THROUGH Sydney lakeSep 26, 2022 at 1:59 p.m
Graduates await the start of the graduation ceremony at California State University in Los Angeles, as seen in May 2022. (Photo by Brittany Murray – MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram/Getty Images)
Cyberattacks and data breaches are becoming more common – and big companies are not immune. Transportation giant Uber recently suffered a massive cyberattack that crippled many of its internal communications systems and previously said it was displaying objectionable messages and photos wealth Reporting.
As the threat of cyber attacks becomes a more pressing issue, C-suite executives are being forced to take a look at their bottom line and take these challenges more seriously. In fact, a focus on cybersecurity needs to start in the boardroom, argues Steve Morgan, founder of Cybersecurity Ventures. CEOs at each wealth 500 companies and medium-to-large organizations should include members with cybersecurity experience on their board, he says.
“That could be him [chief information security officer (CISO)] or an outside executive with real-world cybersecurity experience,” he previously said wealth. “Do it now to protect your business, not after a breach or hack to protect your reputation.”
Cybersecurity talent extends beyond the boardroom, however. Businesses need more cybersecurity talent coming down the pipeline for entry-level and mid-level jobs that can command six-figure salaries. While more experienced professionals are likely to earn higher salaries, many cybersecurity jobs pay more than other tech jobs. An information security analyst (usually an entry-level cybersecurity position) made a median salary of $102,600 in 2021, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Labor.
And industry professionals are likely to continue bringing home oversize checks. Between 2020 and 2021, some cybersecurity salaries rose more than 16% to well over the six-figure mark, according to a 2021 report by Dice, a tech recruiting platform.
For professionals who have earned their master’s degree in cybersecurity, attended some online courses or recently completed further training in their company, wealth has compiled a list of some of the highest paid roles related to cybersecurity. While CISOs can bring home paychecks close to a million dollars, this list gives you a good idea of what base you can have for your cybersecurity industry revenue.
Cyber Security Manager
Average salary: $151,902 according to Glassdoor
Job description: Cybersecurity managers oversee channels that flow “in and out of an organization’s information network,” according to Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement. They also oversee security systems and teams, keeping an eye out for potential network vulnerabilities that would help prevent attacks.
Education: According to Indeed, many cybersecurity managers have earned a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, computer engineering, information assurance, or another technology-related field. Some of these professionals also earn additional certifications.
Cyber Security Engineer
Average salary: $100,303 according to Glassdoor
Job description: According to ZipRecruiter, a cybersecurity engineer is responsible for preventing database and network attacks, which means these professionals are tasked with using hardware, firewalls, and encryption to protect data. Both build security systems and protect a company’s IT infrastructure.
Education: This job often requires a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field. Some cybersecurity engineers also choose to pursue a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in the field if they are interested in middle to upper management positions.
penetration tester
Average salary: According to Indeed, $121,378
Job description: Penetration testers, better known as “pen testers” or “ethical hackers,” essentially simulate cyberattacks on corporate computer systems to scan for vulnerabilities. They often try to breach large computer systems and research and experiment with different types of attacks.
Education: Penetration testers typically work at least to develop technical skills and then earn a degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or a related field. They also often earn cybersecurity certifications, including PenTest+.
Cyber Security Analyst
Average salary: $113,270 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job description: Cybersecurity analysts work to protect companies’ hardware, software, and networks from cyberattacks. These professionals need to understand the company’s technical infrastructure to be successful in their jobs. You also need to anticipate when cyberattacks might occur.
Education: Cybersecurity analysts often have a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field. You’ll also earn certifications, including CISSP, one of the most coveted credentials in cybersecurity.
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