Data is constantly being generated and exchanged at a high speed, and there is a crucial need to protect it. To protect data, companies require skilled professionals who can safeguard computer networks and the organization’s information. Cyber security professionals are the go-to people for this role. In this article, you will gain an insight into various cyber security jobs and how you can start your cyber security career in this field.
The Rise in Cybersecurity Jobs
Before we dive deep into the various cybersecurity jobs, let’s have a glimpse of why the number of cybersecurity jobs is increasing every single day. Did you know that, according to the University of Maryland, hackers attack every 39 seconds, on an average of 2,244 times a day?
When you give this a thought, you will realize how prone any digital network is, to unauthorized access from a third party. This is termed as a cyberattack. When an organization witnesses a cyberattack, they lose data, money, and trust of their customers. To prevent these dangerous cyberattacks, cybersecurity is implemented. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks and computer systems from unauthorized digital access.
With the increase in the generation of digital data, it is anticipated that cyberattacks will quadruple shortly. This proves that growth in the number of cyber security jobs will only increase as organizations will need professionals who can ensure data security. Research shows that there is a limited workforce for cyber security jobs, and the job opportunities are limitless. If you aspire to land a cyber security job, then this article will brief you on the top job roles in this field and how you can go about achieving your dream job.
Cyber Security Career and Average Cyber Security Salary
Now that you have learned about the growth in the number of cyber security jobs and the opportunities the field of cyber security holds, let’s take a look at the different job roles available in this field.
There are several cyber security jobs available; the nature of these jobs varies mostly. These jobs can be categorized based on the following parameters:
- Your educational qualification
- Professional work experience
- Your area of interest. For example, some candidates are into coding and some others prefer managerial posts
- The cybersecurity certifications you hold
By analyzing the above parameters, you can choose the correct cyber security job that suits your area of expertise.
Let’s now take a close look at the typical cyber security career path and average cybersecurity salary of a few of the top-paying job roles from the long list of cyber security jobs.
Top CyberSecurity Jobs
1. Chief Information Security Officer - CISO
A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior-level officer who ensures the complete safety of information in an organization. CISOs are responsible for developing and maintaining information security and risk management programs, and they are also required to interact with stakeholders and they brief them about the information security concerns. Usually, one becomes a CISO after having good experience in a few other cybersecurity job roles.
CISO Skills
To become a CISO, it is preferred that you hold a computer science degree and an MBA, owing to the seniority of this job role. To reach the position of a CISO, the potential candidate must have a robust skillset. Given below are a few of the most important ones:
- IT experience
- Incident management and supervisory skills
- Business expertise
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Risk management
CISO Certifications
Most of the cybersecurity jobs require you to hold the relevant cybersecurity certifications. Your cybersecurity career grows with the number of certifications you have. To become a CISO, the preferred certifications are - Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
CISO Salary
According to PayScale, the average annual cybersecurity salary of a CISO in the United States is $166,329, and in India, it is ₹2,300,785.
Moving on, we will explore the next key position in the world of cybersecurity.
2. Security Architect
A Security Architect is responsible for designing robust security structures that are used to prevent malware attacks. They perform vulnerability tests and also provide technical assistance to the other security team members.
Security Architect Skills
To become a security architect, it is preferred that you hold a degree in computer science or information technology. A couple of essential skills are:
- Strong IT experience
- Experience in the risk management sector
- Network hardware configuration
- Knowledge of security protocols and cryptography
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong communication and presentation skills
Security Architect Certifications
To become a security architect, the certifications which will benefit your career are CompTIA Security+ and CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).
Security Architect Salary
ccording to PayScale, the average annual cybersecurity salary in this job role in the United States is $125,630, and in India, it is ₹2,151,258.
That was all about the security architect position, let’s now take a look at the next job role in our list.
3. Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity Engineers work on planning security measures to prevent the organization from a cyberattack. They are responsible for protecting the organization’s networks and data. They design cybersecurity platforms and also collaborate with the other teams to maintain overall security.
