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.