If you've determined that a cyber security career path is what you're best suited for, our guides will help you choose from the many options and roadmaps out there. Even if you haven't decided whether a career in information security is for you just yet, you'll find all the information to help you make an informed decision. We'll outline how to get started with each profession, the educational requirements you'll need, the helpful professional certifications, and even estimated salaries for cyber security professionals as tracked and reported by the federal government.
Is Cyber Security a Good Career?
Although the increase in cyber attacks isn't good news for any of us, there may be a silver lining, there may never have been a better time to consider working in cyber security. Cyber security professionals, commonly referred to as information security analysts, have a wide range of responsibilities, but the crux of their job is to protect online data from being compromised. As more of our personal information is stored online, the more important it becomes to step up security.
Cyber security is a complex field, and many roles can be found within banks, retailers, e-tailers, healthcare, and government organizations. On the job, you can expect to safeguard an organization's files and network, install firewalls, create security plans, guard customer data, and monitor activity. If a breach occurs, you'll be responsible for identifying the problem and finding a solution quickly.
Because of the frequency of cyber attacks, what you'll do will be varied and qualified professionals are needed to help prevent breaches.
If you're ready to get started in this demanding field, start exploring different roles and duties now.
Security Specialist
An entry-level role with huge potential
Incident Responder
Prevent and protect against threats
Security Administrator
Keep security systems running smoothly every day
Vulnerability Assessor
Spot system vulnerabilities and create solutions
Cryptographer
Write the code that hackers can't crack
Security Manager
Keep systems secure with help from an expert team
Security Architect
Outsmart online criminals by designing tough-to-crack security systems
Chief Information Security Officer
Be the expert in computer security and business acumen
Security Analyst
Plan and execute flawless security measures
Security Auditor
Find the weak spots in a security system before criminals do
Security Director
Make the rules and solve complex problems
Forensic Expert
Protect the cyber world and assist law enforcement
Penetration Tester
Hack and protect computer systems for good
Security Consultant
Advise and implement security solutions
Security Engineer
Build IT security systems for your organization
Source Code Auditor
Ensure code accuracy and safety prior to release
QA Tester
Find bugs and flaws before a product's release
Systems Analyst
Assess computer systems to determine where improvements can be made
Cryptanalyst
Break codes to unearth obscured information
Ethical Hacker
Replicate what black hat hackers do to proactively deflect breaches
Database Analyst
Gather and understand data to create efficient and ideal everyday experiences
Data Protection Officer
Advise on your company's security and adherence to compliance
Security Software Developer
Create and maintain security systems that safeguard data
Network Security Analyst
Identify and assesscomputer network and system vulnerabilities
SOC Analyst
Contain incidents, annihilate threats and restore compromised assets to their prior state
Here's what our cyber security career pages will teach you
There are many subtle variations in cyber security careers, even though they all may have the same end goal of keeping data and sensitive information safe. Our site may help you distinguish the differences and choose the right area of expertise to fit your skills and personality.
Before you embark on your education you'll want to know what's in store for your future. That includes not only what your educational journey will entail, but what the actual role you choose will really be like.
Here is the kind of important information you'll find
What degree or certification will you need:
Should you earn your bachelor's degree or can you get a job with a certificate in information security? Will earning a bachelor's help you climb the career ladder faster?
What interpersonal skills can help you on the job:
Having certain traits and skills before you get started can actually help you. Learn what you can cultivate personally to help you succeed.
What will your job responsibilities be:
What will youreallydo on a day-to-day basis?
Salaries and job growth data:
How much could you earn and what job availability is anticipated in your cyber security specialty over the next decade?
Step-by-step guide to becoming a specialist in your chosen area.
Our cyber security career guides walk you through each specializations criterium and the steps you need to take to become a professional.
Where can you work?
The answer to this question might surprise you.
Career options:
You might just be getting started in your career but where do you see yourself in five years' time? Learn what paths are available.
Our site also offers professional resources and tips to help you make the most of your educational journey. You'll learn about a different kind of networking than computer networking and the importance of having a peer group or mentor, and understand what resources are available at your school to help you with everything from resume building to job searches.
