As we continue to move forward in the digital industry, the threats and risks present are also increasing. The problem is that there’s a lack of trained professionals that can handle these issues. And this puts skilled people in cyber security in high demand. In this article, we’ll explore the current trends in the cyber security industry, the benefits of having a related job, and the best cyber security jobs you can consider in 2024.
What’s Going On in the Current Cyber Security Industry?
Last year’s cybersecurity space saw an increase in black hat attacks that involve advanced threats like ransomware, Internet-of-Things (IoT) vulnerabilities, and those driven by artificial intelligence (AI). But these problems are only three of the many cyber concerns there are. Attacks on automotive APIs rose by a massive 380% in 2022, even when preventive measures and fortified cybersecurity protection have been employed. Cloud security is also a major concern, especially with an increasing number of businesses moving their data and operations to the cloud. As a result, data breaches in the first six months of 2022 were rampant, with 817 incidents affecting more than 53 million individuals. According to the 2021 Internet Crime Report of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), cybercrime victims lost about $6.9 billion. The said report also cited 3,729 complaints related to ransomware and over 11,000 cases of phishing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasted employment in the cybersecurity industry to grow by 35% from 2021 to 2031. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, skilled professionals who can catch and respond to them effectively are in high demand.
Benefits of a Career in Cyber Security
With cybersecurity as one of the most crucial industries in the world, there are a lot of benefits you can get when you enter a related career. For one, there are low chances of you getting unemployed (unless you choose to), given the high and still growing need for experts. Here are other advantages of getting a cybersecurity job.
Competitive Salary
As with any other market, the value of something or someone increases as it gets rarer. There is a shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals on a global scale, which translates to higher job offers. The cyber industry is expected to continue evolving, which may also mean more points that can be exploited by black hat actors. As the field grows, the salaries of cybersecurity experts are likely to rise further. Of course, this is also subject to what degree you finished and your skill level.
Surplus of Jobs
Cybersecurity isn’t confined to one specialty, as it’s crucial in aspects like network security and digital forensics. Other jobs also involve database administration, investigation of cybercrimes, ethical hacking, and more practices. Such diversity allows you to explore fields you’re interested in and find opportunities for growth at the same time.
Unlimited Skill Growth
Cyber threats will only continue to advance and become more complex with the introduction of new technology. Hence, some solutions and preventive measures that work today might not be as effective in the future. Having a strong knowledge of the latest trends in the cybersecurity industry, such as any form of newly invented malware and hacking techniques, is a key requirement. While this seems to be difficult to keep up with, it allows you to continue upskilling on the run. This also keeps the career refreshing with the new challenges and learning curves you face.
Remote Work Setup
One of the best but often ignored benefits of cybersecurity careers is the freedom to do your work remotely. Most cybersecurity jobs can be done over the Internet, where virtually every part of the job is in. This allows you to have a better work-life balance and increases working flexibility.
10 Best Cyber Security Jobs
The most popular jobs involve testing how weak or strong a system is, designing the security of networks, and fortifying software security. Discover which careers in cybersecurity would present you with the best salaries and growth opportunities below.
1. Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker
Salary: $97,000 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or other relevant programs
- At least one to four years of experience in the field
- Experience using penetration testing tools like Kali Linux and Wireshark
All systems aren’t invincible from cyber attacks the moment they have been created — they’re dotted with holes that can be exploited. That’s where penetration testers or ethical hackers come into the picture. Penetration testers simulate attacks that will help find the weaknesses that can easily be breached in a particular system. This involves the usage of penetration tools, and even the design of a new one, to conduct experiments. When doing the simulated cyberattack, pen testers have every detail documented of how they bypassed the existing security measures of the system. This reveals how likely a company is able to successfully thwart attacks from malicious hackers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Designing and executing penetration tests that will thoroughly examine the security protocols of varying systems
- Organizing test findings, either in technical or nonprofessional language based on the audience, depending on the outcomes of the examination
- Recommending steps to further strengthen and eliminate found weak points in the tested system
Key Skills:
- Strong knowledge of operating systems like Linus, Windows, and UNIX
- Proficiency in various programming languages, including Bash, C, C++, Java, Perl, Python, and Ruby
- Adeptness in black box testing
- Excellent knowledge of networking protocols and practices
- Strong writing and oral communication skills for explanation and reporting of findings
Certifications
2. Information Security Analyst
Salary: $89,900 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or MBA in information systems
- At least 3 years of experience
- Good command of firewalls and various IDPS concepts
Cyberattacks can occur anytime and are usually hard to notice. The job of information security analysts is to monitor any changes in a company’s networks and make the right judgments in case of suspicious activities. After resolving an attack, infosec analysts also prepare the necessary documentation. Meanwhile, it’s also a key requirement for them to stay in the know of the latest trends in cybersecurity, which is crucial in assessing monitored systems. Industries that are in high demand for information security analysts include information, computer systems, insurance, and finance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Keeping an eye on the overall security — network, software, and physical security — of a company
- Detection and investigation of security breaches in case of occurrence
- Protecting private information using data encryption techniques and firewalls
- Keeping tabs with up-to-date news and trends in the information technology space
- Designing and developing security practices to ensure minimal risk
- Doing compliance control testing procedures
Key Skills:
- Proficiency in using standard tools like Apache Ant, Blackboard, and Django
- Strong command of computer systems and digital networks for analyzing points of enhancements in security
- Great attention to detail for accurate and timely detection of cyber threats and attacks
- Excellent problem-solving skills to effectively respond to security breaches
- Creative ability for developing preventive measures against information security risks
- Strong oral and written communication skills for reporting findings and giving relevant recommendations
Certifications
3. Cybersecurity Engineer
Salary: $98,900 per year
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, system engineering, information technology, and relevant backgrounds
- At least 2 years of experience in cybersecurity
- Strong proficiency in maintaining and operating endpoint security measures and firewalls
Companies don’t need to wait for someone to attack them before setting up defensive measures against cyber threats. That’s where cybersecurity engineers come in. They’re responsible for designing and implementing measures that aim to thwart potential threats in cyberspace. After setting up protective systems, they also need to constantly monitor and enhance them to ensure up-to-date security. A good example of this is firewall maintenance and the implementation of various routing methods. While a degree is usually needed for a cybersecurity engineering role, those with at least two to four years of experience may bag the position. You do need to earn a master’s degree, though, to advance to senior roles.
Key Responsibilities:
- Implementing various actions essential to ensuring the safety of the institution’s physical and network security
- Assessing the existing security measures of the organization and developing suitable enhancements and best practices
- Handling any kind of breaches in security and implementing remedial actions
- Providing technical support to other departments to ensure a secure working environment
- Performing vulnerability testing and risk analyses
Key Skills:
- Strong knowledge of various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and UNIX
- Proficiency in programming languages such as C, C++, Java, Python, and Ruby
- Excellent understanding of network protocols and security best practices
- Experience with firewall administration and maintenance
- Good problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure
- Effective communication skills for collaborating with other team members and stakeholders
Certifications
