Over 3000 data breaches occurred in 2019, with about 4 billion exposed data. At least 7 billion records were breached this year, with the latest case being the hotel giant Marriott, having 5.2 million customer data accessed by cyber-attacks, or the Dutch government earlier in March which had its organ donors’ data stolen.
Cyber-attacks and data breaches were in the World Economic Forum’s Top 10 Risks list back in 2019, remaining a major threat even for 2020 and the years to come. With remote working due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WE Forum has also pointed out that citizens are exposed to cybercriminals. Cyber-crimes cost the world trillions of dollars in damages each year, with the cost of a single data breach being almost $4 million, according to IBM. According to another study, an attack occurs every 39 seconds.
As technology progresses by the minute, with 5G knocking on our doors and quantum computing underway, cyber-threats become graver, however, these technological advances can come in assistance to cyber-security and data protection. A good amount of attention has been paid by governments in this respect by passing stronger policies and acts protecting data owners. Also, the businesses are seeking to improve their strategies, as alone they take up to 6 months to detect a data breach in their systems.
It has been predicted that there will be 3 million unfulfilled cyber-security related jobs by 2021 around the world, with half a million in the US alone. There is a higher need for cybersecurity professionals as the number of internet users is expected to grow to 6 billion within two years, and while all services are becoming more technology-oriented.
So, if you are considering changing your career, are an undecided student regarding her/his major, or already working in the field, we have prepared for you a list of the most in-demand cyber-security jobs.
- Cybersecurity Engineer
One of the highest in-demand job positions in the field is cybersecurity engineer. These are the main professionals who are responsible for designing, building and sustaining systems immune to cyberattacks. They must be aware of updated technology in order to implement it to their own system so it can be better protected. Other responsibilities include creating plans, solutions, and policies to existing and emerging security issues, configure firewalls, investigate potential breaches and counter them.
Most of the positions require a minimum of three years’ work experience, however, there has been observed a growing demand for a Master’s degree, while certifications can definitely be a plus.
- Cybersecurity Analyst
Another top-profile and high in-demand cybersecurity job, the analyst is responsible for monitoring and tracking cyber threats to a network system. They must administer various monitoring tools for the identification and investigation of potential threats, and analyze reports on suspicious activities that might have occurred in a network. Other responsibilities include creating, planning and executing security measures for keeping a network secure.
This is a good position to start a career in the cybersecurity field, as it opens pathways to more advanced positions like engineering or penetration testing.
- Penetration testers
As cyberattacks are becoming more commonplace, it is important that a company or organization has a strong and immune system. Penetration testers are also known as ethical hackers because they hack a company’s system in order to test and identify vulnerabilities in a network. Their work helps improve the security so any potential breach and theft will be prevented. Other responsibilities include being updated with new hacking methods, collecting data, and establishing testing methodology, and suggest security improvements.
- Cybersecurity Consultant
A cybersecurity consultant has the job description of various professionals in the cyber field. That is because they generally work for organizations or clients that cannot afford to hire a full-time IT staff. Thus, they need to be knowledgeable in several fields. Their main duties include recognizing the cybersecurity measures their client has implemented, analyzing their system, running tests for network flaws, investigating potential or current breaches, and implementing solutions.
As these professionals work independently or through a larger consulting firm, they can take more than one client at a time. That means that their income varies depending on their services and client-handling.
- Network security engineer/architect
Network engineers are responsible for creating secure data communications and sharing systems. They also design and enforce secure and efficient computer networks, including internet connections, LANs and WANs. They must enhance a company’s software and hardware system, as well as carry out planned defence mechanisms in the network. Other responsibilities include analyzing a network’s traffic in order to predict future needs and be updated on the latest technology.
- Cybersecurity Administrator/Manager
Also known as Information Security Manager, these professionals, -as the title states, – are responsible for overseeing and administering the security system of a company’s network. They must evaluate the security measures a system has, identify what makes it vulnerable and create strategies to offset potential cyberattacks. Other responsibilities include managing teams, auditing, preventing threats and protecting data.
This position is one of the highest-paid in the field and one that requires high levels of work experience.
