Cybersecurity Jobs: Protecting the World from Digital Threats

posted on June 7, 2023

In this digital age, where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, securing digital assets has never been more critical. Cybersecurity has emerged as a vital field that protects individuals, organizations, and governments from the ever-growing threat of cyber attacks.

As an increasing amount of sensitive information, salaries, and assets are exchanged and stored digitally, the demand for cybersecurity becomes more critical than ever. By 2025, cybercrime is projected to cause annual losses amounting to $10.5 trillion, underscoring the urgent need for cybersecurity experts to combat this threat.

As per the insights from the Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit, an impressive shift is anticipated in the cybersecurity landscape. By 2025, a significant 80% of businesses are projected to adopt a unified security service edge platform provided by a single vendor.

Considering the expected rise in cybersecurity jobs, we’ll explore the diverse career paths, skills, and qualifications needed to succeed and exciting opportunities.

So, whether you’re curious about the various roles within cybersecurity, want to understand the salary potential, or are eager to learn how to get your foot in the door, this blog is your go-to resource.

Let’s dive in!

10 Types of Cybersecurity Jobs with Salaries

Here are 10 types of cybersecurity jobs, along with their role and average salaries, although specific salaries may vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and organization size:

Entry-level Positions		Mid-level Positions		Advanced-level Positions
*Designation*	*Salary (Per Year)*	*Designation*	*Salary (Per Year)*	*Designation*	*Salary (Per Year)*
Security Analyst	$92,504	Penetration Tester	$122,418	Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)	$115,974
Incident Responder	$114,509	Security Engineer	$80,080	Security Architect	$107,506
Security Administrator	$85,987	Security Consultant	$69,547	Cybersecurity Forensic Investigator	$113,399
		Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst	$88,098	Security Manager	$109,716
		Malware Analyst	$97,883

Let’s explore each of these designations in detail so you can make an informed decision about your career in cybersecurity.

Entry-level Cybersecurity Jobs Positions

Entry-level cybersecurity positions typically require less experience and serve as a starting point for individuals entering the field. Here are a few examples of entry level cybersecurity jobs:

Security Analyst

Security analysts or Cybersecurity analysts monitor computer networks for security breaches and investigate security incidents.

In addition, they install and use software, such as firewalls and data encryption programs, to protect sensitive information. The average salary for this position is $92,504 per year.

7 Roles of Security Analyst

Monitor networks for breaches and investigate incidents
Install and use security software, such as firewalls and encryption programs
Identify and assess threats, and develop preventive solutions
Collaborate with cybersecurity professionals and conduct audits
Maintain security policies, stay updated on trends, and provide training
Respond to incidents, perform testing, and document breaches
Ensure compliance, report metrics, and recommend improvements.

Incident Responder

Incident responders are responsible for responding to cybersecurity incidents like malware infections or network intrusions.

They investigate the incident, contain it, and conduct a post-incident analysis to identify the root cause and prevent future incidents. The average salary for this position is $114,509 per year.

8 Roles of Incident Responder

Respond to and investigate cybersecurity incidents
Identify, contain, and analyze incidents
Determine root causes and develop response plans
Communicate with stakeholders and guide teams
Document incidents and conduct post-incident analysis
Recommend preventive measures and stay updated
Participate in training and coordinate with external parties
Improve incident response processes and procedures.

Security Administrator

Security administrators manage and monitor an organization’s security systems, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security devices.

They may also be responsible for conducting security audits and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The average salary for this position is $85,987 per year.

14 Roles of Security Administrator

Manage security systems and infrastructure
Enforce policies and procedures
Configure and monitor security technologies
Identify and address risks and vulnerabilities
Develop and implement security plans
Train employees on security awareness
Conduct audits and risk assessments
Manage access control and authentication
Respond to and recover from incidents
Manage encryption and certificates
Implement security incident and event management
Collaborate on security strategies
Document incidents and impact
Ensure compliance with standards and regulations.

