The adoption of the internet in organizations for different purposes has brought many advantages. However, this adoption has also brought about a common concern for these organizations and internet users in general. And this concern is known as cybercrime.
Cybercrime is the use of internet technologies to carry out crimes. Cybercrime involves malicious attacks such as data breaches or malware.
Cybercrime rates have drastically risen. In the year 2019, 88% of organizations were targeted using spear-phishing. In 2020, the rate of cybercrime went up by 600%. This drastic 600% increase can be attributed to the move to online working for most individuals due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This drastic increase in cybercrime rates has led to a need for more cybersecurity experts. Cybersecurity experts can be specialists in various sectors. The sectors include ethical hacking, defense engineering, network security, etc.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at cybersecurity as a vocation:
1. Cybersecurity Careers
The term cybersecurity is often used without specialized details on it. Cybersecurity is a broad field with jobs that strive to improve an organization’s data or information security. We will look at the five most common cybersecurity vocations that organizations require.
2. Security Software Engineer
Security software engineers are consulted during the software development process. Security software engineers create specialized security software and integrate it with commercial applications.
They can also be consulted to improve an existing software’s security. They do this by analyzing the existing security software integrated and improving it.
The tasks allocated to security software engineers can vary based on the company’s vastness. In well-developed companies, the security software engineer overlooks a team of cybersecurity developers. The security software engineer works with the team to develop the security software.
In a medium-sized company, the security software engineer will work with the existing IT personnel of the company. They work together to develop the security software required. In a small company, however, the security software engineer will develop the security software without a security team to help.
The average annual salary of a security software engineer in the USA is $129,812. The average hourly salary of security software engineers is $35.
3. Network Security Engineer
The task of network security engineers is to implement security features in a company’s network. They use features such as firewalls, encryption services, VPNs, proxies, etc. The most commonly used services are the use of VPNs, high-speed proxies, and firewalls for traffic monitoring.
The network security engineer is also in charge of automating security features such as intrusion detection. Network security engineers also carry out maintenance of networking devices such as hubs and switches.
Another critical role of the network security engineer is to continually analyze a company’s network security plan. They do this to ensure that all security measures are up to date to secure the system against new attack methods and malware.
The average annual salary of a network security engineer in the USA is $115,949.
4. Cybersecurity Analyst
The cybersecurity analyst analyses computing systems to ensure that they are secure at all times. The cybersecurity analyst keeps track of new attack methods in use by cyberterrorists. They then update the security of the computing system to keep it protected.
Cybersecurity analysts are also in charge of analyzing the security requirements of new or existing systems. The cybersecurity analyst plans the implementation of new security mechanisms. They also overlook the implementation of the mechanisms into computing systems.
The cybersecurity analyst also works with the network security engineer. They offer more insight into new attack mechanisms and possible prevention methods.
Cybersecurity analysts are also in charge of carrying out risk and security assessments on systems. They do this by employing a team that continually monitors system access and keeps log files of system processes. This helps them to easily identify vulnerabilities and put in place their patches.
An additional task of the cybersecurity analyst is to organize and carry out security awareness training for the company workers. Security awareness training entails teaching the workers on possible attack methods and how they will prevent the attacks from happening.
The average annual salary of cybersecurity analysts in the USA is $103,590.
5. Source Code Auditor
System vulnerabilities often arise from the source code of the system. This is where source code auditors come in. They work with the system developers to assess the code of a system to identify vulnerabilities.
Source code auditors identify vulnerabilities and offer solutions. This helps to ensure that all possible system attack points have been identified and patched. Early identification and patching of system vulnerabilities help to prevent significant losses to a business or an organization.
Source code auditors often work as consultants for the companies that hire them. Source Auditors are required to know about computer forensics, networking, cryptography, and database security.
The average annual salary for Source Code Auditors in the USA is $70,760.
6. Cybersecurity Incident Responder
Cybersecurity incident responders implement system and network intrusion detection systems. They work hand in hand with the network security engineers to monitor the networks. They also monitor the safety of the computing system at all times.
The main task of incident responders is to take action when an incident alarm is triggered. If a network intrusion alarm is triggered, they can take several causes of action to minimize the damage or avert the risk completely. In severe situations, they can end up crippling or shutting down the network to ensure that organization data stays secure.
The annual average salary of a cybersecurity incident responder in the USA is $110,972.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity careers offer well-paying jobs that attract many to them. One thing that people often fail to acknowledge is the amount of time it requires to learn and master the various cybersecurity tasks.
Most job openings for cybersecurity personnel do not ask for a mere Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, IT, or any other related field. They also seek professional certifications to ensure the person is knowledgeable in various fields.