Cybersecurity Engineer Skills
To become a cybersecurity engineer, the first step is to have a degree in information technology or computer science. Before starting on the role of a cybersecurity engineer, you should have at least two years of work experience in the relevant field. In addition to these, let’s look at the other skills a cybersecurity engineer must have:
- Good networking skills
- An understanding of architecture and management of operating systems
- Knowledge of C, C++ is required. Python and Java knowledge is also essential
- Strong communication and presentation skills
Cybersecurity Engineer Certifications
A cybersecurity engineer can hold either a Certified Ethical Hacker certification or a CompTIA Security+ certification. Depending on the experience level, one can take up advanced certifications as well.
Cybersecurity Engineer Salary
According to PayScale, the average annual cybersecurity salary of a cybersecurity engineer in the United States is $97,607 and is ₹683,339 in India.
Now, let’s move to the next role in the list of cybersecurity jobs.
4. Malware Analyst
A malware analyst identifies and examines cyber threats such as viruses, worms, bots, and trojans to understand their nature. They develop malware protection tools, and finally, they document the methods to avoid malware threats.
Malware Analyst Skills
To become a malware analyst, just like the other cybersecurity jobs, the first step is to have a degree in information technology or computer science. It’s good to have at least two years of work experience in the relevant field before becoming a malware analyst. Few other skills a malware analyst should possess are:
- Candidates must know Windows, Linux, UNIX operating systems
- Sound knowledge of C and C++ is needed
- Usage of tools like IDA Pro, OllyDbg, RegShot, and TCP view is required
- Strong communication and presentation skills
Malware Analyst Certifications
Holding a GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM) certification is a plus for point for this position.
Malware Analyst Salary
According to PayScale, the average annual cybersecurity salary of malware analysts in the United States is $92,880. According to Glassdoor, it is ₹5L in India.
Fig: Malware Analyst average annual salary in the US
That was all about the malware analyst role, moving on to our next designation.
5. Penetration Tester
A penetration tester, also commonly known as an ethical hacker, is a network security consultant who exploits a system’s vulnerabilities just like a hacker would. They design new penetration tools, and they also document the test results.
Penetration Tester Skills
To become a penetration tester, you need to have 1- 4 years of experience in information security. Given below are some other essential skills:
- Good networking skills
- Knowledge of Windows, Linux, UNIX operating systems. Also, knowledge of C, C++ is required
- Knowledge of Java, Python, and Perl is also vital
- Black box testing
- Strong reporting, communication and presentation skills
Penetration Tester Certifications
To bag this role, certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Expert Penetration Tester (CEPT), and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) will be required.
Penetration Tester Salary
According to PayScale, the average annual cybersecurity salary of a penetration tester in the United States is $125,630, and in India, it is ₹2,151,258.
Now that you have understood what a penetration tester does, let’s take a look at the next job role in our list of cybersecurity jobs.
6. Computer Forensics Analyst
Computer Forensics Analysts work on cyberattack cases to gather digital evidence and to retrieve data. They work on recovering deleted, manipulated, or stolen data.
Computer Forensics Analyst Skills
A computer forensics analyst must hold a bachelor’s degree and some work experience in the related field. In addition to that, they must have the following skills:
- Networking knowledge
- Knowledge of cybersecurity
- Understanding of law and criminal investigation
- A sound analytical mind with attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
Computer Forensics Analyst Certifications
Computer forensics analysts can hold certifications like Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) and Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)
Computer Forensics Analyst Salary
According to PayScale, the average annual cybersecurity salary of a computer forensics analyst in the United States is $75,120 and is ₹700,000 in India.
Now that we had a look at the different cybersecurity jobs let’s understand how Simplilearn can help you bag one of these top jobs.
Protect your infrastructure and secure your data by learning comprehensive approaches in our PGP in Cybersecurity. Enroll today and get hands-on experience of working for over 25 real-life projects. Contact us now!
