelve times faster than the average demand for workers in the United States. Top universities with well-established cybersecurity programs are also offering graduate certificate programs. These programs are designed for experienced students that are looking for a deeper dive into a specific cybersecurity topic area. Usually several courses long, the cybersecurity graduate certificate programs can help make job applicants look more competitive, or help prepare certification participants for more advanced roles within the profession. According to a Burning Glass cybersecurity hiring report, approximately 60 percent of cybersecurity positions require that the applicant have at least one certification.
For some roles, the National Security Agency (NSA) defines entry-level as requiring a bachelor’s degree plus up to three years of relevant experience—less with higher-level degrees. With a high school diploma or GED, you’ll likely need between four and seven years of relevant experience on your resume. Also, although cybersecurity engineers are not ethical hackers, understanding the fundamentals of ethical hacking can help you effectively test the security solutions you create. This enables cybersecurity engineers to decrease the vulnerabilities of networks and computer systems.