# Careers in Cybersecurity



**Entry-Level Careers**

* **Cybersecurity Analyst:** Monitors networks and systems for security threats, analyzes security alerts, and investigates potential incidents.
* **Help Desk/IT Support Specialist:** Provides frontline technical support and may be involved in basic security measures like password resets and troubleshooting security-related problems.
* **Junior Penetration Tester:** Assists with vulnerability scans and penetration testing under the guidance of experienced professionals.
* **SOC Analyst:** Works in a Security Operations Center (SOC) analyzing alerts, investigating potential incidents, and escalating those that require further action.

**Mid-Level Careers**

* **Information Security Analyst:** Designs and implements security solutions, conducts vulnerability assessments, and develops security policies.
* **Penetration Tester:** Performs ethical hacking exercises to find vulnerabilities in systems, applications, and networks and recommends ways to fix those weaknesses.
* **Vulnerability Analyst:** Specializes in identifying, prioritizing, and facilitating the remediation of vulnerabilities on a network.
* **Security Engineer:** Builds and maintains secure networks, systems, and applications.
* **Incident Responder:** Responds to and investigates cyberattacks, gathers forensic evidence, and works to contain and minimize damage.

**Advanced Careers**

* **Security Architect:** Designs the overall security architecture of an organization, ensuring systems are built with security in mind from the ground up.
* **Forensic Analyst:** Investigates cybercrime, recovers data from compromised systems, and helps analyze evidence for potential legal proceedings.
* **Threat Intelligence Analyst:** Researches and analyzes the latest cyber threats, attacker tools and techniques, and develops strategies to mitigate them.
* **Chief Information Security Officer (CISO):** A high-level executive who oversees an organization's entire cybersecurity strategy and budget.

**Other Specialized Roles**

* **Cloud Security Specialist:** Focuses on securing cloud-based environments and applications.
* **Mobile Security Specialist:** Secures mobile devices and the data they hold.
* **Application Security Specialist:** Secures web and software applications during development and deployment.
* **Security Auditor:** Evaluates an organization's compliance with security regulations and best practices.

**Important Notes**

* **Overlap:** These roles sometimes overlap. For example, a Security Analyst might also engage in basic penetration testing.
* **Skills Development:** Cybersecurity is dynamic, so continuous learning and upskilling are essential for career advancement.
* **Certifications:** Earning industry-recognized certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CISSP, OSCP) can enhance your skills and job prospects.

