Cybersecurity is one of today’s most sought-after and lucrative careers. Industry experts predicted a zero percent unemployment rate for cybersecurity experts in 2024 and beyond. This is a fast reality.
Cybersecurity experts have become the most sought-after individuals because of the escalating cybercrimes and hacks.
Furthermore, it is also a growing lucrative business for the said experts. Thus, we have taken the liberty to compile the top 10 marketable cybersecurity careers you should consider if you intend to become a cybersecurity expert.
If you’ve not decided on the path to choose, this path is one you should take ASAP.
In this article, we will expose you to well-paying and fulfilling cybersecurity careers, cybersecurity programs, requirements to enrol for a cybersecurity program, etc.
Table of contents
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity protects electronic devices, mobile networks, security systems, servers, and data from ferocious attacks.
This is done through one of the following procedures such as;
Network security is securing a computer network from interference, whether from targeted attackers or opportunistic malware.
Application security emphasizes keeping software and devices free of threats. A compromised application could access the data it is designed to shield. Successful security commences in the design stage, subject to device or program deployment.
Information security shields the integrity and privacy of data, both in storage and in transit.
Operational security encompasses the processes and decisions for handling and protecting data assets. The permissions users possess when accessing a network and the procedures that derive how and where data may be stored or shared all fall under this canopy.
Disaster recovery and business continuity clarify how an organization responds to a cyber-security incident or any other event that causes the loss of operations or data. Disaster recovery policies mandate how the organization restores its operations and information to return to the same operating capacity as before the event. Business continuity is the plan the organization relies on while trying to operate without certain resources.
End-user education addresses the most unpredictable cyber-security factor: people. Anyone can accidentally initiate a virus to an otherwise secure system by failing to follow good security practices. Teaching users to eliminate suspicious email attachments, detach unidentified USB drives, and other important lessons is vital for any organisation’s security.
How Can I Become a Cybersecurity Expert?
Pursuing a cybersecurity career will demand energy, time and a zeal to make a change that will improve the industry.
Pursue a Bachelor Degree
You can kickstart by pursuing a four-year bachelor degree program in cybersecurity or any related course such as computer science or information technology.
Therefore, coursework in programming, in addition to technological systems and patterns, will give you the required knowledge needed to manipulate systems.
However, you may need to check if the course is accredited in your school of choice.
Pursue an Advanced Program
Certain industries will demand that you possess a Master’s degree, so it is in your best interest if you go for a Master’s program immediately after your bachelor’s program. In that case, this will cement your authority and broaden your scope on the subject.
Pass All Security Clearances
There are certain classified organizations that require clearances at diverse levels before consideration. Every clearance has its processes and paperwork and may take three months to a year after hiring. The process can be started with the submission of clearance documentation, after which a background investigation will be commenced.
Where can I study Cybersecurity?
As a teeming individual with a desire to pursue a cybersecurity career path, the first step will be to enrol in a bachelor program, as explained above.
Therefore, according to cyberdegrees.org, some of the best institutions to study cybersecurity include;
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Purdue University
- University of Maryland- College Park
- University Of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
- Rochester Institute Of Technology
- University Of Pittsburgh
- Texas A&M University
- University Of California
- Virginia Tech
- University Of Washington
- George Mason University
- Syracuse University
- Boston University
Are Scholarships Available to Study Cybersecurity?
Enrolling in the institution will demand certain fees in pursuing a cybersecurity career.
In essence, if you’re unable to meet up with the fees which been required, you can check up any of the available scholarships.
These scholarships can be accessed by making use of the search button on the home page.
How Much Does A Cybersecurity Expert Earn?
Interestingly, as the need for cybersecurity experts continue to rise steadily, so do the pay and benefits.
Earnings in the diverse career paths under cybersecurity differ from each other but not to a very large degree.
Therefore, the earnings of a cybersecurity expert lie between $90,000-$150,000 per annum, excluding bonuses and additional payments.
Cybersecurity Careers
According to Cyber Ventures, there will be 3.5 million unfilled vacancies for cybersecurity experts in 2024 due to the intense rave of cybercrime.
This means that more industries and organizations will aim to forestall the loss and inadequate exposure of sensitive documents by hiring individuals experienced in diverse cybersecurity areas.
Therefore, let’s inform you of the top 10 marketable cybersecurity careers we have deduced based on salary, work description and diversity options.
