As technology continues to advance and play a bigger role in our daily lives, the cybersecurity path has become an increasingly important field. With the growing number of cyber-attacks and data breaches, organizations are in need of professionals who can protect their networks and sensitive information. In this article, we’ll take a look at some popular cybersecurity careers, their national average salaries, and their primary duties.
First, let’s take a look at systems integration engineering. According to data from Indeed, the national average salary for this role is $64,977 per year [1]. Systems integration engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex IT systems for organizations. This can include everything from networks and servers to software and hardware. They work closely with other IT professionals, such as network administrators and software developers, to ensure that all systems are functioning properly and are secure from cyber threats.
Another popular cybersecurity career is security systems administrator. The average salary for this role is $73,398 [2]. As a security systems administrator, you’ll be responsible for managing and maintaining an organization’s cybersecurity systems. This can include firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and other security software. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring network traffic for potential threats and responding to any security incidents that occur.
Pursuing a career in cybersecurity is a great choice, as the demand for professionals in this field is expected to increase by 35 percent between 2021 and 2031 [3]. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this demand, as more and more organizations are relying on technology to keep their operations running smoothly.
If you’re interested in a career in cybersecurity, there are many different options to choose from. Some popular roles include:
- Penetration Tester: Penetration testers simulate cyber attacks on an organization’s systems to identify vulnerabilities. They use their knowledge of hacking techniques to identify and exploit weaknesses in an organization’s defenses.
- Cybersecurity analyst: Cybersecurity analysts monitor networks for suspicious activity and analyze security breaches to determine how they occurred. They use this information to recommend and implement security measures to prevent similar breaches in the future.
- incident responders: incident responders are responsible for identifying, containing, and removing threats to an organization’s systems. They work quickly to minimize the damage caused by a security incident.
- Cybersecurity consultant: Cybersecurity consultants work with organizations to help them identify and mitigate cyber threats. They may provide training, perform penetration testing, or help organizations develop and implement security policies.
There are many other cybersecurity roles, but these are some of the most popular and in demand. In general, cybersecurity professionals can expect to earn a good salary, with many roles paying six figures or more.
Top 10 options for cybersecurity path and cybersecurity roles
- Penetration Tester
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Incident Responder
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Network Security Engineer
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Information Security Manager
- Cybersecurity Architect
- Cybercrime Investigator
- Cyber Forensics Analyst.
Conclusion
anyone looking for a demanding and fulfilling career should consider a career in cybersecurity. Organizations want experts who can safeguard their networks and sensitive data due to the rise in cyberattacks and data breaches. It’s a terrific time to work in cybersecurity because it is predicted that demand will grow by 35% between 2021 and 2031.
Systems integration engineering, security systems administrator, penetration tester, cybersecurity analyst, incident responder, and cybersecurity consultant are just a few of the various professions available in the field of cybersecurity. The specific skills and expertise needed for each function vary, but they all have as their common objective securing an organization’s IT infrastructure and sensitive data from online threats.
Professionals in the field of cybersecurity can typically expect to make a solid living, with many positions paying six figures or more. Furthermore, there are prospects for development and progress in this industry, and many people go on to hold management positions like information security manager or cybersecurity architect.
Consider getting a degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a similar topic, as well as appropriate certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker, if you want to work in the sector (CEH). Additionally, participating in volunteer or internship programmes might help you get practical experience.
An overall satisfying and difficult experience, as well as a high earning potential, are all offered by a career in cybersecurity. It’s a good idea to start looking into your options and figuring out the best course for you right now as the need for cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue to increase.