The world is increasingly reliant on technology, and as a result, our digital security is more critical than ever. Protecting our data, programs, and digital assets has become crucial in the age of cloud storage. Cyber security specialists are essential to our security and the security of our businesses and organizations.
Governments, banks, schools, airlines, network providers, and even international organizations are typical employers of cyber security specialists. The opportunities in this technology industry are limitless, and if you’re interested in digital security, there may be a role waiting for you. To start, you can enroll in our Introduction to Cyber Security course, which will teach you how to protect your digital life.
How will the Cyber Security Jobs Market Grow?
A recent parliamentary inquiry concluded that the shortage of cyber security professionals was “on the verge of becoming a crisis.” This is a concern shared by the majority of the world’s population. While this may not sound encouraging, global worker shortages mean opportunities abound for those with the necessary skills and experience.
The cyber security field has a 0% unemployment rate, which has remained consistent since 2011. This is quite remarkable compared to other sectors and industries becoming more competitive. If stability is a priority for you when considering a career, this is something to consider.
The cyber security industry’s growth rate does not appear to be slowing. As we continue to advance digitally, we see an increase in cybercrime. Cybercrime is expected to cost the global economy $6 trillion this year, implying that we will require many cybersecurity experts to deal with threats and defend our internet security. According to the New York Times, there will be 3.5 million open cyber security jobs this year.
You may be surprised to discover that many businesses are willing to hire individuals without the required degrees. The cyber security skills gap is so severe that companies have even hired humanities graduates with some form of experience or certification. If you’ve completed a degree in a field unrelated to cyber security but remain interested in the area, it’s worth a shot.
What Skills do You Require to Work in Cybersecurity?
Despite the high demand for cyber security jobs, you cannot begin a career in cyber security without training. Specific skills are required to thrive in this technologically advanced, high-stakes environment. How you acquire these skills is entirely up to you. We’ve compiled a list of the most critical skills you’ll need to work in cyber security below:
- A logical mind and superior reasoning abilities
- Knowledge of the cyber world and how hackers operate
- Outstanding attention to detail
- Excellent information technology skills and knowledge of networks, hardware, and software
- Incident handling management
- Auditing abilities
- Extensive knowledge of information technology infrastructures and vulnerabilities
- Competence in computer skills
While the more specific technical skills and knowledge required will vary depending on the career path chosen, you will frequently need an understanding of the following:
- Analytics
- Intrusion detection
- Advanced malware analysis and prevention
- Cloud computing
- Firewall skills
- SIEM Management
- Identity management
- Application security development
- Programming languages like Java, C/C++, Python
Why Should You Adopt cyber security Skills?
There are numerous compelling reasons to pursue Cyber Security Jobs. We’ve already discussed the 0% unemployment rate, which means you can begin future-proofing your job early. You can rest assured that your skills and expertise will always be in demand.
Similarly, because of the high demand for skilled cybersecurity specialists, promotion rates are likely higher than other industries. Once you’ve worked in the field for a few years and gained the necessary skills and experience, there will be many opportunities for growth and professional development.
1. Job Satisfaction
Job satisfaction is another area in which cyber security professionals perform admirably. According to the 2019 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 71% of cyber security specialists in the United States of America are satisfied with their jobs. Additionally, 84% of respondents from all over the world indicated that they are where they anticipated being in their careers based on their experience and skills.
2. Acquire knowledge independently
University is not for everyone, and it is most emphatically not required for every career. Many cyber security professionals are self-taught or acquire knowledge through online resources and programs. While we offer a wide variety of cyber security courses on our website, if you’re serious about pursuing Cyber Security Jobs, you should consider Expert Tracking Cyber Security Foundational principles or Information Security Design and Development. This is a collection of in-depth courses to assist you in mastering specialized skills.
Cyber Security Salaries
Finally, but certainly not least, cyber security salaries are certainly something to smile about. The average annual salary in the United States is approximate $75,000-120,000 but entry-level, and management positions may pay less than this range.
What are the 10 most Demanding Cyber Security Jobs?
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most in-demand jobs in the cyber security industry, advised on the necessary skills, and explained what the job entails.
1. Cyber Security Analyst
After three years as a runner-up, the Cyber Security Analyst role has been named the “Most In-Demand Cyber Security Job” for 2022. As the first line of defense for an organization’s information system, Security Managers are responsible for preventing theft, loss, or unauthorized access to hardware, software, networks, and procedures. Cyber Security analysts must have a thorough understanding of the current cyber threat landscape and its IT infrastructure to defend against malicious cyber attacks. Cyber Security Analysts assist in preventing these potential breaches by installing and configuring tools (e.g., virus software, password protectors, and vulnerability management software), evaluating network vulnerabilities and threats, and providing detailed reports on any findings.
