Online security breaches are increasing today, and hackers are becoming more sophisticated. This has increased the need for CyberSecurity. The CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) has reported that the personal data of almost 47% of US individuals has been exposed.
Such data breaches cost considerable money, so the demand for CyberSecurity has risen. Now is a great time to enter the field of CyberSecurity if you have planned to do so.
Even if you are a software engineer, entering the field of CyberSecurity to avoid data breaches is possible. We dive into the world of entry level CyberSecurity jobs opportunities and how to get a rewarding job as a security professional.
What Is CyberSecurity?
Cybersecurity is a process that helps protect interconnected networks and systems from digital attacks. These attacks, also known as digital threats, vary in type and can steal information or damage hardware.
The tasks done by a CyberSecurity professional include;
- Training of coworkers on the best practices for securing IT.
- Conducting regular audits to ensure security across the networks and systems of a company.
- Maintaining systems so that vulnerabilities get quickly detected.
- Designing firewalls to prevent breaches of data.
Are you looking to get a job as a CyberSecurity professional? Know what you will need.
How To Get Entry-Level CuberSecurity Jobs?
The field of CyberSecurity is high-tech, and it requires accuracy, speed, and the ability to solve problems. Even if you are currently working as a software engineer, learning CyberSecurity can change your field.
Requirements Of Cyber Security Employee
Formal education is mandatory for getting a job in any field. According to the NSA (National Security Agency), a bachelor's degree in an engineering field like computer science or a related field will help you get a CyberSecurity job.
However, a few organizations favor practical skills over degrees, so you can simultaneously develop practical skills. Joining an entry level CyberSecurity professionals’ boot camp is the best bet for an excelling career in the field.
Bootcamp consists of intensive cybersecurity training, Which equips individuals with all the skills needed to stand out in the job market.
Certifications Required For Cyber Security Professionals
Education in the CyberSecurity field doesn't start and end with formal education. Having a few relevant certifications will always add merit to your resume while searching for Cyber security jobs for beginners.
Certificates enhance a candidate's credibility and increase the chances of landing a high-paying job. A few certificates popularly done by individuals are;
- GIAC Security Essentials Certification: This certification is for entry-level security managers, penetration testers, IT engineers, etc. It doesn't require years of experience.
- Comp TIA Security+: This globally recognized certificate can be earned by entry-level CyberSecurity professionals. It is best suited for individuals who want to work as CyberSecurity analysts, IT auditors, etc.
- Certified Ethical Hacker: The EC council offers this certificate to entry-level professionals. An essential requirement is that professionals have at least two years of IT industry experience.
After knowing the requirements of getting yourself a job in the CyberSecurity field, let us know in depth the tasks for which CyberSecurity professionals are responsible.
Responsibilities Of CyberSecurity Professionals
A CyberSecurity professional is responsible for protecting data, technology, information, appliances, devices, and digital assets from cyberattacks and hackers.
They also deter unauthorized access by restricted users, reduce vulnerabilities, protect against all internal and external threats, and more.
On the job, a CyberSecurity professional is required to develop and implement the required tools to keep businesses, friends, family, and also the government safe from all possible cyber threats.
The day-to-day responsibilities and tasks in CyberSecurity protection jobs vary, though. If you are looking for the tasks you will be required to do, be informed that you will have to test, adjust, develop, and implement cyber defence methods.
The field is part of software engineering, so you will have to perform duties similar to engineers. You need to manage all devices used across the organization, including computer systems, mobile phones, tablets, and more.
At enterprise levels, CyberSecurity professionals are also seen taking care of the security of the company’s IT infrastructure, offering a safe working environment.
They also take care of the work-from-home solutions for employees and develop solutions to protect the organization’s systems from possible attacks.
Irrespective of the job title you are offered, you may also be assigned to work directly with the teams to prevent potential attacks.
Coming to the positions, CyberSecurity professionals are often offered different positions. It varies based on the skillset and their ability to perform a job.
Top 10 Positions For CyberSecurity Professionals
It may take you some time to decide the correct position for yourself in the CyberSecurity field. To help you decide better, we list some of the common entry-level positions. It will give you an idea of how to start and what direction would turn out to be fruitful for you.
