Since the event of the global Covid-19 pandemic, many companies have gone digital. Now, it is normal for businesses to perform their daily transactions online. Due to this, it has become increasingly popular for shady individuals to try to hack these companies and steal their company data. Even the world’s top companies aren’t safe from cyberattacks.
With the rise of cyberattacks worldwide, the demand for professionals that can adequately combat the various threats these criminals pose to companies and individuals has increased. According to BLS, the number of available jobs for the information security analyst role (a major cybersecurity field) is projected to grow by 33% in the next decade.
Furthermore, cybersecurity experts are some of the sought-after professionals in today’s job market. There are so many career paths in the cybersecurity industry for you to choose if you want a career in cybersecurity. Here are six main cybersecurity career paths in 2022.
Main Cybersecurity Jobs
Chief Information Security Officer(CISO)
One of the primary responsibilities of the chief information security officer is to protect the company’s data, security, and privacy. CISOs are top-level cybersecurity experts who ensure that every piece of information in an organization is completely safe. Also, they are responsible for developing and maintaining risk management and information security programs.
You’ll usually be required to converse with company executives and stakeholders about cybersecurity concerns. To become a chief information security officer, you need a master’s degree in cybersecurity and about ten to fifteen years of experience.
Furthermore, CISOs have a wealth of skills such as risk management, IT skills, incident management and supervisory skills, Communication skills, and leadership skills. Also, CISO roles require you to hold some relevant cybersecurity certifications. Chief information security officers earn about $174,000 on average annually.
Cybersecurity Project Manager
Cybersecurity project managers are quite different from ordinary project managers. Every company needs project managers to oversee their production projects. Cybersecurity PMs work to manage a multitude of security-related projects. So every team involved in the planning, testing, and implementing of security measures has to have a cybersecurity project manager.
Furthermore, cybersecurity PMs are adept at making decisions for the company’s executives. They also run threat modeling workshops and give vulnerability reports. As a cybersecurity PM, you must manage people and projects easily during moments of change.
Additionally, all cybersecurity project managers must have an adequate understanding of cybersecurity and project management skills. You don’t need a computer degree to work as a cybersecurity PM, but there are specific certifications you must obtain. Cybersecurity project managers earn an average of about $86,000 annually.
Penetration Testers
Penetration testers are also called ethical hackers or white hackers. These experts hack into a company’s network system to exploit any network vulnerabilities. Companies that want to strengthen their cybersecurity network employ ethical hackers to find any flaws in their network systems.
Similarly, penetration testers help to assess an organization’s security and regulatory measures. They are also responsible for recovering any documents or data lost in a security breach. Due to the nature of their jobs, ethical hackers have to be trustworthy and reliable.
Furthermore, you have to be able to handle high levels of uncertainty and stress as an ethical hacker. You must be creative and up to date about the latest cybercriminals’ techniques. A bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and about two years of work experience are required to work as a penetration tester. Other certifications like CompTIA Security+ are also required. Most ethical hackers make an average of $126,000 annually.
Information Security Analyst/Cybersecurity Analyst
The duties of cybersecurity analysts are pretty broad. They develop and enforce an organization’s cybersecurity policies. This protects the company’s network system from external and internal security threats. They may advise the company’s management on IT strategies, disaster recovery, and data handling.
Similarly, cybersecurity analysts monitor network and security systems to ensure everything works according to the company’s policy. You require at least a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity for a role in cybersecurity analysis.
Furthermore, a background in programming and about one to three years of experience can get you an entry-level position. Information security analysts earn an average of $100,000 annually.
Cybersecurity Architects
Cybersecurity architects are highly sought-after senior-level roles in the cybersecurity industry. They are responsible for designing, planning, implementing, testing, and maintaining a company’s network system. This role requires an adept understanding of a company’s businesses and in-depth knowledge of the technology it uses for business.
Furthermore, the responsibilities of cybersecurity architects may differ across organizations, but their core responsibilities remain the same. They identify and communicate current and emerging security threats; they also supervise and perform routine vulnerability testing and security assessments.
Additionally, cybersecurity architects need at least a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. A master’s degree in cybersecurity is an added advantage for those who want higher-level roles as cybersecurity architects. Certifications like CISA, CISSP, and CISM benefit you as a cybersecurity architect. Cybersecurity architects make an average of between $122,000 to $145,000 annually.
Computer Forensic Analysts
Forensic analysts help to solve cyber crimes by following digital evidence on cyberattack cases. These professionals investigate how a hacker gained access to a network system and what policies need to be implemented to prevent a recurrence.
Similarly, computer forensics analysts work primarily with law enforcement agencies to retrieve hidden, deleted, stolen and manipulated data. Most employers require you to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in cybersecurity before working as a forensic analyst.
Furthermore, computer forensic analysts have to be reliable and trustworthy because they’ll be dealing with highly sensitive data. You must have an understanding of criminals and law investigations. Also, you need to be able to pay attention to details as a forensic analyst. Computer forensic analysts earn about $112,000 annually.
Final Summary
The cybersecurity career path is filled with many benefits, like job security, high salary potential, and a chance for career growth. As the scale, potential, and scope of cyberattacks increase, so is the demand for cybersecurity experts.
Whether you are a fresh computer graduate or looking to transition into cybersecurity, you can start planning your cybersecurity career path. Please take note of the careers mentioned in this article to see which would suit you.
