What is a Cyber Security Professional

As our more and more of our sensitive information is stored online, we rely more of cyber security experts to keep our data safe. However, even the strongest, most solid website could still become a victim of any type of cyber attack.

A cyber security strategy is vital, and cyber hygiene needs to be performed on the regular. This is why cyber security is a growing profession, and there are many career paths you can purse to get started at varying levels of education.

Read on to learn about cyber security careers, what they do on a daily basis, and how you can enter these careers!

WHAT IS CYBER SECURITY?

The necessity for cyber security professionals evolved over the years due to an alarming number of threats aimed at sensitive information hosted through servers or on the internet. Cyber security is a field that is rapidly growing in demand for qualified people.

These professionals are hired to keep online information of all sorts protected from cyber attacks and other malevolent threats.

WHAT DOES A CYBER SECURITY PROFESSIONAL DO?

No matter which title of cyber professional you’re going after, you need to have an idea of what your daily duties will consist of. Some common duties include:

• Utilizing every type of medium to stay on top of technology and security threats
• Being aware through analyzing and evaluating those threats
• Going through all the systems to check for any type of potential issue
• Putting in place proper security measures and establishing protocol
• Creating reports for shareholders
• Spreading the word, throughout the company, about security and its importance

TYPES OF CYBER THREATS

Between the internet and Internet of Things (cellphone, computers, and other devices that connect to the internet), there are plenty of opportunities for cyber terrorists to move in for attack in order to obtain personal and delicate information.

• Malware: This software’s sole purpose is to destroy a computer. Malware can be an ad that you click the link to, a virus that was “accidentally” installed, rogue software there to keep your network safe but has malicious intent, or even something that infected your files. Malware is becoming even more advanced as offenders constantly try to stay a few steps ahead of cyber security professionals.
• Phishing: These threats are emails, texts, and other forms of communication masquerading as a contact or company trying to get sensitive information such as bank account, credit cards, and other personal things.
• Denial of Service (DoS): This type of cyber attack happens when the server or network is bombarded with messages asking for authentication in an attempt to lock an individual or company out.
• Man in the Middle: A person with malicious intent intercepts important emails between two parties in an attempt to find out delicate information. It’s like eavesdropping, but through email correspondence. The attacker is able to read emails going between user A and user B.
• Password attack: This cyber attack happens when someone is trying to gain access to all your passwords in an attempt to take over your network or system.

TYPES OF DEGREES AVAILABLE

There are many degrees you can earn that can lead to a cyber security career. Schools may not offer a cyber security degree, but there are many related fields like computer science you can purse. However, many are now starting to put together specific cyber security programs.

WHAT KIND OF SCHOOLING WILL I NEED?

Cyber security professionals are in high demand. If you’re thinking about going into this field, know that your educational path may be different depending on what you’re thinking of doing. However, the beginning steps to get into most of the cyber security professions are fairly similar.

• Get your high school diploma.
• Enroll in a four-year college where you’ll receive a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field.
• If your school allows this, complete an independent study project. This will give you some real-world experience as well as a boost on your resume.
• Find a job as a network and systems administrator or in customer service support to build your experience level. These are entry-level jobs, but they will help you to identify security issues.
• Certifications are voluntary, but having some is highly regarded by hiring managers. So, consider them.
• Once you’ve worked for a couple years, you will have gained enough experience to look for a more advanced position, such as an information security analyst.

WHAT KIND OF CAREERS ARE THERE?

There are quite a few different careers in cyber security. Below are the major ones and how you go about getting into them.

CISO/CSO

The Chief Information Security Officer or Chief Security Officer protects a company’s network and all the sensitive information.

• Get a bachelor’s degree in computer or business.
• Master’s degrees are preferred.
• Gain experience managing large teams to prove leadership skills.
• Design IT security system experience.
• Certifications in IT security and a background in technical programs.
• Experience in criminal justice and law enforcement is an added bonus.

Security Analyst

You’re the watchdog of a company’s system, always on the lookout for a potential cyber threat.

• Get a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information assurance, or a related field.
• An MBA in information systems is preferred.
• Have experience in a related occupation such as information technology department or systems administration.
• Certifications are optional but recommended.
• From this position, you can advance to Chief Security Officer (CFO) after a few years of experience.

Security Architect

You’ll design, build, and maintain the computer system’s entire security structure for the company you’re employed for or contracted with.

• Get your bachelor’s degree in computer science.
• Have a background in software engineering.
• Complete an internship to gain more work experience.
• Work for a few years in information technology.
• Get your Certified Information System Security Professional through the International Information System Security Certification Consortium.
• Think about getting a Certified Ethical Hacker certificate, as well.
• Once you’ve been working for a few years, you’ll be qualified to move up to Application Security Architect.
• Consider a career in management.

Security Engineer

You’re a computer engineer with a focus on security solutions when it comes to the design of computer systems.

• Get a bachelor’s degree in computer science, cyber security, or another related field.
• Have 5-10 years of work experience.
• Get your CISSP certification.
• Consider joining a networking group of likeminded people.
• Subscribe to publications keeping you up to date on all the latest in technology.

