What do Cyber Security Jobs Entail?

There are a rising number of cyber security jobs available due to the growing importance of IT and communications when it comes to the prevention and investigation of crime. This is an industry sector expected to expand by a large degree in the years ahead. The main question you should be asking yourself is whether or not a career in cyber security is for you.

Any company, regardless of size, that operates a computer network should have a specialist in cyber and network security. Those filling cyber security jobs may take on one of many titles, such as information security technician, network administrator or network security specialist, but the role remains that of cyber security. In larger companies, such security experts may work on a project-by-project basis and take on a certain role within the development of new systems, services and products.

The role itself entails the protection of sensitive data as well as managing access to networks and resources. This may include protection of customer information such as credit card details or employee information. It may also include the prevention of criminal activity and intrusions on the company network.

There are a variety of cyber security jobs from which to choose. Although you can find vacancies in strategic facilities, private banks and large corporations, most vacancies lie in the public sector.

Strategic analysis and cyber risk focus on identifying and analysing any threats on IT networks and systems. Should you prefer a job that you consider to be more interesting than one that is purely analytical, you can focus on opportunities lying in the cyber-incident response sector. There are a further number of jobs in investigation and intelligence. You would be working mainly behind a computer in an office, but you will find that the work will be more interesting and exciting like the job of an actual intelligence agent.

There are a number of factors that go into determining your salary, with the position you take being the main one. If you are a professional with experience and high qualifications, you may be offered mid-level positions, which will obviously pay more than entry-level positions. Once you have sufficient professional experience, you will be able to command a considerable salary.

To be considered for cyber security jobs, you need to have a bachelor's degree in information security technology, technical management, engineering, computer science or information technology. These are the typically the main requirements, although there are some entry-level IT specialist vacancies which may be available to those with an associated degree in a field regarded as relevant. However, this is not a common occurrence. You may need to hold a master's degree for higher-level vacancies in one of the above positions. You may not require experience among the main requirements, which is especially the case if you can demonstrate the skills required for the role during the recruitment cycle.

The ongoing war against cyber-terrorism means that there is a continual need for cyber security professionals. In short, the field is growing and individuals with the appropriate training and experience will have plenty of opportunities to fill one of an increasing number of cyber security jobs.