While many Cyber Security professionals begin their careers as Cyber Security Specialists or Consultants before advancing to the position of Cyber Security Analyst, many career paths can lead to this position. Employers frequently seek candidates with a master’s degree and a firm grasp of information security concepts and expertise in public cloud security, cyber threat hunting, and comprehensive software security.
With the prevalence of cyber threats and data breaches in the modern era, it’s unsurprising that Cyber Security Analyst jobs are increasing in popularity. There were nearly 30,000 job listings in the last 12 months, and the role of Cyber Security Analyst is expected to grow by 33% through 2029, seven times faster than the average for all occupations! With the average price of a data breach reaching $4.24 million per event in 2021, the highest level in 17 years, job opportunities for Cyber Security Analysts are sure to be plentiful in 2022 and beyond.
2. Cyber Security Manager
With the growing number of security breaches increasing year after year, business leaders must conduct a thorough analysis of their security controls and processes, frequently assigned to Cyber Security Managers. Cyber Security managers are experts at defending, detecting, responding to, and recovering from cyberattacks on an organization’s security systems and teams.
The responsibilities of a Cyber Security Manager vary according to the organization’s size, but they typically include monitoring daily security system operations, developing budgets, trying to mitigate information security challenges within the organization, and supervising Cyber Security consultants and analysts. Additionally, they develop policies and strategies to strengthen their organization’s networks and systems’ security operations.
While there are numerous career paths to Cyber Security Manager, the traditional way requires an advanced degree in a security-related discipline, multiple Cyber Security certifications such as the CISSP and CISM, and strong leadership abilities. Cyber Security Management is a growing field, as evidenced by nearly 22,000 total openings in 2021 and this role moving up two spots on the list. Pursuing a Cyber Security Manager career can result in a long and fulfilling career with the perfect mix of expertise, knowledge, and experience.
3. Network Engineer
As implied by their job titles, network engineers are in charge of computer networks. They are technical experts tasked with establishing networks, maintaining them, and providing technical support to network users.
This position requires both hands-on and computer-based work. While network engineers can install and maintain network components such as routers and cables, they also manage software by monitoring network exercises, configuring systems, configuring firewalls, and troubleshooting problems. While a degree is not required to become a network engineer, it can benefit certain situations.
4. Information Security Analyst
The responsibility of information security analysts is to develop plans and strategies for preventing cyber attacks. They are essentially the guardians of sensitive information, ensuring that policies are adhered to.
Their primary responsibilities include:
- monitoring systems and networks designed to detect threats,
- analyzing and assessing issues, and
- safeguarding information technology infrastructure against criminal activity.
Once they’ve identified a threat, they’ll decide whether to resolve it or escalate it based on its level of danger.
Due to the technical nature of the job of an information security analyst, they typically hold a bachelor’s degree in a subject such as a computer science or programming. According to US News & World Report, this position ranks #4 among the best technology jobs and #40 overall, so you can be confident that this is an excellent role to pursue.
5. Cyber Security Consultant
Cyber Security Consultants fulfill various roles within Cyber Security, but most importantly, they are responsible for preventing a breach of an organization’s data. Additionally referred to as an Information Systems Security Officer or Security Administrator, Cyber Security Consultants identify weaknesses in an organization’s security environment and recommend solutions to strengthen its defenses. The Cyber Security Consultant position is critical to the success of any cybersecurity program, assisting with the implementation of new security measures, providing ongoing support, and even training staff on proper security practices.
However, the role of a Cyber Security Consultant is unique to each organization and may vary. While some utilize their technical skills in collaboration with penetration testers, threat analysts, and security operations centers (SOC) teams, others focus on their analytical and soft skills while working directly with clients. Due to the breadth of experience required, a bachelor’s or graduate degree in a related field is recommended, but employment opportunities improve with additional certifications such as the CISP, CISM, or CISA.
6. Ethical Hacker
If you want to learn more about cybercriminals and how they operate, you may want to consider becoming an ethical hacker. Their job is to conduct advanced penetration tests on a company’s system and determine if there are any security flaws or breaches.