To begin with, you should identify your strengths and then work in the direction that will help build a strong foundation. Find the common positions with which most of the CyberSecurity professionals start.
CyberSecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity professionals protect software, hardware, and company networks from threats and cyberattacks. To become an analyst, you must learn about the IT infrastructure in detail to better evaluate and monitor threats.
Ethical Hacker
The position of Ethical Hacker is the most commonly offered to entry-level professionals. These are white-hat hackers who conduct advanced tests of penetration on systems and networks.
They also help determine whether specific vulnerabilities can hamper the integrity of a company or its available data.
Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
The assessment analysts work with Ethical Hackers and Penetration Testers to correct and detect weaknesses and vulnerable areas in the system or network. Now that we know what it takes to become a cybersecurity professional let's move on to the earnings of a CyberSecurity professional.
Security Tester
As a Security Tester, you may be responsible for Information Technology systems or application security. Your major responsibility will be to keep the organization ahead of all possible security threats. You will also monitor computer systems and networks for security threats.
Network Security Engineer
The Network Security Engineers install, design, and also monitor cybersecurity layers of an organization. Security Engineers of the Network prepare for the security threats that may ocur and also take suitable actions to reduce risk. You will also have to configure and administer network and also stress test it.
IT Auditor
The IT Auditor in an organization audits the entire IT infrastructure to ensure that the security is intact and there are no potential threats. They also keep a check on the compliance issues.
After performing the audit, they also document it for future reference. You must also create audit plans and install the developed security-related fixes as an auditor.
CyberSecurity Consultant
The role of a consultant is diverse, and as a consultant you are not required to work with one company only. You can consult numerous companies on the possible ways of ensuring security from cyber attacks. Consultants collaborate with the in-house IT security teams to keep unwanted intrusions in check.
CyberSecurity Officer
As a CuberSecurity officer, you will be in charge of information technology security. You need to ensure the business stays compliant and secure from cyber-attacks.
Apart from this, you will be responsible to prepare budget of the IT needs and track the return on investment. For some organizations, an officer also establishes and maintains relationship with other external IT service providers.
Information Security Specialist
Information Security Specialists serve as a company’s go-to person and ensure the complete security of its IT systems. They ensure that data and similar information are safe from potential cyberattacks. The job role also includes researching new security risks to ensure safety beforehand.
Security Specialist
As a Security Specialist, your task will be to maintain all the organization's automated security systems. You will have to protect the company’s data, ensure that the end users are digitally safe, and assist your senior manager with their security-related tasks.
Average Salary Of CyberSecurity Professional!
One of the significant reasons behind opting for the CyberSecurity field by professionals is the perks. People upskill themselves, and many also transition their careers into the field because of the inevitable advantages.
The salary paid to in-demand cybersecurity jobs professionals is a perk besides job security, increased demand, better work-life balance, and rewarding responsibilities. Many factors are responsible for the varying average pay of CyberSecurity professionals.
Industry, area, specific job title, experience, and more are significant factors. Sometimes, a security professional can expect to make six figures every year. However, at an entry level, you may not get the desired opportunity.
As you move up the career ladder, the more experience you earn, the better your progress will be. Initially, the pay scale for cyber security jobs with no experience is considerably less. Years of experience gives a more advanced career and higher pay scale. Hence, keep developing your skills within the CyberSecurity industry.
You can also look for other advantages in your job role, such as a flexible schedule, work-from-home opportunities, wages that allow you to live comfortably, and more.
The average salary for a CyberSecurity engineer is around $101,000. The figure may vary based on your job role, though.
Final Thoughts
The CyberSecurity field has various options available, and you need to know what you want to choose while taking up a certification. Initially, it may get overwhelming for some, but you can pick up as you move forward.
The increase in cyberattacks has increased the demand for CyberSecurity. Hence, the industry is actively looking for people to join the industry and protect the hardware and software from potential damage.
You have numerous different entry-level cyber security jobs opportunities to explore, and based on your desires, you can choose an option. The CyberSecurity industry is promising, and you can make the most of it by making a rewarding career.