Mid-level Cyber Security Jobs Positions

Mid-level cybersecurity job positions typically require several years of experience in the field and may involve managing or leading teams, designing and implementing security solutions, and developing security strategies. Here are a few examples of mid-level cybersecurity jobs:

Penetration Tester

Penetration testers, or ethical hackers, simulate cyber-attacks to identify weaknesses in an organization’s security systems.

Then, they work closely with security teams to provide recommendations on how to improve security measures. The average salary for this position is $122,418 per year.

10 Roles of Penetration Tester

Test computer systems and networks for vulnerabilities
Conduct penetration testing using automated and manual techniques
Provide detailed reports and improvement recommendations
Collaborate with cybersecurity professionals
Participate in red team/blue team exercises
Stay updated on cybersecurity threats
Maintain client confidentiality
Follow ethical and professional standards
Adhere to established testing procedures
Work independently or as part of a team.

Security Engineer

Security engineers design and implement security systems that can protect an organization’s data and systems from cyber-attacks.

They may also be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the security systems. The average salary for this position is $80,080 per year.

15 Roles of Security Engineer

Design, develop, and implement security controls for systems, networks, and data
Conduct risk assessments and identify vulnerabilities and threats
Establish and maintain security standards, procedures, and guidelines
Deploy security solutions like firewalls, IDS/IPS, and VPNs
Monitor systems and networks for breaches and incidents
Investigate breaches, provide remediation recommendations
Stay updated on emerging security technologies and trends
Integrate security into technology infrastructure
Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans
Conduct security audits and ensure policy compliance
Create and maintain incident response plans and procedures
Provide security training and awareness
Participate in incident response and investigations
Communicate security issues to management and stakeholders
Manage security budget to meet business requirements.

Security Consultant

Security consultants advise and guide organizations on how to design and implement effective security strategies and solutions.

They may also conduct risk assessments and develop security policies and procedures. The average salary for this position is $69,547 per year.

16 Role of Security Consultant

Develop and implement security solutions and technologies
Design, configure, and maintain security systems and infrastructure
Identify and mitigate security risks and vulnerabilities
Conduct risk assessments and security audits
Develop and implement security policies and procedures
Provide security guidance to IT teams
Monitor network traffic for threats and vulnerabilities
Implement security incident response plans
Participate in incident response and recovery
Conduct security awareness training
Develop and maintain disaster recovery plans
Implement access control and authentication systems
Implement encryption technologies
Stay updated on emerging security threats
Participate in red team/blue team exercises
Collaborate with cybersecurity professionals on strategies.

Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst

SOC analysts are responsible for monitoring an organization’s security systems, including intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and other security devices, for security breaches and responding to security incidents. The average salary for this position is $88,098 per year.

15 Roles of Security Operations Center Analyst

Monitor security systems for potential threats
Investigate and analyze security incidents and anomalies
Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
Provide incident response and recovery services
Develop and maintain incident response plans
Participate in red team/blue team exercises
Identify and mitigate security risks and vulnerabilities
Conduct security awareness training
Stay updated on emerging threats
Collaborate with cybersecurity professionals on strategies
Provide recommendations for system improvement
Document and report security incidents
Ensure compliance with policies and regulations
Continuously enhance skills and techniques
Work independently or as part of a team.

Malware Analyst

Malware analysts investigate malware infections to identify the infection’s source, nature, and extent.

They also develop and implement strategies to remove the malware and prevent future infections. The average salary for this position is $97,883 per year.

14 Role of Malware Analyst

Analyze malware samples to identify behavior and impact
Reverse engineer malware to uncover functionality and vulnerabilities
Develop tools to detect and remove malware
Collaborate on malware detection and mitigation strategies
Conduct malware investigations to trace infections
Assist IT teams, with malware-related issues
Maintain malware analysis tools and infrastructure
Stay updated on emerging malware threats
Document findings and recommendations
Participate in red team/blue team exercises
Securely handle and protect malware samples
Ensure compliance with legal requirements
Improve skills to stay ahead of malware authors
Work independently or as part of a team.

