Cybersecurity experts are in demand. However, Working in the cyber security field allows you to work in a fast-paced environment where you continually learn and grow. Cyber security might be worth considering if you’re already in the world of information technology (IT) or looking to make a career switch.
This article will look at some of the many roles available to cybersecurity experts. We’ll also discuss how to get started in cyber security and what your career path might look like.
Some networking tips from an expert.
Firstly, when starting a new career path, it’s helpful to network with industry experts to learn more about the field and to create mutually beneficial relationships. Secondly Steve Graham, Senior Vice President Head of Product at EC-Council, had the following advice during Coursera’s virtual panel, “How can online learning accelerate cybersecurity careers and talent?”
“There’s a lot of different groups that you can join, whether it’s meeting other students or joining special interest groups that get you into this field. Finally, note that it’s also figuring out what you’re passionate about and finding some mentors in that area that you can connect with to help guide you.”
What Are The entry-level Remote Cyber Security jobs?
In cybersecurity, entry-level positions can be a bit contradiction. However, for some roles, the National Security Agency (NSA) defines entry-level as a required bachelor’s degree plus up to three years of relevant experience—less with higher-level degrees. Note, with a high school diploma or GED, you’ll likely need between four and seven years of relevant experience on your resume.
Mostly, some cybersecurity experts enter the field after gaining experience in an entry-level IT role. Here are a few of the most common entry-level jobs within the bigger world of cybersecurity.
1. Information security analyst.
Average salary: $107,343.
Feeder role: network or systems administrator.
As an information security analyst, you help protect an organization’s computer networks and systems by:
. Monitoring networks for security breaches.
. Investigating, documenting, and reporting security breaches.
. Researching IT security trends.
. Helping computer users with security products and procedures.
. Developing strategies to help their organization remain secure.
This is among the most common roles on a cybersecurity team and an excellent entry point into the world of information security.
Common certifications:
CompTIA Security+, GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH).
2. Information security specialist.
Average salary: $140,108
Feeder role: networking, IT support, system engineering.
In this role, you’re the company’s point person for security, ensuring that data remains secure against unauthorized access and cyberattacks. Also, responsibilities for security specialists vary from organization to organization but may include:
. Testing and maintaining firewalls and antivirus software.
. Implementing security training.
. Researching new security risks.
. Suggesting improvements for security weaknesses.
Common certifications:
CompTIA Security+, Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC).
3. Digital forensic examiner.
Average salary: $102,375.
Feeder role: IT support, and risk analyst.
However, if you enjoy seeking clues to solve a puzzle, this role might be for you. Note, digital forensic investigators retrieve information from computers and other digital devices to discover how an illegal person accessed a system or to gather evidence for legal purposes. Day-to-day tasks might include:
. Collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence.
. Recovering data from erased or damaged hard drives.
. Documenting the data retrieval process and maintaining chain of custody.
. Assisting law enforcement in criminal investigations.
. Providing expert testimony in court proceedings.
Common certifications:
GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst, EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE), AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE).
4. IT auditor.
Average salary: $90,252.
Feeder role: network administrator, risk analyst, IT support.
As an IT auditor, you’ll assess your organization’s technology for potential issues with security, efficiency, and compliance. Also, some of your regular tasks might include:
. Planning and performing audits.
. Documenting and presenting audit findings.
. Providing guidance on recommended and mandatory security measures.
. Designing plans to fix any security risks.
. Identifying opportunities for better efficiency.
Common certifications:
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
5. Security systems administrator.
Average salary: $68,264.
Feeder role: systems administrator, and information security analyst.
In this role, you’re typically put in charge of the day-to-day operations of an organization’s cybersecurity systems. However, your responsibilities might include:
. Monitoring systems and running regular backups.
. Managing individual user accounts.
. Developing and documenting security procedures for the organization.
. Collaborating with security teams to respond to unwanted intrusions.
. Participating in company-wide security audits.
Common certifications:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
6. Penetration tester.
Average salary: $114,856.
Feeder role: information security analyst, and incident responder.