How Can Simplilearn Help You?
We explored the prominence of various job roles in the field of cyber security in today’s times. Now, let’s understand how one can land one of these jobs. It is important to remember that cyber security certifications are of paramount importance if you want to become a cyber security professional. If you hold a good cyber security certification, then your opportunities and your visibility increase dramatically.
Employers look for candidates who possess cybersecurity certifications. Depending on your experience and expertise, you can pick up the right certification for yourself. Simplilearn offers a list of cybersecurity certifications like CEH (v10), CISSP, CISA, and CISM, to name a few.
Simplilearn also offers a Post Graduate Program in Cyber Security, which will equip you with the skills you need to become an expert in the cybersecurity domain. This course provides foundational, intermediate, and advanced security skills through industry-leading certification courses, including CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISM, CISSP, and CCSP.
There are no prerequisites to take up this program; however, knowledge of any programming language is a big plus.
Are You Ready to Become a Cybersecurity Professional?
In this article, you looked at the rise in the number of cybersecurity job openings and a couple of top-paying cybersecurity jobs. You also took a look at what Simplilearn has to offer in terms of your growth in the domain of cybersecurity. So what are you waiting for? Are you ready to get certified and become a cybersecurity professional?
Do you have any questions for us concerning cybersecurity jobs? Please mention them in the comments section of this article. Our qualified experts will get back to you as soon as possible!
FAQs
Which job has highest salary in cyber security? ›
- Bug Bounty Specialist. ...
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) ...
- Lead Software Security Engineer. ...
- Cybersecurity Sales Engineer. ...
- Cybersecurity Architect. ...
- Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator. ...
- Penetration Tester. ...
- Information Security Analyst.
Singapore was found to have the highest job availability for cybersecurity professionals, while Luxembourg pays cybersecurity experts the highest salaries.
What is the lowest salary for cyber security? ›While ZipRecruiter is seeing annual salaries as high as $139,000 and as low as $23,500, the majority of Entry Level Cyber Security salaries currently range between $44,000 (25th percentile) to $80,000 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $130,000 annually across the United States.
How much do cyber security get paid? ›U.S. News & World report ranks it as the #1 Best Job for 2022 primarily due to the job market, growth potential, and salary. According to 2020 data from the BLS, cybersecurity and information security analysts earn an average annual salary of $107,580 per year ($51.72 per hour).
What is the highest paying it job? ›- Software Engineering Manager $134,156.
- Mobile Applications Developer - $111,468.
- Information Systems Security Manager - $153,677.
- Database Manager - $58,161.
- Data Security Analyst -$71,226.
- Product Manager - $100,000.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer - $110,000.
Cyber Security Analyst Salary
The average cybersecurity salary for this position falls between $95,000 and $160,000, and they are worth every penny. These security professionals help create, plan, and carry out security measures to keep your infrastructure secure.
- Texas: 83,126 job openings. Top metro area: Dallas-Forth Worth.
- California: 77,141 job openings. Top metro area: San Francisco.
- Virginia: 56,416 job openings.
A master of science in cybersecurity is one of the most popular degree options for cybersecurity professionals. However, some students pursue closely related programs, such as a master's in computer science with a cybersecurity concentration or a master's in criminal justice with a digital forensics concentration.
How do I start a career in cyber security? ›The first thing you need to tackle when it comes to cybersecurity is the basics of IT systems and networks, for example, the different types of networks available and their protocols. Once you are familiar with the fundamentals you can delve into the basics of networking traffic, security, and communication principles.
Is cyber security a good career? ›Cybersecurity has the two key logistical advantages for a strong career: Low to no unemployment and solid compensation. Plus, if you choose this path, you'll always have room to grow. You'll continually be learning new skills and working to understand new technologies.
How hard is cyber security? ›
No, cybersecurity isn't hard. Although there may be difficult concepts, like cryptography or areas that require more technical knowledge, cybersecurity is one of the few fields in the tech world that doesn't require a strong technical background.
