10 Careers in Cyber Security

1. Security Software Developer

Security software developers build security software and integrate security into applications software during the design and development process. Depending on the specific position and company, a security software developer might oversee a team of developers in the creation of secure software tools, develop a company-wide software security strategy, participate in the lifecycle development of software systems, support software deployments to customers, and test their work for vulnerabilities.

READ: How to Prepare for a Coding Interview

2. Security Architect Career Path

If you’re enthusiastic about problem-solving and formulating big-picture strategies, the security architect career path is for you. A security architect is meant to create, build and execute network and computer security for an organisation. Security architects are responsible for developing complex security frameworks and ensuring that they function effectively. They design security systems to counter malware, hacking and DDoS attacks.

3. Security Consultant

A security consultant is a catch-all cyber security expert. They evaluate cyber security threats, risks, problems, and give possible solutions for different organisations and guide them in protecting and securing their physical capital and data. Security consultants must not be too rigid and must be tech-savvy — they deal with a wide range of variables when assessing security systems across diverse companies and industries.

4. Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts are the front-line defence of networks, information security analysts put firewalls and encryption in place in order to protect from breaches, constantly monitor and audit systems for unusual activities.

5. Ethical Hackers

Ethical hackers normally hold a CEH certificate and are given license by their employers to try and infiltrate the security of their system. The idea is that they use the same techniques as malicious black hat hackers to test existing security protocols; if they are successful, upgrades can then be developed and implemented.

6. Computer Forensics Analysts

Forensics analysts focus on cyber crime, an ever-growing phenomenon. They work with law enforcement agencies in both public and private sector organisations and are asked to undertake a wide variety of tasks, including:

• Recovering deleted files

• Interpreting data linked to crime

• Analysing mobile phone records

• Pursuing data trails

Computer forensic analysts must keep well-detailed records of their investigations, and often provide evidence in court.

7. Chief Information Security Officer

The chief information security officer is normally a mid-executive level position whose job is to manage the affairs and operations of a company’s or organisation’s IT security division. CISOs are usually responsible for planning, coordinating and directing all computer, network and data security needs of their employers. CISOs work directly with the management to determine an organisation’s custom cyber security demands. The CISOs are usually saddled with the responsibility of assembling an effective staff of security professionals, which means that the position requires an individual with a strong background in IT security architecture and strategy, as well as effective communication and human resource skills.

8. Penetration Tester

Penetration testing is the proactive authorised employment of testing procedures on the IT system to identify system flaws. A penetration tester usually attempts to (with permission) hack into a computer and network systems to pre-emptively discover operating system vulnerabilities, service and application problems, improper configurations and more, before an intruder causes real damage. Penetration testers must be highly skilled, often using and testing tools of their own design, to “break into” the systems under watch. Penetration testers are required to keep accurate records of their activities and discovered vulnerabilities.

9. IT Security Consultant

IT security consultants meet with clients to advise them on how to protect their organisations’ cyber security objectives most efficiently and cost-effectively. IT security consultants are often employed by smaller firms and agencies that cannot afford to handle their security issues in-house but are also employed by big corporations to supplement their security teams and provide an impartial outside perspective to current systems challenges.

10. Security Systems Administrator

A security systems administrator’s responsibility is a bit similar to many cyber security jobs i.e., installing, administering, maintaining and troubleshooting computer, network and data security systems. The main distinction between security systems administrators and other cyber security professionals is that the security systems administrator is normally the person in charge of the daily operation of those security systems. The regular tasks include systems monitoring and running regular backups, and setting up, deleting and maintaining individual user accounts. Security systems administrators are often involved in developing organisational security procedures.

As you can see, there are endless paths your cyber security career can lead you down. But first, you have to start somewhere. If you’re interested in a career in IT why not check out our bootcamps and see if there is a path suited to you!