Our dependency on computer networks, systems and databases to run a business has skyrocketed in recent years and is only set to rise further. Even the smallest firms find themselves storing essential information on the computer and online.
With the number of hackers climbing, this has opened a pressing demand for cyber security professionals, a need which is quickly growing out of hand. Companies can’t afford to suffer a cyber-attack: just one trade secret leak can be the difference between a company thriving and failing, as well as cyber defence organisations often invest in cyber insurance.
The need for cybersecurity professionals to protect businesses is only growing, this article aims to educate you on the core roles you will need to hire for from a cyber security POV.
Unprecedented Growth in Demand
In building a team of CySec professionals you can be assured it will be expensive but far below the cost of dealing with a successful cyber-attack
The cyber security industry has seen unprecedented growth in the last decade, and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping. Demand is massively outpacing supply: job opportunities are opening far faster than we’re able to churn out qualified personnel to fill the positions.
Worker shortages mean that CySec professionals are valuable asset to a company, and they’re more likely to train you in-house or support your professional development to keep someone within the firm. What this means is that on top of increased job security, there is an excellent opportunity for career development.
Cyber security professionals boast impressive salaries and even more notable salary progression. Statistics vary, but one recent survey indicates that the average annual salary for cyber security professionals in the UK is £52,500, excluding wages in London, which we can assume are even higher. Accredited professionals can access top positions, with salaries exceeding £100,000 a year.
Common Cybersecurity Team Roles
Cyber security engineer
Security engineers test networks for vulnerabilities, monitor systems for any breaches and develop security strategies and company-wide policies. In the event of a breach, security engineers are the first to respond. They’re essential for planning and preparing for security threats and protecting a company’s systems accordingly. The responsibilities of a security engineer can vary from company to company, but may include influencing security policy within a company or conducting penetration testing.
Security engineers are senior professionals, and many of these roles require five to ten years’ experience. If this is your end goal, it’s a good idea to achieve a bachelor’s degree. After this, experience in ethical hacking or network administration is a good way in. Certifications such as the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) can help fast-track you into your dream role.
Information security analyst
As an information security analyst, you’re responsible for protecting an organisation’s computer networks and systems. It’s up to you to plan and implement protection programmes, whether that’s coming up with ways to mitigate network breaches within a company or, more practically, installing and using firewalls and software for data encryption. Information security analysts are also the ones who prepare response procedures and recovery plans in the event of a cyber-attack.
A degree isn’t necessary to gain an entry-level position as a security analyst. With a bit of industry experience, a real passion for technology and perhaps a certification, it’s possible to secure an analyst role without attending university.
Cryptographers
Cryptographers deal with encryption algorithms to secure sensitive or private data. Encryption means that even if data is stolen, hackers shouldn’t be able to read it. It is therefore a cryptographer’s job to analyse, decipher and produce encryption.
Cryptography is a highly technical field. Most employers request a bachelor’s degree as a minimum. Technical degrees such as Maths, Computer Science or Computer Programming and Engineering are favoured, but some employers will accept non-technical degrees if candidates can demonstrate experience.
IT support technicians
PC Support technicians or virus technicians need to keep up with the latest bugs, viruses and malware found on the web. Using their extensive knowledge of cyber threats, technicians help develop software that can defend systems and networks against novel viruses. It’s their job to troubleshoot, maintain and install these systems, and diagnose any software issues.
You don’t need a degree to become an IT support technician. To become a senior virus technician and develop defence software, you may need certification. However, many PC support technicians start in entry-level computer roles, for example as a computer service technician or repair technician, and work their way up.
Penetration tester
Penetration testers are also sometimes known as ethical hackers or white hat hackers. They learn all the tricks of the trade practised by malicious hackers and put them to good use. They use these very same methods to try to penetrate a company’s systems and networks, to test it for vulnerabilities or security weak points. Knowing how hackers work puts them in the best position not only to test a company’s cyber defence systems but to understand how to reinforce them against such cyber-attacks.
As an ethical hacker, you will have to adhere to strict rules agreed upon with the client or hiring company. This usually involves recording all the tests you apply and files you access and a commitment to confidentiality. Pen-testers need to be creative to stay one step ahead of criminal hackers. Most employers look for a bachelor’s degree, as well as certification in ethical hacking. An excellent entry-level certification for this career path is the Certified Ethical Hacker offered by EC-Council.
Network administrator
The role of a network administrator is to help build and maintain effective computer and communications networks for organisations. They have to configure networks, analyse and troubleshoot network issues as well as determine which employees have access to which data. Only those who need access to particular files and databases should receive access to secure the company’s network as much as possible. It will be down to the network administrator to grant network access to different employees.
Network administration is an intermediate position, requiring at least two years’ experience of technical experience. While most net admins have a bachelor’s degree, employers favour experience and certifications over formal education.
Forensic computer analyst
If you want to be the Sherlock Holmes of CyberSec, this one is for you. Forensic computer analysts are responsible for finding evidence of criminal activity following a security breach. They’ll have to comb through hard drives, storage devices, online code and software for signs and evidence of intrusion. They will need to be able to recover data from deleted or damaged devices and pass on evidence to the authorities. It’s a high-pressure job and also one that requires a high level of trust, as you’ll be handling highly sensitive data.
To get into forensics, you tend to need a bachelor’s degree. This role isn’t an entry-level position, so you’ll also have to have a fair amount of industry experience. If this is your end-goal, focus on gathering experience in ethical hacking. A useful place to start is the Certified Ethical Hacker certification, which is an entry-level exam. If you can get some experience in IT beforehand, it’ll help you master the basics quickly.
Once you’ve got your CEH, you will be eligible for positions as a white hat hacker. Beyond this, aim to achieve the ESCA, which picks up where the CEH left off. After several years, you should have enough experience to attempt the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator exam. Achieving the CHFI is a prerequisite for many cyber forensic roles.
The list goes on beyond the roles listed here. It’s a billion-pound industry and one that is continually developing. As threats evolve and become quicker and smarter, more information security practitioners are needed to respond to and prevent cyber-attacks. Once you’ve decided on the job you want, it’s time to get you there.
Final thoughts
In order to find the Cyber security professionals, businesses need offer competitive salaries, impressive professional development and ample job security to get the right team that will protect your business.