How long is cyber security? ›What's the duration of Cyber Security degrees? Bachelor's degrees in Cyber Security take 3 or 4 years in most countries. Master's courses in Cyber Security take between 1-2 years to complete. PhD programmes in Cyber Security last 3-5 years.
How many hours do cyber security work? ›How many hours do cyber security professionals work? Most cyber security professionals spend roughly 40 hours a week in the office for full-time employment. However, during technology releases or program updates there are often longer hours required.
Does Cyber security use coding? ›Do Cybersecurity Analysts Code? For most entry-level cybersecurity jobs, coding skills are not required. However, as cybersecurity professionals seek mid- or upper-level positions, coding may be necessary to advance in the field.
What is the future of cybersecurity? ›By 2025, 60% of organizations will use cybersecurity risk as a primary determinant in conducting third-party transactions and business engagements. By 2025, 80% of enterprises will adopt a strategy to unify web, cloud services and private application access from a single vendor's security service edge platform.
Which IT job is best for future? ›Cloud Computing Professional
The demand for cloud computing professionals is increasing steadily, and it's one of the best career options for next decade. According to a survey by IDC, 64% of Indian organizations are expected to increase cloud computing demand.
The best IT certifications that can help you kickstart a career, or move up in your AI and Machine Learning career are: Artificial Intelligence Engineer Master's Program. Post Graduate Program in Data Science. Machine Learning Certification Course.
What is the easiest IT career? ›1. Software Developer. Ranked as the second-best technology job (only beat by Systems Analyst), software development is a well-paying, rewarding field with a very promising job outlook and a relatively low barrier to entry.
Is cyber security easy to learn? ›There's a difference between difficult and challenging. Learning cybersecurity can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be difficult, especially if you're passionate about technology. Nurture a curiosity for the technologies you're working with, and you might find that challenging skills become easier.
Do girls study cyber security? ›According to this latest analysis of the profession, women make up around 24% of the cybersecurity workforce. While men still outnumber women in cybersecurity and salary disparities persist, women in the industry are benefiting from higher levels of education and are increasingly ascending to senior roles.
Is cyber security harder than coding? ›
Cyber security can sometimes be more difficult than programming because it includes many different elements, including programming itself. As a cyber security analyst , you must understand how to code, infiltrate code, and prevent infiltration. This is one of the most difficult aspects of cyber security.
What city is best for cyber security? ›- Washington, D.C. That Washington, D.C. tops this list should come as no surprise. ...
- Arlington, Virginia. ...
- New York City, New York. ...
- Dallas Fort Worth, Texas. ...
- Silicon Valley, California. ...
- Chicago, Illinois. ...
- Atlanta, Georgia. ...
- Breaking Into The Field.
Cybersecurity experts in Luxembourg earn the highest salaries and more data on cyber jobs around the world.
Where is the best place for cyber security jobs? ›...
Cybersecurity jobs on a per capita basis.
| METRO AREA | JOBS PER CAPITA |
|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria DC-VA-MD-WV | 124.69 |
| Huntsville AL | 78.14 |
| Colorado Springs CO | 69.94 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara CA | 54.45 |
Earning a cybersecurity master's degree usually takes about two years. Most programs comprise 30-36 credits. Admission to a cybersecurity graduate program requires an undergraduate degree. Most applicants hold a bachelor's in a related field such as engineering or computer science.
Do you need a masters for cyber security? ›While entry-level penetration testers may not have a specialized degree, job requirements for mid-level professionals are increasing, requiring at least a bachelor's or preferably a master's degree in cybersecurity.
What is cyber security in it? ›Cyber security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It's also known as information technology security or electronic information security.
What skills are needed for cyber security? ›- Scripting. Scripting is a type of coding in which you make a program do something. ...
- Controls and frameworks. ...
- Intrusion detection. ...
- Network security control. ...
- Operating systems. ...
- Incident response. ...
- Cloud. ...