- Forensic Computer Analyst
- Cryptanalyst
- Security Administrator
- Penetration Tester
- Security Engineer
- Security Consultant
- Architect for Security
- Information Security Analyst
- Cryptographer
- Chief Information Security Officer
10. Forensic Computer Analyst
Computer forensic analysts combine their computer science background with their forensic skills to recover data.
These individuals are responsible for assisting law enforcement officers with cyber crimes and retrieving evidence.
Computer forensic analysts possess a bachelor’s degree in computer science with a background in criminal justice.
According to resources.infosecinstitute.com, the salary of a forensic computer analyst is $68,967 per annum, excluding bonuses.
9. Cryptanalyst
A cryptanalyst an individual who understands how to decipher secret codes and write codes that hackers cannot crack.
They evaluate and decipher secret messages and coding systems for government agencies, police agencies, secret service agencies and the military.
Cryptanalysts also protect the privacy of organizations by supervising the online security of data systems. They are one of the most lucrative cybersecurity career paths.
According to erieri.com, the salary of a cryptanalyst is $74,721 per annum.
8. Security Administrator
A Security Administrator is responsible for installing, administrating, and troubleshooting an organization’s security solutions.
The Security Administrator ensures the protection of the network’s security, shields it against unauthorized access, modification, or destruction, and troubleshoots any access problems.
According to indeed.com, the salary of a security administrator is $74,970 per annum.
7. Penetration Tester
A penetration tester is a network security consultant that seeks to break into or discover possible exploits in different computer systems and software.
They can be put in the light of a type of ethical hacker.
According to payscale.com, the salary for a penetration tester is $81,356.
6. Engineer
A security engineer is delegated the monumental role of protecting a company’s networks and computer systems from any security threats or attacks.
Mostly, the engineer is responsible for structuring and implementing security solutions that can defend a company and its networking assets.
According to payscale.com, the salary of the said engineer is $88,550.
5. Consultant
A Consultant for cybersecurity serves as an advisor and supervisor for all security measures necessary to effectively protect a company or client’s assets.
The Consultants use their knowledge and expertise to assess security threats and breaches to prevent them and create contingency protocols and plans in case of violations.
In most cases, the said Consultants work as part of a company’s staff, usually as Head of Security or other managing positions, or they can work as part of a Security Agency as they provide help and expertise to third parties.
Security Consulting Agencies usually work with medium or small businesses and with individuals looking to protect their personal assets.
According to payscale.com, the salary of the said consultant lies at $107,534 per annum.
4. Architect
These individuals are responsible for maintaining the security of a company’s computer system.
They must adopt the thinking of cybercriminals because they must anticipate all of the moves and tactics that hackers will use to try and gain unauthorized access to the computer system
According to payscale.com, the salary of a security architect lies at $121,020 per annum
3. Information Security Analyst
An information security analyst is an individual who takes measures to protect a company’s sensitive and mission-critical data.
They introduce innovative solutions to prevent critical information from being stolen, damaged or compromised by hackers.
According to money.us.news.com, the salary of an information security analyst lies at $123,180 per annum.
2. Cryptographer
A cryptographer develops algorithms, cyphers and security systems to encrypt sensitive information and provide privacy for individuals and corporate organizations.
Encryption was solely for military purposes. However, today, encryption is needed for all kinds of uses.
According to ziprecruiter.com, the salary of a cryptographer lies at $149,040 per annum.
1. Chief Information Security Officer
A chief information security officer is the senior-level executive within an organization who discharges the duty of establishing and maintaining the enterprise vision, strategy, and program to ensure information assets and technologies are adequately protected.
Getting to this level in your cybersecurity career will take a lot of dedication and hard work, which will yield its rewards in benefits and fulfilment.
According to cyberdegrees.org, the salary of a chief information security officer is $159,650.
Cyber Security FAQs
Cybersecurity is the technique of protecting electronic devices, mobile networks, security systems, servers, and data from ferocious attacks.
You can study cybersecurity in a whole lot of universities which have been listed in the content above.
The average salary for a cybersecurity expert lies at $90,000-$150,000 per annum.
A host of scholarships are available for candidates interested in studying cybersecurity at accredited universities and they can be accessed in the content above.
Conclusion
A career in cybersecurity promises a lot to you as an individual, and its primarily becoming the most sought-after course of study.
It is one sure way to curb the menace of cybercrime, encouraging the use of the webspace.
It’s a vitality to our daily communication that continues to push through, and a thriving system is ensured.
References
- kaspersky.com
- study.com
- learnhowtobecome.org
- careerexplorer.com
- betterteam.com
- infosecinstitute.com
- cybrabry.it
- neuvoo.ca
- wikipedia.com
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