The cyber security engineer career is in high demand today. With the increase of cyber-attacks on many platforms, experts are needed.
If you are someone who enjoys challenging tasks, landing a cybersecurity career suits you.
What is the role of being a cyber security engineer? What are the qualifications of being one? How much can a cybersecurity engineer earn?
What is a Cyber Security Engineer?
For a platform to apply cybersecurity practices, they need an expert to design and apply security solutions that fit their needs. Cybersecurity engineers work for it. They create solutions to enable defense against threats, hacks, and other forms of cyberattacks.
In addition to creating solutions, they also maintain and monitor them. By doing so, cybersecurity engineers make sure that the defenses are working according to plan. For instance, they check whether solutions are updated. When gaps are observed, they are also responsible for addressing them.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Assesses an organization’s needs for cybersecurity
- Establishes cybersecurity best practices and policies
- Designs, executes, maintains, and monitors security measures for data security
- Responds to security breaches and threats
- Troubleshoots all network and security issues
- Conducts penetration testing
- Identifies vulnerabilities in systems and networks
- Assists in the investigation of data breaches and relevant incidents
- Creating reports about the organization’s security status
- Communicates with a team and assists when necessary
Most often, cybersecurity engineer duties overlap with security analysts. This is because some of their tasks are closely related. For instance, a cybersecurity engineer takes the designing and building of systems. While a security analyst tests a system’s capability of defending itself. Because of this, job listings are usually referred to as “Security Engineer/Analyst”. Thus, putting both roles in one position.
What are the Qualifications of Becoming a Cyber Security Engineer?
Education and Experience
- You should have a bachelor’s degree in any computer-related course. For example, computer science, IT, or systems engineering.
- Having at least 2 years of work experience in cybersecurity jobs is also an edge. Incident detection, response, and forensics tasks, for instance.
- Knowing how to handle endpoint security is a plus. Perhaps having enough experience with functionality, operation, and firewall maintenance.
- Programming language proficiency is needed. E.g. C++, Node, Java, Python, Go, Ruby, or Power Shell.
Soft Skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- High attention to detail
- Excellent problem-solving skills
Since the cybersecurity field is evolving, you should keep yourself updated with the trends and news. By doing so, you can better meet the changing demands of data security.
Potential Salary of Becoming a Cyber Security Engineer
A cybersecurity engineer’s salary differs depending on the level of expertise. For example, consider the following differences:
- Beginners: $59,000 per year
- Average: $74,000 per year
- Senior-level: $96,000 per year
Of course, the rate differs depending on the state you are in. However, landing a cybersecurity engineer career earns serious money. Not to mention the demand is growing.
Besides, gaining certifications in cybersecurity can also raise your credentials. Thus, allowing more lucrative job opportunities.
