Cybersecurity has become one of the hottest job roles over the last few years. Companies all across the globe are constantly on the lookout for ethical hackers and security professionals ever since the dawn of digitalization. The increasing rise in cyberattacks and security breaches is the reason behind the massive demand for cybersecurity professionals. More and more candidates are willing to take up a career in cybersecurity because of the increased awareness of the current cyberthreat landscape.
In this article, we will talk about why you should pursue a career in cybersecurity and what you need to get started.
What Do Companies Look for in a Cybersecurity Employee?
Cybersecurity problems are increasing and ever-changing. As a result, some employers are struggling and facing challenges while recruiting a cybersecurity workforce. The industry’s ever-shifting nature means employers will have to train their employees more aggressively to sharpen their talent and not let their skills become obsolete.
According to a Burning Glass report, most companies are not looking for cybersecurity newbies. They want professionals with the right skill set. While 88% of cybersecurity postings specify a bachelor’s degree or higher, a similar number of postings are looking for candidates with at least 3 years of experience.
Also read – Key Skills and Characteristics of an Ideal Cybersecurity Graduate Student
What Are the Best Cybersecurity Jobs and Salaries?
The field of cybersecurity is vast. Needless to say, there are various options and roles that a cybersecurity aspirant can pursue. Before initiating a career in cybersecurity, it is important for candidates to make sure that they analyze different job roles and then choose accordingly.
Different tracks in cybersecurity include auditors, SOC analysts, security software developers, incident responders, IoT security professionals, cloud security experts, cybersecurity trainers, and cyber forensic experts, among others.
Some of the best cybersecurity jobs and salaries (according to PayScale) are:
- Cyber Security Analyst ($76,261)
- Cyber Security Engineer ($96,101)
- Information Security Analyst ($72,446)
- Information Security Officer ($92,256)
- Chief Information Security Officer ($162,649)
Steps to Building a Career in Cybersecurity
It is important for individuals seeking careers in cybersecurity to understand the security demain and eligibility requirements that employers want. While a relevant degree is important to enter the industry, candidates should also have knowledge about basic/advanced cybersecurity concepts, knowledge of regulatory policies, cybersecurity work experience, and industry certifications.
At the same time, they should also know that this field is not tied only to academic qualifications. Candidates can have a career in cybersecurity irrespective of the qualification that they have. Due to the rise in cybercrimes, there are multiple openings for professionals from different backgrounds.
Study with EC-Council University
Looking to kick-start a career in cybersecurity? If the answer is yes, join ECCU, a University founded by some of the the top world leaders in the field of cybersecurity. EC-Council University offers cutting edge cybersecurity degrees and programs that meet the needs of todays cybersecurity demands. Choose from the following degrees to start your journey:
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security (BSCS)
The aim of the BSCS degree is to help students obtain the knowledge that they need to build a career in cybersecurity. It covers areas like cybersecurity management, security threat assessment, and incident response.
Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS)
An MSCS degree prepares candidates to become professionals and assume cybersecurity and information assurance leadership roles. The curriculum of this degree is rich in knowledge about IT security threat assessment, computer security management, organizational management and behavior, incident response, and leadership challenges.
- Specializations
MSCS in Security Analyst, MSCS in Cloud Security Architect, MSCS in Digital Forensics, MSCS in Incident Management & Business Continuity, and MSCS in Executive Leadership in Information Assurance.
Graduate Certificate Programs (GCPs)
GCPs focus on the competencies that are necessary for cybersecurity professionals to become managers, directors, and CIOs.
- Programs
Information Security Professional, Security Analyst, Enterprise Security Architect, Digital Forensics, Incident Management & Business Continuity, and Executive Leadership in Information Assurance.
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