- DevOps.
While a bachelor's degree in a related field is required for most cybersecurity positions from entry-level on up, those who aspire to the highest levels of cybersecurity and hope to have a long career in the profession should strongly consider a master's degree.
What qualifications do you need for cyber security? ›In general, a cybersecurity engineer must have the following qualifications: Degree in Computer Science, IT, Systems Engineering, or a similar field. Two years of work experience in cyber security-related duties such as incident detection and response, and forensics.
What are the four types of cyber security? ›
- Critical infrastructure security.
- Application security.
- Network security.
- Cloud security.
- Internet of Things (IoT) security.
Thanks to advancements in the right hardware and software, cyber security experts now have the capability to work from home. The necessary security software is available and networks can be accessed in remote locations.
Is cyber security math heavy? ›Most entry-level and mid-level cybersecurity positions like cybersecurity analyst aren't math intensive. There's a lot of graphs and data analysis, but the required math isn't particularly advanced. If you can handle basic programming and problem solving, you can thrive.
Can I learn cyber security in 6 months? ›A Bachelor's degree in cybersecurity will take four years to complete. You can follow it up with a two-year Master's degree. Alternatively, you can learn cybersecurity through online resources and courses. Doing so will take you anywhere from six months to a year to learn the basics and be ready for a workplace.
Is cyber security better than computer science? ›A computer science degree has a broader focus than a degree in cybersecurity, which provides a much more comprehensive examination of that field. An education in cybersecurity can also provide excellent job opportunities. U.S. News & World Report ranked the position of information security analyst at No.
Can I learn cyber security in 2 months? ›With regular study, most people will need to spend two years or more to fully understand and be able to apply basic cyber security concepts. This amount of time also depends on the background of the person and how in depth they want to learn cyber security.
Can I study cyber security online? ›Some of the top colleges and universities in the world offer massive open online courses (MOOCs). These free classes cover many topics relevant to cybersecurity professionals, including networking, operating systems, database management, and security.
How do I start a cyber security job with no experience? ›- Look at your current background and job role.
- IT Training Courses and Certifications For People With No Experience.
- Network and Use LinkedIn.
- Think Outside the Box.
- Keep a Close Eye on These Technologies.
- Salaries to Expect In Entry Level Position.
More than half (57 percent) of IT security professionals work weekends and, on average, nearly a third (29 percent) work ten hours a day, the survey of 360 information security professionals found.
Is Python needed for cyber security? ›As an entry-level cybersecurity professional, it's not mandatory to know Python, and there are so many domains in cyber which do not include the usage of Python every day. However, it's always helpful to know the basics of Python. The biggest benefit to knowing Python for cybersecurity is the ability to write scripts.
Which language is mostly used in cyber security? ›
The top programming languages used by hackers include Python, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, and C. Understanding these languages will help cybersecurity professionals counter attacks as well as understand how to defend against them.
Is Python good for cyber security? ›Is Python good for cybersecurity? Python is an extremely useful programming language for cybersecurity professionals because it can perform a multitude of cybersecurity functions, including malware analysis, scanning, and penetration testing tasks.
Where will cyber security be in 10 years? ›In the next ten years, we will see more biometrics and use additional authentication methods with the mobile devices we already have in our pockets. The role of artificial intelligence in future cybersecurity cannot be underestimated. Experts believe that AI will be a catalyst and help us deal with threats in new ways.
Who earns more data analyst or cyber security? ›Jobs in both cybersecurity and data science can provide opportunities to earn a lucrative salary. However, data scientists typically earn more than cybersecurity professionals. The average salary for a data scientist is $119,378 per year , while a cybersecurity analyst earns an average of $94,360 per year .
Is cyber security has a good future? ›Cyber security spending is unlikely to slow down any time soon. The rise in cyber attacks, especially ransomware, has fuelled the cyber insurance market. GlobalData, a leader in data and analytics, predicted that the industry would hit $8.92 billion in 2021 and more than double to $20.6 billion by 2025.
