A career in cybersecurity entails entering a thriving industry with more available positions than qualified applicants. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 33% increase in cybersecurity occupations between 2020 and 2030. This need has only grown as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
As COVID-19 spread throughout the world, many organisations faced more cyber risks than ever before. Concerns have also been raised about ransomware assaults that weaponize cloud resources, making networks even more vulnerable. As a result, there are open career opportunities for anyone with the necessary skill sets.
As the importance of cybersecurity grows, more specialised professions are emerging. Starting off as a cybersecurity analyst allows you to explore the information security business based on your interests and develop the optimal career path for you. Discover the top five most common job paths in this high-demand field.
Despite COVID-19 and economic concerns, enterprises aim to increase cybersecurity workforce over the next 12 months, according to a recent ISC2 report. So, how can you get started in a profession in cyber security?
What exactly is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the protection of systems connected to the internet against cyber-attacks, including their hardware, software, and data. People and businesses use the technology to prevent unauthorized access to data centres and other digital systems.
A solid cybersecurity plan can provide a strong defence against hostile attacks aimed at gaining access to, altering, deleting, destroying, or extorting critical data and systems belonging to a business or user. Security measures are critical in preventing attacks that attempt to disable or damage the functionality of a system or device.
Many businesses, financial institutions, and government agencies are looking forward to protecting their data from hackers or cybercriminals. Engineers, pen testers, security testers, and other experts must manage these assaults to prevent them.
Why is cyber security important?
Cybersecurity is vital in a variety of industries, including government organisations, startups, medium and big businesses, and even personal use. But why is security so crucial to you?
Simple firewalls and antivirus software are no longer sufficient security safeguards. Cyber risks can enter your organisation at any level. As a result, educate your employees about common scams such as phishing, ransomware assaults, and other software aimed to steal intellectual property or personal information.
Cybersecurity risk is increasing, and your firm cannot fight itself against data breach operations without its assistance.
Important steps to begin a career in cybersecurity include:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline is required.
- Understanding of firewalls and various types of endpoint security.
- Knowledge of programming languages/tools such as C++, Java, Node, Python, Ruby, Go, or Power Shell is advantageous.
- The ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced atmosphere on a regular basis.
- Have a keen eye for detail and exceptional problem-solving abilities.
- Knowledge of the most recent Cyber Security trends and hacker methods.
How can you get started in cybersecurity?
To get started with cybersecurity, you must first comprehend the following Cyber Security Prerequisites:
In general, the following are required for Cyber Security:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline is required.
- Understanding of firewalls and various types of endpoint security.
- Knowledge of programming languages/tools such as C++, Java, Node, Python, Ruby, Go, or Power Shell is advantageous.
- The ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced atmosphere on a regular basis.
- Have a keen eye for detail and exceptional problem-solving abilities.
- Knowledge of the most recent Cyber Security trends and hacker methods.
- It should be noted that different organizations may have different requirements.
The Top Problem-Solving Skills Required for Cybersecurity Jobs:
- Technical Knowledge of Security Across Multiple Platforms
- Fundamental Cyber Forensics Skills: Attention to Detail
- An Interest in Learning About Hacking
- The capacity to make confident decisions and demonstrate initiative. The ability to perform successfully under pressure and fulfill tight deadlines.
- to be organized and capable of managing their own time
- The ability to think creatively and outside the box.
- Strong communication skills and the capacity to adjust communication techniques to varied audiences are required.
- to have a firm grasp of confidentiality problems and related laws
- Curiosity and a deep interest in the IT sector
Choosing a Career in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity provides a variety of opportunities for job candidates to establish and advance their careers. This interactive career pathway depicts the most important positions in the cybersecurity business, as well as popular pathways for between-position transitions and detailed information on remuneration, qualifications, and skill requirements for each position.
Examine entry-level, mid-level, and advanced-level cyber security career paths.
| Entry Level | Mid level | Advanced Level |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | CyberSecurity Analyst | Cyber Security manager |
| Cyber Crime Analyst | Cyber Security Consultant | Cyber Security engineer |
| Incident Response Analyst | Penetration Tester | CISO |
| Risk Analyst | Testing and Hacking | CIO |
| IT Auditor | Management and Administration | Engineering and Architecture |
Below are the median salary of cyber security professionals In India
| Designation | Salary (LPA in INR) |
| Cyber Security Specialist | 11.31 |
| Cyber Crime Analyst | 7.6 |
| Incident Response Analyst | 31.2 |
| Risk Analyst | 15.3 |
| Cyber Security Analyst | 7.5 |
| Cyber Security Consultant | 9.5 |
| Penetration Tester | 12.0 |
| Cyber Security Manager | 22.0 |
| Chief Information Security Officer | 76.0 |
Careers in Cybersecurity
Because cybersecurity is such a broad field, there are numerous career routes available. Keep in mind that cybersecurity job titles may differ from one firm to the next, but here are some frequent roles:
Cybersecurity generalist: A jack of all skills for small businesses.
Network security engineers: Network security engineers are responsible for managing their company’s network security, which includes everything from firewalls to routers to VPNs. They are typically seen in larger corporations.
Cloud security engineer: The primary responsibility of this profession is to provide security for cloud-based platforms.
Application security specialists: These are the people who defend applications from attacks by combining hardware and software skills.
Identity and Access Management engineer: A cybersecurity sub-field that focuses on digital identities within an enterprise to maintain proper system levels and prevent unauthorized use.
Security Architects: Security architects are responsible for planning, constructing, and managing the implementation of a company’s network and computer security.
Penetration Testers: Penetration testers are those who are paid to lawfully break into software systems in order to uncover weaknesses.
Malware/Forensics analyst: These are the folks who dig up the malware.
Incident response analysts: These are the individuals who respond to any form of a security breach in order to reduce harm.
Cryptographer: This position entails encrypting sensitive information to preserve business secrecy.
Employees are trained in security techniques by a security trainer.
Cybersecurity Engineer: Creates, develops and deploys network solutions to protect against cyber threats.
Salary Trends in Cybersecurity
Last but not least, the remuneration is commendable, as cybersecurity has a competitive pay scale! We have published average salaries for numerous nations below:
Average annual wage in the United Kingdom: £50,000-80,000
The average annual salary in the United States is between $75,000 and $120,000.
In Canada, the average annual wage ranges from $80,000 to $150,000.
The average annual salary in Australia is between $A75,000 and $135,000.
In India, the average annual wage is 608,750.
Begin Your Career in Cybersecurity Today
In today’s digital age, almost every firm requires a security specialist! There has never been a more exciting time to begin a career in cybersecurity. There are several cybersecurity employment possibilities available across all sectors and businesses if you are competent in security practices and have relevant experience.
