Cybersecurity professionals can work in many different areas to protect sensitive data from bad actors. After gaining industry experience, they can pursue management roles to oversee departments and conduct organizational security efforts.
The following section examines common online tasks.
Chief Information Security Officer
Average annual salary: Around $184,000
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science and computer technology, master’s degree often preferred
Job description: CISOs plan, manage and assess cyber risks. These senior experts and executives oversee and implement the organization’s cyber and information security efforts. The CISO, who may carry the title of chief security officer, often works with other executives to minimize the harm associated with a breach and ensure that the security program meets organizational goals. .
Larger employers may require CISOs to have seven to 10 years of experience in information security and/or cybersecurity. Many hiring managers look for candidates with a master’s degree, but more professional experience often stands for formal education.
Although certification is not required for the role, CISOs can pursue related credentials such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Chief Information Security Officer to increase energy and work capacity.
Information Security Analyst
Median Annual Salary: $90,000
Required Education: Advanced degree and experience, Bachelor’s in computer science preferred
Job description: Information security analysts help organizations by scanning computer systems and networks for potential breaches. They use data encryption software and firewalls to protect data and communications. These professionals set the company’s security standards and implement security best practices while staying abreast of changes and trends in the field.
Information security analysts work primarily in computer systems design and related work, along with the financial and insurance sectors. They often work with computer systems analysts and network administrators, requiring strong collaboration skills.
Most employers are looking to hire applicants with certifications in the field, such as CISSP. These professionals can also pursue the certification of information systems engineer (CISA), certified ethical hacker (CEH) and CISSP.
Security Architect
Average annual salary: Around $153,000
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, MBA in information systems cyber threats
Job description: Security architects plan and build secure networks for businesses and organizations. These systems can include traditional local areas and wide area networks, along with modern technologies such as cloud computing. Their work also includes researching emerging network technologies and presenting their findings to stakeholders to recommend innovations and improvements.
These professionals use network penetration tests, or ‘ethical hacks’ to conduct good faith audits to test the effectiveness of security measures in place. Security architects, like other cybersecurity professionals, also assess cyber attacks and breaches to assess damage and plan data recovery efforts.
Although security architects do not need certification, they can seek certifications such as certified systems security practitioner, cloud security professional, and CISSP to demonstrate their knowledge and his commitment to the field.
Defense Engineer
Average annual salary: Around $89,000
Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or related field and experience
Job description: Security engineers design and monitor networks for organizations to protect sensitive information and data. They may conduct vulnerability testing to find areas for improvement and implement network upgrades to protect against breaches.
These engineers establish organizational best practices, train colleagues on security measures and ensure timely updates for networked devices. They also investigate cyberattacks to identify attackers and prevent future offenses. After intervention, security engineers can gather information about the attack and implement efforts to mitigate data loss and future attacks.
Like other information security and cybersecurity professionals, security engineers can increase their earning potential and competitiveness in the job market by earning a certification. certification such as CISM or CISSP.
