What is the Career Path for Cyber Security?

Today, any business or brand that wants to prosper must delve into techniques to show its online presence. Although such an online presence brings the company closer to potential clients, it also exposes the business, its apps, and its services to cybercriminals. Cisco's study found that in 2020-21, 86 percent of organizations had at least one user trying to connect to a phishing site. Cryptomining, trojans, DNS tunneling, ransomware, DDoS, adware, penetration using exploit kits, man-in-the-middle, zero-day exploitation, persistent threat, etc., are some of the cyber-attacks carried out on a massive scale.

For defending against such a tremendous increase in cyber threats, companies need to hire cybersecurity professionals. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows that the number of Cybersecurity & Information Security Analyst job roles is growing. We will witness a growth of 33 percent in this decade (2020-2030). It shows an average increase of 8 percent across all cybersecurity job roles. If you are an aspirant who wants to build your cybersecurity career, this article is for you.

Prerequisites for a Cyber Security Career

If you are passionate about technology and understanding the critical infrastructure and attack vectors that various tech systems face, cybersecurity is the best path for your career. For an entry-level job, usually, most companies demand graduation in Computer Science, Information Technology, and any other similar vertical. Along with a degree, industry-grade cybersecurity certifications also enhance your chances of getting a job. As a prerequisite for a cyber security career path, one should have a complete understanding of computer hardware, software, networking systems, programming (in most cases), and other emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, edge computing, artificial intelligence, etc. Certificate cybersecurity courses from top course-providing companies like Scalar and certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Licensed Penetration Tester (L|PT), CompTIA security+, and EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (EC|SA) can also help.

Getting Started

"Large-scale disruptions to everyday life are viewed as opportunities to cybercriminals," said Brad Puckett, global portfolio director for cybersecurity at Global Knowledge. He also added, "Changes in position, posture or circumstance mean possible open doors and expose vulnerabilities while workforce and infrastructure are strained and distracted. Cybersecurity careers become increasingly secure & positions valued as uncertainty grows in the enterprise." The cybersecurity career path is a booming domain, as numerous companies are hiring for different roles, which we will discuss in the coming sections.

Since new technologies are getting implemented, enterprises should bolster more security measures. Hence, the cybersecurity career path is in demand. If there is technology to benefit someone, cyber criminals will be there to breach, harm, or damage these technologies. Thus, it is apparent that someone has to be there to prevent the system and its information from illicit activities. In this section, we will take a closer look at the various levels of cybersecurity jobs, the skill required, and their salary.

a. Entry-level Cybersecurity Jobs

These are early-career job roles that aspirants and professionals can choose at the beginning of their careers. Let us explore the different jobs that come under it.

• Cybersecurity engineer: It is the starting level of a cybersecurity career path where the engineer is responsible for identifying the security robustness in systems like endpoint devices and network systems like routers, switches, etc. They ensure that the organization is safe from security breaches and gaps. They must be skilled in networking, cloud computing, and endpoint systems or better understand how endpoint detection and response work.

• Incident Response Analyst: These analysts are cybersecurity professionals who respond to incidents when a cyber attack occurs. They will analyze, investigate, and react to cyber threats to prevent enterprise systems from security breaches. Moreover, they are also responsible for proactively identifying threats, & containing and eradicating them with proper reporting. Understanding of network architecture, security systems, protocols, and security tools like Netcat, NMAP, Metasploit, Nessus, etc., is essential to set a cyber security career path as an incident response analyst. It is better to have industry-level certifications like GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), EC-Council Certified Incident Handler, GIAC Critical Controls Certification (GCCC), etc., to get a job in this role.

• Risk analyst: Risk analysts are mostly entry-level cybersecurity professionals accountable for accomplishing regular assessments of various enterprise-level cybersecurity landscapes. They analyze and check the security measures and postures implemented and recommend improvements or changes as per policies & enhancements. They examine numerous security services like access controls, compliances, and hardware & software systems like firewalls, IAMs, etc., for operational effectiveness. They must also keep themselves up-to-date with the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and attack techniques and analyze enterprise systems for resilience. They must have proficiency in data risk, data governance, security architecture, etc. They must have proficiency in data risk, data governance, security architecture, etc. Certification courses like Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can help aspirants start a cybersecurity career path as risk analysts.

b. Mid-level Cybersecurity Jobs

After 2 to 5 years of experience, cybersecurity escalades their job profiles. Companies are more responsible for these mid-level roles for maintaining the potent security of the enterprise systems.