By putting themselves in the shoes of a cybercriminal, cybersecurity professionals assess the security of computer systems and resolve any issues they discover, ensuring that real hackers are unable to penetrate the system. They develop preventative measures to thwart hackers even before they begin.
While certified ethical hackers are not required to have a degree, they typically hold a certification. The most common is the CEH certification, which requires two years of experience in a security-related field.
7. Software Developer
This year, the only new entry on our list was Software Developer, and for a good reason. Over the last 12 months, the total number of Software Development job openings has surpassed 1.2 million. Software Developers will hold approximately 1.8 million jobs in 2020, and employment is expected to grow 22% over the next eight years, faster than the average for all occupations. The increased demand for new, a new applications and the accelerated technology trends will continue to increase the demand for Software Developers.
However, what is the role of a Cyber Security software developer? Software Developers are the creative force behind computer programs, responsible for designing, developing, and testing them. While some Software Developers specialize in developing new mobile or desktop applications, others focus on cloud computing platforms and artificial intelligence software. Because software developers create and maintain the technology many organizations rely on, they must understand Cyber Security best practices and collaborate with cybersecurity teams to develop specific products and platforms.
Software Developers typically hold an associate’s degree in software development, computer programming, or the other related cyber field and a variety of certifications (e.g., ITIL, CompTIA Security+, CISSP). Career advancement is also possible, with many individuals progressing to the position of Computer and Information Systems Manager, overseeing the software development process.
8. Systems Engineer
For the second year in a row, the Systems Engineer role has been ranked fifth on the list. Systems Engineers, also known as Business Systems Analysts, IT Business Analysts, or Systems Analysts, play a critical role in various organizations. Systems Engineers manage each phase of a system or process, emphasizing performance, testing, scheduling, and budget. Systems Engineers can align commercial and technology objectives, eliminate waste and inefficiency, identify and analyze risks and uncertainty, and develop appropriate strategies for overcoming them due to their methodical, disciplined approach.
In 2021, there will be over 330,000 job openings in Systems Engineering. A sizable proportion of professionals in Systems Engineering roles have earned a degree from a postsecondary institution and additional certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Certification, or the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Advancement opportunities within Systems Engineering are numerous and varied, and many eventually move into more specialized roles such as cybercrime, incident response, and information technology audit.
Systems engineering can be an advantageous field, and because Systems Engineers possess a diverse set of skills and abilities, they can work in virtually any primary industry, making them a highly sought-after role globally.
9. Digital Forensic Analyst
If you’re interested in being directly involved in the investigation of cybercriminals, you may want to consider a career as a digital forensic analyst. They collaborate closely with law enforcement to investigate criminal activity and apprehend cybercriminals.
They conduct investigations into various digital crimes, ranging from hacking, online scams, and data theft to terrorist communications and illegal pornography. Digital forensic analysts frequently conduct investigations into data stored on various devices, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and flash drives.
If you’re interested in this position, you should be familiar with cutting-edge forensic computing techniques and software, have a firm grasp of operating systems and be comfortable handling confidential or sensitive information. You can pursue a degree in cyber intrusion or cyber security if you wish, but apprenticeships in cyber intrusion or cyber security are also available.
10. Security Architect
As implied by the job title, security architects are responsible for developing and designing a system’s security. Additionally, they create new architectural patterns and security approaches for technologies. If you have an analytical mind, enjoy programming, and work with data, this could be your ideal role.
While security architects are responsible for designing information technology security infrastructure, they will also be involved in its development, implementation, and management. They must possess excellent communication skills because they will be responsible for educating staff about security policies, providing specialist advice to teams, recommending approaches to stakeholders, and assisting in reviewing others’ work.
While a bachelor’s degree is required for this position, it’s worth noting that 27% of employees also request a relevant master’s degree.
Final Remarks
Although the Cyber Security jobs gap has narrowed slightly over the last year from 3.12 million to 2.72 million, global Cyber Security jobs would need to grow by 65 percent to effectively defend critical assets in organizations worldwide. However, with the growth of remote work opportunities and the ongoing demand for security professionals, the field of cybersecurity will continue to offer a rewarding and satisfying career outlook regardless of the position pursued.
We hope we’ve piqued your interest in the exciting and rapidly growing cyber security industry. There are numerous job opportunities available, and in the coming years, the field will see an influx of brand new job titles due to the world’s continued digital growth.
There is no need to be concerned about how you will acquire these advanced technological skills, as we offer a variety of excellent courses that will either introduce you to cyber security or help educate you on new skills in the field.