Advanced-level Cybersecurity Jobs Positions

Advanced-level cybersecurity jobs typically require significant experience in the field, advanced technical skills, and leadership capabilities. Here are a few examples of advanced-level cybersecurity job positions:

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

CISOs oversee an organization’s information security program, develop security policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

They also work closely with other departments to implement security measures effectively. The average salary for this position is $115,974 per year.

17 Role of Chief Information Security Officer

Develop and implement an enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy
Ensure legal and regulatory compliance
Manage cybersecurity team
Identify and manage risks and vulnerabilities
Develop and maintain security policies and procedures
Maintain incident response plans
Secure handling of sensitive information
Provide guidance to senior leadership
Align cybersecurity with business goals
Manage cybersecurity budget
Monitor and analyze metrics
Stay updated on emerging threats
Represent the organization in cybersecurity matters
Foster external partnerships
Continuously improve processes and infrastructure
Manage incident communication and response
Serve as cybersecurity subject matter expert.

Security Architect

Security architects design and implement security systems that protect an organization’s data and systems from cyber-attacks.

They may also be responsible for monitoring and maintaining the security systems. The average salary for this position is $107,506 per year.

16 Roles of Security Architect

Develop and maintain enterprise-wide security architecture strategy
Integrate security into technology infrastructure
Evaluate and select security technologies
Develop and maintain security policies and standards
Implement security controls against cyber threats
Conduct risk assessments and manage risks
Maintain security documentation
Ensure compliance with regulations
Collaborate on security initiatives
Manage external relationships
Stay updated on emerging threats
Manage security budget
Provide guidance to leadership and departments
Participate in incident response and investigations
Align security with business goals
Ensure scalable and adaptable security architecture.

Cybersecurity Forensic Investigator

Forensic investigators investigate cyber-attacks and data breaches, collect digital evidence, and analyze it to identify the source and nature of the attack.

They may also be involved in providing expert testimony in legal proceedings. The average salary for this position is $113,399 per year.

13 Roles of Cybersecurity Forensic Investigator

Collect and analyze digital evidence for cybersecurity incidents
Conduct investigations into incidents and breaches
Recover data from compromised systems
Develop and maintain evidence-collection procedures
Collaborate with security professionals and law enforcement
Document and report findings to stakeholders
Participate in legal proceedings
Stay updated on forensic investigation techniques
Provide training on digital forensics
Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing
Maintain incident response plans
Ensure compliance with legal requirements
Foster relationships with external partners.

Security Manager

Security managers oversee an organization’s information security program, develop security policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

They also work closely with other departments to implement security measures effectively. The average salary for this position is $109,716 per year.

15 Roles of Security Manager

Develop and maintain enterprise-wide security strategy
Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
Develop and maintain security policies and standards
Manage and lead the security team
Identify and manage security risks and vulnerabilities
Foster relationships with external partners
Integrate security into technology infrastructure
Conduct security assessments and audits
Implement security awareness and training programs
Maintain incident response plans
Manage security budget
Participate in incident response and investigations
Provide guidance to leadership and departments
Stay updated on emerging security threats
Measure the effectiveness of security programs.

How To Get A Job In Cybersecurity

Finding a job in cybersecurity is pretty rewarding. Here are some of the prerequisites that can help you secure a job!

Educational requirements
Cybersecurity Certifications
In-demand Cybersecurity Skills
Finding entry-level opportunities

1. Educational requirements

To pursue a career in cybersecurity, a strong educational foundation is crucial. While a degree in cybersecurity or a related field is advantageous, it is not always mandatory.

Many professionals enter the field with degrees in computer science, information technology, or a similar discipline.

Additionally, acquiring knowledge through online cybersecurity courses, cybersecurity bootcamps, or self-study can also be valuable.

Finally, practical experience gained through internships, projects, or cybersecurity competitions further enhances one’s qualifications.

2. Cybersecurity Certifications

Obtaining industry-recognized cybersecurity certifications can significantly boost your job prospects.

Certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) demonstrate expertise in specific areas of cybersecurity.