As a penetration tester (pen tester for short), you’ll help businesses identify their security weaknesses before malicious hackers can do the same. Therefore, you do this by attempting to breach computer networks with the company’s permission. Penetration testing tasks might include:
. Planning, designing, and carrying out penetration tests.
. Creating reports on test results and offering recommendations to security decision-makers.
. Developing scripts to automate parts of the testing process.
. Conducting social engineering exercises (attempting to get company employees to disclose personal information).
. Providing technical support during incident handling.
Common certifications:
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA PenTest+, GIAC Certified Penetration Tester (GPEN).
7. Security engineer.
Average salary: $142,763.
Feeder role: information security analyst, and penetration tester.
In this role, you design the systems to keep a company’s computers, networks, and data safe from cyberattacks to natural disasters. Therefore, these security systems might include elements like firewalls and intrusion detection systems. However, day-to-day tasks might include:
. Developing security standards and best practices.
. Recommending security enhancements to management.
. Ensuring new security systems are installed and configured correctly.
. Testing security solutions.
. Leading incident response teams.
. Develop programs to automate vulnerability detection.
Common certifications:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).
8. Security Architect.
Average salary: $245,303.
Feeder role: security engineer, and information security analyst.
As a security architect, you set the vision for a company’s security systems. Note, this role combines programming, threat research, and policy development to keep an organization a step ahead of threats. However, your responsibilities might include:
. Building and maintaining security networks and systems.
. Preparing budgets and overseeing security expenses.
. Coordinating security operations across IT and engineering departments.
. Improving systems in response to security incidents or vulnerabilities.
. Conducting breach of security drills.
Common certifications:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and CSA Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK).
9. Cryptography engineer.
Average salary: $128,284.
Feeder role: computer programmer, and information security analyst, systems administrator.
Working in cryptography involves securing data for communication and information exchange. Cryptologists create encryption algorithms, ciphers, and other security protocols to encrypt data. Also, cryptanalysts decrypt information that has been coded. Common tasks in this role include:
. Developing new cryptographic algorithms.
. Analyzing existing algorithms for vulnerabilities.
Implementing encryption solutions.
. Testing new encryption techniques and tools.
Common certifications:
EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES).
10. Cybersecurity manager.
Average salary: $96,986.
Feeder role: information security analyst, and security administrator.
For instance, in this cybersecurity leadership position, you’re responsible for overseeing the security infrastructure at your organization. Moreover, this might include:
. Managing human and technological resources.
. Tracking changes to internal and external security policy.
. Ensuring compliance with security rules and regulations.
. Sourcing cybersecurity tools for the organization.
. Leading risk mitigation efforts.
Common certifications:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
How To Get Remote Cybersecurity job Entry Level.
Note, while requirements for cybersecurity jobs vary widely from company to company, you might notice some common trends. Let’s take a closer look at some of the requirements and how you can go about meeting them to get your first cybersecurity job.
1. Educational requirements.
Many jobs in security list a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, and related fields as a requirement. However, according to Zippia, 56 percent of cybersecurity specialists have a bachelor’s degree and 23 percent have an associate degree. Meanwhile, degrees are common among professionals in the cybersecurity industry, but they’re not always required.
In addition, having a bachelor’s or master’s degree can often create more job opportunities, make you a more competitive candidate in the cybersecurity job market. Also, it help you advance in your career. Note, some degree programs, like the Online Master of Computer Science from Arizona State University, let you concentrate your studies on cybersecurity.
2. Cybersecurity certifications.
Ordinarily, cybersecurity job postings may required at least one certification. However, you’ll find more than 300 different certifications, and the quality isn’t always the same.
If you’re new to cybersecurity, consider starting with a more foundational certification, like the CompTIA Security+ From there, you can begin gaining the necessary work experience to earn more advanced certifications
What Kind Of Cybersecurity Jobs Can You Do Remotely?
Remote work is becoming more common, and cybersecurity roles are well-positioned for it. Most job descriptions will state whether remote work is an option.
If working from home is your priority, you can find listings on Dice and NinjaJobs. Dice refers to this option as “remote,” while NinjaJobs uses “telework” and “telecommute.” Both terms have the same meaning.