Which field in cyber security is best? ›- Chief Information Security Officer - CISO. A Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior-level officer who ensures the complete safety of information in an organization. ...
- Security Architect. ...
- Cybersecurity Engineer. ...
- Malware Analyst. ...
- Penetration Tester. ...
- Computer Forensics Analyst.
A mid-career Cyber Security Analyst with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of ₹7.6 Lakhs per year, while an experienced Cyber Security Analyst with 10-20 years of experience earns an average salary of ₹15.4 Lakhs per year. What are the top paying industries for Cyber Security Analyst in India?
Is cyber security in high demand? ›The need for cybersecurity professionals has been growing rapidly, even faster than companies can hire—and that demand is expected to continue. The number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide grew 350% between 2013 and 2021, from 1 million to 3.5 million, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.
Is cyber security a good career? ›Cybersecurity has the two key logistical advantages for a strong career: Low to no unemployment and solid compensation. Plus, if you choose this path, you'll always have room to grow. You'll continually be learning new skills and working to understand new technologies.
What skills are needed for cyber security? ›- Scripting. Scripting is a type of coding in which you make a program do something. ...
- Controls and frameworks. ...
- Intrusion detection. ...
- Network security control. ...
- Operating systems. ...
- Incident response. ...
- Cloud. ...
- DevOps.
What is the future of cybersecurity? ›
By 2025, 60% of organizations will use cybersecurity risk as a primary determinant in conducting third-party transactions and business engagements. By 2025, 80% of enterprises will adopt a strategy to unify web, cloud services and private application access from a single vendor's security service edge platform.
How do I start a career in cyber security? ›The first thing you need to tackle when it comes to cybersecurity is the basics of IT systems and networks, for example, the different types of networks available and their protocols. Once you are familiar with the fundamentals you can delve into the basics of networking traffic, security, and communication principles.
Can cyber security make 6 figures? ›Many cybersecurity jobs pay well over the six-figure mark, with some professionals earning $225,000 and more, according to research from Mondo, a recruiting firm for tech and creative companies.
What is the salary of Google cyber security engineer? ›Average Google Cyber Security Engineer salary in India is ₹ 106.7 Lakhs per year for employees with less than 1 year of experience. Cyber Security Engineer salary at Google ranges between ₹ 90 Lakhs to ₹ 116 Lakhs per year. Salary estimates are based on 3 salaries received from various employees of Google.
Is cyber security easy to learn? ›There's a difference between difficult and challenging. Learning cybersecurity can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be difficult, especially if you're passionate about technology. Nurture a curiosity for the technologies you're working with, and you might find that challenging skills become easier.
Is cyber security stressful? ›The great cybersecurity resignation
The job of defending against increasingly advanced threats on a daily and hourly basis is causing more problems than ever as 46% of respondents felt their stress had measurably increased over the last 12 months.
Cyber security is about superior managing the knowledge around exploitable vulnerabilities in information systems than adversaries do. Data science will help produce that knowledge on both sides of the fence, unless the subject moves into the knowledge management domain itself.
Is cyber security a good career in future? ›Most In-Demand Skills for Cyber Security Specialists
Without a question, the job market is expanding and will continue to expand in the future. Demand for Information Security Analysts is predicted to grow by 37% by 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Do Cybersecurity Analysts Code? For most entry-level cybersecurity jobs, coding skills are not required. However, as cybersecurity professionals seek mid- or upper-level positions, coding may be necessary to advance in the field.
How many hours do cyber security work? ›How many hours do cyber security professionals work? Most cyber security professionals spend roughly 40 hours a week in the office for full-time employment. However, during technology releases or program updates there are often longer hours required.
Do girls study cyber security? ›
According to this latest analysis of the profession, women make up around 24% of the cybersecurity workforce. While men still outnumber women in cybersecurity and salary disparities persist, women in the industry are benefiting from higher levels of education and are increasingly ascending to senior roles.