Top cyber security jobs: salaries, skills & requirements

Cyber security, once affiliated with government agencies and military contractors, has increasingly reached the common public. Businesses hire cyber security specialists to secure sensitive data against cyber attacks. According to polls conducted by job analytics agencies, job postings for cyber security professionals have increased 3 times greater than those for other IT professions. Continue reading to discover more about the best cyber security jobs.

Chief information security officer (CISO)

A chief information security officer is an essential part of any organization’s security program. A CISO monitors enterprise-wide security and privacy. He handles IT-related risks and protects a company’s information, personnel, and assets against cyberattacks.

This function is critical in large businesses since corporate data and intellectual property (IP) are important targets for hackers attempting to damage or disrupt business. They are in charge of safeguarding data against external threats and ensuring its integrity within a company.

In some instances, CISOs are in charge of safeguarding personally identifiable information, such as credit card transactions and medical data. Most CISO jobs need a bachelor’s degree in computer science; however, many possess further degrees in information security and certifications such as CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor).

This position requires at least seven to ten years of expertise in IT and should be held by those that are well-versed in federal cybersecurity laws and regulations.

Average Salary – $176,131 (per year)

Ethical hacker

To be an ethical hacker, one must understand computer and networking security. An ethical hacker must be able to discover potential vulnerabilities in a system or network so that they may be fixed before any cyber attack.

Ethical hackers frequently have extensive programming languages and software skills, as well as access to typical hacking tools. Companies may employ these experts to evaluate their systems for vulnerabilities or flaws that might lead to a system breach or data theft.

Average Salary – $119,289 (per year)

Application security (AppSec)

Application security software engineers are in charge of two things: securing apps and safeguarding data from external and internal assaults.

An AppSec engineer examines how applications manage a company’s data. They provide methods to guarantee those bad actors are unable to exploit vulnerabilities in an app. They also figure out how to keep client data secure while allowing apps to work properly.

Most entry-level application security engineers have bachelor’s degrees in computer science or information systems and are familiar with Linux, C++, and cloud computing ideas. Over the next five years, job growth for these individuals is predicted to climb by 164%.

Average Salary – $111,938 (per year)

Penetration Tester

Pentesters, or penetration testers, are in charge of evaluating computer networks and applications for security flaws. The position necessitates a rare mix of technical ability, inventiveness, problem-solving talents, and an expert-level understanding of application protocols. They are charged with locating vulnerabilities in software or hardware by prodding at every exposed inch until they locate anything weak.

Companies employ them to improve overall security and analyze their capabilities to prevent future assaults. Penetration testers should be well-versed in software development methodologies, computer languages, and networks. They require a unique emphasis on information security because one of their primary responsibilities is to determine whether firms have installed appropriate cyberattack defenses.

Average salary – $102,405 (per year)

Cloud Security Specialist

Cloud security professionals are in great demand as firms shift away from on-premises IT and toward cloud-based technologies. They are in charge of safeguarding data saved by cloud-based apps, end-users, and systems.

Their responsibilities are comparable to those of a cybersecurity engineer or computer forensic investigator. They must, however, be familiar with a variety of technologies, including public clouds, virtualized servers, storage, backup devices, and networking equipment.

A cloud security expert can set up and administer a data storage system on the cloud. Protecting information from illegal access and managing potential data breaches would be among the responsibilities.

Average salary – $87,220 (per year)

Information security analyst

Information security analysts develop and execute corporate information security policies that protect computer networks from internal and external security threats. They advise management on IT budgeting, data management, disaster recovery, and government compliance.

Information security analysts monitor systems to ensure that they have been operating effectively and in compliance with corporate strategy. For information security positions, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline is frequently necessary. A background in programming, as well as a degree in business and management, is typically desirable. The majority of entry-level jobs require between one and three years of experience.

Average salary – $99,275 (per year)

Cybersecurity Project Manager

A cybersecurity project manager is accountable for the effective completion of digital security initiatives. A project manager’s precise roles and responsibilities will differ from one business to the next, but there are some characteristics that everyone must possess.

Most project managers, regardless of their specialty, must be capable of creating goals and success indicators, monitoring progress, interacting with team members, making decisions on behalf of their company’s higher management, and applying critical thinking abilities to enhance business processes.

These characteristics are useful when working with technology teams or other organizations to build new goods or services for customers or consumers.

Average salary – $86,163 (per year)

Key Takeaways

• The surge in demand for talented cyber security specialists, and a shortage of available talent, has resulted in high compensation and outstanding perks for eligible applicants.
• With so many cybersecurity roles available, having the correct skills might help you land a job. Begin by developing your technical and workplace expertise through online courses, boot camps, or self-study to prepare for a position in cybersecurity.
• According to Cisco Systems, there is a significant scarcity of cyber security personnel, particularly those with data science capabilities. Because of this scarcity, many computer scientists, particularly those in the IT area, are looking for jobs in cyber security.

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Liked this blog? Read next: Ethical hacking | 11 things you need to know about this discipline

FAQs

Q1. What sorts of businesses are looking for cyber security candidates? 

Answer – Cybersecurity is a priority for every organization that uses computer systems. Cybersecurity specialists may find work in a wide range of sectors. The government is a significant employer of cybersecurity professionals. Every government agency in the United States employs cybersecurity specialists, particularly the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Q2. What kind of cybersecurity jobs can you do remotely?‎

Answer – Remote work is becoming increasingly popular, and cybersecurity positions are perfectly suited to it. The majority of job listings will specify whether remote work is a possibility.

Q3. Are there any jobs in cybersecurity that do not require programming?‎

Answer – While you may enter the field of cybersecurity without knowledge of programming languages, it is considered a valuable skill set, particularly as you seek to advance your career. Research shows that Python is among the key skills needed for a career in cybersecurity.