cyber security jobs

Cyber Security Jobs and How to Land One

If you’re a job seeker looking for high pay, job security, and the option to work in any sector and in any place, cyber security jobs are the way to go. 

Cybersecurity Ventures project that the annual cost of cybercrime will reach $6 trillion in 2021. That would be the world’s third-largest economy after the U.S. and China! 

Moreover, even huge names like Facebook, Capital One, and the Department of Homeland Security didn’t escape cyberattacks. Cyberattacks continue to rapidly grow in number and complexity due to our increased reliance and complexity. 

This is why there is a massive increase in open cyber security jobs across almost every sector. Companies are offering competitive salaries to attract and retain talent. For instance, the average annual salary for a chief information security officer (CISO) is $123,551. 

The Best Cyber Security Jobs 

Information Security Analyst 

According to Indeed, the average base salary for this job is $87,881 per year. The main duty of an information security analyst is to protect sensitive information. They are responsible for creating and implementing security strategies. Moreover, these professionals monitor data access and train other employees. 

Security Architect

A security architect analyzes security threats and recommends protective solutions. They usually participate in the development of security hardware and software. Furthermore, a security architect may oversee the company awareness training. They also design security models and install tools like firewalls and VPNs. 

According to Cyberseek.org, the average salary for this role is around $129,000 per year. 

Penetration Tester 

Penetration testers constantly investigate and test the security of the network using various tools and software. They identify weaknesses on the network and patch them before real hackers exploit such vulnerabilities. The average base salary for this job is $118, 597 per year. 

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

This is a senior-level role in charge of developing, implementing, and maintaining cybersecurity processes. The average base salary for a CISO is $123,551 per year. 

Forensics Expert 

The job title for this role may vary. Some examples of related titles are Cyber Forensics Analyst and Cybersecurity Incident Responder. A forensics expert investigates cyber attacks and figures out the flaws that allowed that certain attack. They also analyze the clues left by attackers. The average salary for this role is $85,000 per year. 

How to Get Hired

Indeed, there is a massive demand for cyber security professionals. However, recruiters will only hire applicants that possess the required skills and experience.

Certifications 

Certifications are crucial in the industry. Of course, you will not land a job if certifications are the only credentials you have. Yet, they carry a lot of weight and definitely a resume booster. In fact, some employers require this for employment. Some of the popular certifications are CEH, CISSP, GIAC, and CISM.

Experience 

Experience is invaluable in any field, especially cyber security. That’s why it is crucial to take advantage of internship opportunities. Meanwhile, higher-level roles typically require multiple years of experience. 

Education 

A college degree in cybersecurity isn’t really required. However, it plays a huge role in your career growth. Thus, you must take it if your circumstances allow. Senior-level roles often require a master’s degree in cybersecurity or any relevant field. 

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