With more and more businesses and people relying on the online world and storing their information on different e-channels, the risk of data theft and infiltration has increased. This has brought in the need for cybersecurity professionals who can safeguard the data by implementing robust security measures.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the number of cybersecurity jobs will increase by 32% between 2022 and 2032. Cybersecurity, therefore, has emerged as a lucrative career field with multiple job openings and career paths
However, anyone wanting to start a cybersecurity career requires proper training. This training and experience can be achieved through an online Cyber Security Bootcamp, which trains students with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge and skills to start a cybersecurity career.
Cybersecurity – A Lucrative Career Field
Cybersecurity is an up-and-coming career field with thousands of job openings with a high pay range. In addition, a career as a cybersecurity specialist allows professionals to grow through stages, gaining better positions and a higher salary range with experience.
Moreover, with a high demand for cybersecurity professionals, the job market is competitive, driving higher salaries for entry-level positions as well. Besides, there are multiple career paths that you can choose as a cyber security specialist. In addition, companies across all sectors require a cybersecurity specialist, allowing professionals to work anywhere.
There is also high job security in a cybersecurity career path since it is still in its infancy. With newer technologies coming in, companies keep investing in better cybersecurity measures, therefore increasing opportunities for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
The average annual pay range of a cybersecurity professional is estimated to be $92,000. These high salaries are consistent with cybersecurity roles since such professionals add value to businesses by providing data and operations security.
How To Get Started In Cybersecurity
Since cybersecurity requires in-depth technical knowledge and expertise, one needs proper training to enter the field. You need to pursue certifications to kickstart your career in this enterprising field.
You can enroll in a cybersecurity boot camp on online platforms such as Simplilearn, which equips you with the skills and knowledge required as a cybersecurity professional. Besides, such bootcamps help you find a job.
After completing your training, you can take different certification exams, depending on your chosen career path. These certifications prove your expertise in the subject matter, helping businesses assess your potential.
Different Career Paths In Cybersecurity
There are various career paths that you can choose as a cybersecurity professional, according to which you require further training and certification. These include:
1. Security Engineer
A security engineer is tasked with identifying any vulnerabilities in a company’s IT infrastructure that a cyber attacker can use. Further, the engineer works to strengthen these kinks and implement better security measures.
In addition to this, a security engineer helps provide IT support and troubleshooting. As a security engineer, you will need expertise in programming languages such as Python, database platform knowledge, and experience with threats such as phishing and network access controllers.
As a security engineer, you can earn up to $85,000 at the entry level. As you gain experience, the average salary increases to $120,000 for mid-career and more than $200,000 annually upon achieving specializations.
2. Security Architect
As the name suggests, a security architect helps design the tools, technologies, and methods a company needs to protect its data and privacy. In this role, professionals must guide their team through creating a robust security system for the company after assessing the existing measures and vulnerabilities.
As a security architect, you must know programming languages, coding, networking practices, and soft skills. The annual pay range of a security architect is $125,000, increasing to $190,000 on average once you gain experience.
3. Systems Administrator
A systems administrator or a network engineer helps ensure the security of the company’s computer system. This includes updating the systems, implementing newer security measures, and configuring new software and hardware.
In addition, a systems administrator must test the system for any threats or issues and ensure optimum network performance. You require in-depth knowledge of software, hardware, network, and operating systems for this.
The annual salary of a systems administrator is $60,000 as a starting salary, with a higher end of $107,000 per annum for experienced individuals on average.
4. IT Auditor
An IT auditor role is awarded to highly experienced professionals to conduct a risk assessment and audit a company’s technologies to present areas where the security measures can be improved.
As an IT auditor, you can audit multiple companies through one-time assessments or work with a single business, regularly assessing their data, network, and computer security.
As an IT auditor, you require specialized certifications. The average salary range is $65,000 to $72,000 per year.
5. Penetration Tester
An ethical hacker or a penetration tester uses different methods to “hack” an organization‘s systems. Working from the company’s side helps identify any vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the system that an actual hacker can take advantage of.
For this role, you require skills in scripting, cryptography, and computer networking, along with a certification. The annual average pay range of a penetration tester is $84,845.
6. Digital Forensics
While the above roles focus on preventing a cyber threat, a digital forensics specialist is tasked with collecting evidence to help track a cybercriminal. The investigative work involves investigating attacks, recovering data, and gathering clues from encrypted devices, among other things.
For a role in digital forensics, you require in-depth knowledge of cyber security in addition to hardware, software, networking, and investigative skills. The average pay of a digital forensic expert is $89,000 annually.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is an emerging career path with thousands of openings. As a field expected to grow multifold in the coming years, it will bring multiple job opportunities in different sectors.
There are various career paths that you can choose as a cybersecurity specialist, from implementing security measures to tracking cyber attackers. All of these roles have a high average annual pay.
Moreover, the roles have high job security since cybersecurity-trained professionals are scarce. To start your career in this lucrative field, you can pursue online training and certifications that prove your skill and expertise in protecting company data and privacy.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
