2022 saw over 800,000 cybercrime attacks accrue more than $10 billion in losses, making it one of the worst years for cybersecurity breaches in recent times. Costly incidents continue to rise as scammers evolve to be more creative in their approaches. In this landscape, cybersecurity jobs are in high demand and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Those looking to enter the tech industry should consider these cybersecurity career paths.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Sometimes called an information security analyst, a cybersecurity analyst assesses, monitors, and improves digital security to safeguard sensitive information. These individuals must be knowledgeable about cyber threats, company and personal vulnerabilities, and IT infrastructure. In this role, daily responsibilities may include installing firewalls, developing protection plans, performing risk assessments and research, and investigating security incidents.
Network Security Analyst
Network security analysts, like cybersecurity analysts, are key members of IT teams. While they share some duties, they also have different responsibilities. Similar to cybersecurity analysts, these individuals design and plan measures to anticipate and prevent breaches. They also conduct research, study methods, and install firewalls and data encryptions to secure IT infrastructure. Network security analysts must also aid during service interruptions, including identifying issues and getting networks back online.
Security Software Developer
Security software developers require a diverse skill set. They not only need strong technical programming and security analysis skills, but they must also be familiar with the product development process. These individuals create software and applications that identify and prevent cybersecurity intrusions from malware and viruses that attempt to steal data. Security software developers also have to continually upgrade systems as new threats emerge and be able to provide technical support to users of their software.
Malware Analyst
As malware and ransomware threats continue to rise, the need for more malware analysts also increases. Malware analysts use security analysis and coding skills to examine malware threats, investigate incidents, and offer preventative solutions against future attacks. Should a cybersecurity threat be found, these individuals work to reverse engineer hostile code and search for the sources of the attack. Malicious malware attacks continue to evolve, which means that malware analysts have to work to stay ahead of new trends and develop new solutions to these threats.
Penetration Tester
Penetration testers, often known as ethical hackers, take on the role of scammers or hackers using coding, programming, and security analysis skills to identify gaps in cybersecurity. They seek out vulnerabilities in IT infrastructure like networks and systems as well as software applications and devices. If issues are found, penetration testers offer solutions to fix them before they can be exploited. Aside from diverse technical skills, ethical hackers must be able to understand cybercrime trends and be as creative as the attackers they are mimicking.
Computer Forensics Investigator
Computer forensics investigators are the CSI of the cybersecurity world. These individuals are tasked with reviewing cybercrime incidents. They analyze how attackers were able to breach networks and search for lingering digital evidence. Any findings that computer forensics investigators uncover are then delivered to legal teams and law enforcement to attempt to rectify the cyber incident. They may also provide clients with solutions to help prevent future breaches.
How to Get Into Cybersecurity
Thinking about exploring a career in cybersecurity? Computer science and computer programming college degrees can give you the skills needed to enter the cybersecurity industry. TechBuffalo also links adult learners to bootcamps and training programs to develop technical skills to serve them in their career pursuits. If you’re looking to get into cybersecurity but don’t have a degree, we can help. We’ll help connect you to local certificate programs for free or low cost! Get in touch with our team today to learn more.
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