• Forensic analysts: They are cyber threat investigators who look for various digital evidence and solve the mystery of who is behind any crime. They recover data and uncover the unknown behind cyber threats, attacks, or how a breach took place. They are skilled professionals who have to collaborate with other cybersecurity professionals like incident response and risk management teams. They also need to understand sensitive data handling and analyzing security tools like firewalls, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems, web apps, databases, security logs, etc. Enterprise-grade certifications like Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), and GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) can help professionals set their careers in mid-level cybersecurity roles.

• Cybersecurity exploitation and malware analysts: They will examine various systems along with cybersecurity engineers and risk analysts to determine if the enterprise systems have exploitable vulnerabilities. They will emulate real-world attacks to identify the most vulnerable areas in customer-facing apps and enterprise systems. Exploitation analysts will examine various malware & exploits detected by security systems. It will help them understand the attack pattern and the group of employees getting targeted. They are the in-house team who works with freelance penetration testers and red teams to enhance enterprise security. These professionals are skilled cybersecurity professionals in multiple technical domains, especially examining exploits and malware programs. Certifications like Certified Vulnerability Researcher and Exploitation Specialist can help professionals get such jobs.

• Penetration testers: Pen testers & licensed penetration testers simulate and perform attacks on enterprise systems, servers, web applications, and networks. They intend to recognize vulnerabilities within the target system and report them with appropriate proof of concept. Enterprises often hire these professionals who are skilled in hacking multiple systems. Some organizations also outsource them or hire them as freelancers. They have proficiency in skills like web pen-testing, & vulnerability assessment through SQLi, XSS, CSRF, broken access control, insecure design, outdated apps & services, etc. They are skilled in languages like SQL, JavaScript, Python, Java, etc. They also have a clear understanding of how APIs, protocols, and network services work. Some of the well-known certifications that can lead aspirants and professionals into penetration testing are Licensed Penetration Testers (LPT), CompTIA PenTest+, GIAC Penetration Testers, Offensive Security Certified Professionals (OSCP), GIAC Web Application Penetration Testers (GWAPT), etc.

• Data privacy professionals: Online privacy has become an alarming concern. Most news headlines cover data breaches and privacy leakage of employees and users across the globe. Numerous apps and services do not bother about employees' and users' data. That is where companies have to hire data privacy professionals. They are experts in handling sensitive data-driven systems and determining which app reveals corporate data to the dark web & which one stays in line with the policies. They are also experts in understanding the depth of agreements that online services ask users to accept/tick before using them. These professionals had to stay sharp so that the company's customer data does not get into the wrong hands. Some well-known certifications that can lead professionals to such mid-level cybersecurity career paths are Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT), HealthCare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner (HCISPP), Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), Certified in Data Protection (CDP), etc.

• Cybersecurity auditor: Cybersecurity auditors are professionals with the skill to audit various security postures and infrastructures of the system. As cybersecurity auditors, professionals must work closely with cybersecurity professionals, penetration testers, developers, testers, etc., to identify vulnerabilities, check the reports and analytics generated by security solutions, and respond to them. They do not just audit the entire enterprise infrastructure but also recommend ways to fix vulnerabilities. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) are well-known certifications that can help professionals get an upper edge in getting the auditor's job in the cyber security career path.

c. Senior-level Cybersecurity Jobs

Leadership cybersecurity positions are critical to the enterprise. They shape the cybersecurity posture not merely for the organization they are working for but lead the industry also. They have hands-on and research-oriented skills. They set benchmarks and determine appropriate responses that numerous other cybersecurity professionals follow. Professionals usually get senior cybersecurity roles after 10 to 15 years of experience.

• Chief Information Security Officer: Chief information security officers (CISOs) are highly intellectual cybersecurity professionals responsible for protecting enterprise-critical data from cybercriminals and adversaries. They ensure the entire corporate infrastructure remains protected with adequate security measures. They manage and lead auditors, privacy experts, penetration testers, and mid-level cybersecurity professionals. As data and information have become the new gold, companies collect more and more consumer data. To protect such a massive set of consumer data, such top & senior-grade roles are essential. They deal with privacy, customer experience, security, compliance, set policies, rules, and other cyber hygiene within the organization. CISOs are high-demand professionals in the cybersecurity industry. EC Council's Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), GIAC Security Leadership (GSLC), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are top-notch certifications that can help professionals get into an officer-level cybersecurity career path.