Computer Forensic Analyst

You work with law enforcement and/or private firms to extract information from computer systems that have been subjected to a cyber attack.

• You can start out with an associate degree in digital forensics, but you’ll need to transfer to a four-year college to get your bachelor’s degree.
• Become a GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst. Other certifications you can test for are Certified Forensic Computer Examiner, Advanced Computer Systems Security, Computer Forensics, and Advanced Computer Forensic certifications.
• Apply for, interview, and get hired into a position.

Penetration Tester/Certified Ethical Hacker

You have authorization to test a network by performing a controlled cyber attack to find any vulnerabilities.

• You must have two years of experience in security or a related field.
• Enter the CEH training program.
• Earn the certification.
• Go through a background check or a personnel security investigation.

Security Software Developer

You will develop the software designed to protect computers from cyber attacks based on identifying any security issues.

• Get your bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, network securities, or another related field.
• Or receive on-the-job training along with proper certifications.
• The sweet spot for years of experience is five; that’s what many employers look for.

Incident Responder (Intrusion Analyst)

Incident responders are tasked with identifying threats within the network and using available tools to fix the problems to make sure they never happen again.

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, cyber security, math, or another related field.
• Alternatively, you may get an associate degree in computer science or something similar.
• To get an entry-level position, you need three years of experience.

Security Consultant

You are the go-to person when it comes to any security issues, and you’ll come up with best security practices for the company you work with so they can avoid future attacks.

• You must have a bachelor’s degree. The most common one for security consultants is computer science.
• If you have a background in criminal justice, it could help move you up the ladder.
• Expect some on-the-job training once you secure a position.
• Earn certifications from professional organizations such as Certified Security Consultant or a Certified Protection Professional.

SKILLS YOU'LL NEED

The skills you will need are really more defined by the role you take. If you’re interested in a cyber security career, you need to have the following basic hard and soft skills:

• A deep knowledge of IT fundamentals such as apps and system administration
• Proficient coding skills: Java, C, C++, Ruby, Python, and Perl
• Knowledge about all system architecture, administration, and operations
• As many certifications as you can get
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written
• A naturally inquisitive nature and a way of super sleuthing things out
• Ability to analyze risks
• Data management skills
• Effective work under extreme pressure
• Time management skills
• Outside of the box thinking
• The ability to stay ahead of cyber terrorists and new threats
• Great problem solving skills

CAN I MOVE FROM AN IT JOB TO CYBER SECURITY?

IT professionals actually make for great cyber security professionals. They already have a deep understanding of technology and what is in need of being protected from threats. Here are some tips on transitioning from an IT job to a career in cyber security:

• If you got into IT without going to college, then you may want to consider getting that bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field.
• In one of the cyber security fields, find an entry-level job where you will be trained with loads of hands-on experience.
• You must know multiple coding languages.

WILL I NEED CERTIFICATIONS?

As mentioned previously, certifications are strictly voluntary. However, if you really want to stand out and prove to hiring managers that you know your stuff, you’ll seriously consider getting highly decorated in those certifications. Some widely recognized certifications to consider are:

• CompTia Security +
• Certified Information Systems Security Personnel
• Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• GIAC Security Essentials
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler
• GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst

SHOULD I JOIN A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION?

A: With any career, it’s always a good idea to join a professional organization that makes sense to you. Most of the organizations have a fee to join, but the benefits can be well worth it. Some organizations for cyber security professionals are:

• Information Systems Audit and Control Association involves cyber security professionals from around the world.
• Association of Information Technology Professionals has chapters worldwide that involve webinars, conferences, awards, a career center, and more.
• Information Technology Infrastructure Library is an open site, welcoming other IT security professionals to be involved in order to create the most understandable, comprehensible best practices guide to cyber security.
• Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams is a global first response team. But they also have conferences around the world, offer access to best practice documents, have hands-on classes, and more.
• SANS Institute is a go-to source for security training, research, and certification. It was established in 1989 as a co-op research and education organization.
• Information Systems Security Association is a network of over 10,000 professionals around the world with local chapters that offer everything from support to certifications.
• Center for Internet Security is a joint effort of professionals attempting to safeguard the Internet against threats.

HOW MUCH MONEY WILL I EARN?

For many cyber security professionals, the salary is just an added bonus that comes with a career they consider to be highly interesting, important, and meaningful.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that cyber security professionals (listed as "information security analysts") earned an average of $124,740 in 2023.The top 10 percent earned an average of $182,370 or more.

ARE THERE JOBS AVAILABLE?

On a whole, the careers within the cyber security realm are growing tremendously. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the demand for cyber security specialists will increase 32 percent by 2031, which is significantly faster than the national average for occupations nationwide.

CAN I GET MY DEGREE ONLINE?

Going through an online cyber security program makes it very convenient, especially if there are major factors in your life that prohibit or impede being able to attend classes in person.

There are many programs offering online education if you want to go into cyber security. You can get an associate, bachelor’s, or even master’s degree going through an online school. However, be certain that your program is accredited, otherwise you may not be able to get those important certifications.