Research the certifications relevant to your career goals and choose those that align with your interests and desired specialization.

3. In-demand Cybersecurity Skills

Developing a comprehensive skill set is essential for success in the cybersecurity field. In-demand skills include proficiency in network security, vulnerability assessment, and management, incident response, secure coding, risk assessment, and data privacy.

Additionally, communication, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and teamwork skills are highly valued.

Finally, continuously stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends to remain competitive and adaptable.

4. Finding entry-level opportunities

Securing entry-level opportunities in cybersecurity can pave the way for career advancement.

Consider internships, apprenticeships, or volunteer positions that offer hands-on experience and networking opportunities.

Join cybersecurity communities, attend industry events, and engage in online forums to build connections and gain industry insights. Leverage job boards, professional networking platforms, and career services to discover entry-level positions.

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and certifications, and be prepared for interviews by showcasing your passion and willingness to learn.

By following these key pointers, you can enhance your qualifications, acquire valuable certifications, develop in-demand skills, and find entry-level opportunities to kickstart a rewarding career in the field of cybersecurity.

What Types of Companies Are Hiring Cybersecurity Jobs?‎

The majority of companies are now becoming increasingly conscious of cybersecurity risk and offering cybersecurity roles. Some of them are as follows:

Companies	Example
Technology Companies	IBM, Cisco, Microsoft, Oracle
Financial Institutions	JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Wells Fargo, American Express
Government Agencies	National Security Agency (NSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Defense and Aerospace Companies	Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon
Healthcare Organizations	Mayo Clinic, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson
E-commerce and Retail Companies	Amazon, Walmart, eBay
Consulting and Professional Services Firms	Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY)
Energy and Utilities Companies	ExxonMobil, Chevron, Duke Energy

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, as cybersecurity job opportunities can be found in various sectors, including education, manufacturing, telecommunications, and more.

Future of Cybersecurity Jobs

The future of cybersecurity jobs is bright due to the cumulative shift of companies toward protecting their data. Here are some of the main reasons for the promising future of the cybersecurity job market!

Rising demand due to increasing cyber threats
Emphasis on artificial intelligence and machine learning
Cloud Security
Internet of Things (IoT) security
Data privacy and compliance
Cybersecurity for critical infrastructure
Cybersecurity in the supply chain
Enhanced threat intelligence and analytics
Ethical hacking and red teaming
Continuous learning and adaptability

As the future unfolds, cybersecurity jobs will evolve in response to emerging technologies, new threats, and evolving regulations. Cybersecurity professionals who embrace these trends and acquire relevant skills will be well-positioned to thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving cybersecurity industry.

Cybersecurity Jobs – FAQs

Are there any jobs in cybersecurity that do not require programming?

Yes, there are cybersecurity jobs that do not require programmings, such as cybersecurity policy and compliance roles.

Is cybersecurity a good career?

Yes, cybersecurity is a promising and in-demand career with ample growth opportunities.

Is cybersecurity easy to study?

Studying cybersecurity can be challenging but rewarding with the right dedication and effort.

Can I learn cyber security in 6 months?

It is possible to learn the basics of cybersecurity in 6 months, but mastery and expertise may take longer.

Conclusion

And that brings us to the end of our blog on Cybersecurity jobs. We hope this journey through the world of cybersecurity careers has provided you with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of the opportunities that await in this dynamic field.

We’ve covered a range of topics, from the educational requirements and certifications needed to kickstart your cybersecurity journey to the in-demand skills and entry-level opportunities available.

So whether you aspire to be a security analyst, ethical hacker, security architect, or even a chief information security officer, the cybersecurity industry offers a wealth of opportunities for growth, advancement, and making a real difference in protecting our digital world.

We hope this blog has equipped you with the knowledge and inspiration to pursue a fulfilling and rewarding career in cybersecurity.

Remember, securing our digital future starts with individuals like you who are passionate about keeping our digital assets safe. So, embrace the challenges, keep learning, and let your cybersecurity journey begin. Best of luck!