• Chief Information Officers (CIOs): It is another essential and top-level role in any organization where the professional has to take care of the overall information security of an organization. As companies collect more and more data, it is the role of the CIO to maintain information/data practices. They set distinct policies and norms that every cybersecurity professional and other employees must follow. Professionals get into this cybersecurity career path after 15+ years of experience. In this career roadmap, the professional has to have a holistic idea of all the technologies the organization use. GIAC Strategic Planning Policy & Leadership (GSPPL), Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), etc., are some well-known certifications that one can opt for to get into this top-grade role.

Key Cybersecurity Skills to Acquire

Let us explore some outstanding cybersecurity skills one should acquire to get from the beginning to a senior-level profession with experience.

1. Scripting: Scripting is a form of coding that allows the computer to do something. Developing tools or software or performing repetitive tasks based on certain conditions require scripting. Python and JavaScript are popular scripting languages that cybersecurity professionals use for developing security solutions and tools. Even scripting helps professionals identify bugs in systems & apps and secure them through debugging.

2. Networking: Cybersecurity aspirants who want to build their careers as cybersecurity professionals or ethical hackers must be proficient in networking skills. They must know what protocols are, how the network model works, various network devices, which layer of the TCP/IP model uses which network devices, etc. Cybersecurity professionals must also have a fair idea of how to configure networking devices and create secured topologies.

3. Security controls: Once aspirants apprehend the basics of computer networks, they must secure the enterprise network to get a job as a cybersecurity professional. They must know how to implement various security controls to support authentication, authorization, data confidentiality, data integrity, and non-repudiation. Aspirants must know how to set up Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and proxy servers.

4. Configuring and handling security tools: The cybersecurity career path needs skills like configuring and handling security tools like firewalls, antivirus, anti-malware, Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions, Endpoint Defense and Response (EDR) systems, Nessus, etc.

5. Cloud computing: Cloud computing is another buzzword that has become popular because of its flexible resource service-providing technique at low cost. Aspirants who want to go for cloud security must have an in-depth understanding of how cloud services work. Cloud certifications provided by well-known cloud service providers (CSPs) like AWS, Azure, GCP, etc., can help aspirants get a holistic idea of cloud systems.

6. Operating systems: Whether we use servers, data centers, cloud systems, mobile devices, or on-premise computers, operating systems (OS) play a significant role. It allows us to interact with different hardware. Professionals willing to kickstart a cyber security career path should be thorough in operating systems. Aspirants must remain familiar with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux (GUI & CLI).

7. Cyber threats and attacks: Aspirants must know the concepts of malware and its categories like viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, etc. They also need to have a fair idea of the different attacks and cyber threats like SQL Injection, Cross Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), etc. Aspirants must know about various threat landscapes and how to identify vulnerabilities and analyze cybersecurity threats using techniques and tools.

8. Penetration testing and reporting skills: Penetration testers are in demand because they acquire knowledge of multiple domains. They know how to exploit bugs in web apps, mobile apps, APIs, databases, etc. They are proficient in using penetration testing OS like Kali Linux and tools like Wireshark, Metasploit, Burpsuite, etc.

Cybersecurity Salaries by Role

Let us explore the different salaries of diverse roles one can achieve in the cyber security career path.

Entry-level jobs:

• Cybersecurity engineer: On average, cybersecurity engineers receive a salary of 99,845 USD annually.
• Incident Response Analyst: On average, incident response analysts receive a salary of 104,977 USD annually.
• Risk analyst: On average, risk analysts receive a salary of 94,898 USD annually.

Mid-level jobs:

• Forensic analysts: On average, forensics analysts receive a salary of 99,885 USD annually.
• Cybersecurity exploitation and malware analysts: On average, exploits and malware analysts receive a salary of 160,000 USD annually.
• Penetration testers: On average, penetration testers receive a salary of 123,445 USD annually.
• Data privacy professionals: On average, Data privacy professionals receive a salary from 108,200 to 124,700 USD annually.
• Cybersecurity auditor: On average, cybersecurity auditors receive a salary of 117,000 USD annually.

Senior-level Jobs

• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): On average, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) receive a salary of 207,853 to 264,339 USD annually.
• Chief Information Officers (CIOs): On average, Chief Information Officers (CIOs) receive a salary of 226,030 USD annually.

Learn More

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