Top Cyber Security Career Paths
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Originally Posted On: Our Top 4 Cyber Security Careers | Secure Your Career Path Here (pacifictraining.edu.au)
As technology continues to evolve at an exponential pace and new avenues of cyberspace take over the business world, the industry of cyber security is also growing at a rapid pace.
To meet the security needs that come with the digital implementation of artificial intelligence, block chains and automation, the demand for cyber security professionals is steadily increasing.
As more businesses continue to invest resources into cyber security, a few important industry trends have emerged, alongside ten highly demanded cyber security jobs and career options.
Find out more in this cyber security career blog post by Pacific Training Group.
Find out more about the cyber security career courses we offer here.
Current Cyber Security Trends
What is cyber security?
Cyber security refers to a relatively new industry, whereby people, processes and technology come together to defend digital systems and networks from cyber attacks. In order to keep important cloud-based information safe from deletion, foreign access and changes, effective cyber security measures must be implemented.
When it comes to the industry’s market size and the average cyber security salary, individuals in the profession earn approximately $76,000 a year, with the market being valued at $5.6 billion in 2021. The industry is predicted to grow to $7.6 billion in value in 2024.
What is trending in cyber security?
Due to the cyber security industry being a relatively new addition to the business space, trends are also developing at a quick rate. In order to successfully join into the cyber security industry, it is important to keep on track with the current trends.
Below are a few significant ones to keep note of:
1. Increasingly common cloud-based cyber threats. Many security threats are now being sourced from beloved cloud systems (such as Google Drive and Outlook). Up and coming cyber security professionals will need to know how to protect systems against cloud-based threats (such as data deletion, vulnerable cloud systems, lack of visibility and control).
2. Integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Cyber security professionals will need to learn more about AI and how it can be implemented into current systems to improve and make current cyber security processes more efficient.
3. Widely-used extended detection response (EDR) systems. EDR systems are becoming standard responses in cyber security, due to the way in which they accurately collect activity data from endpoints to identify all potential threats. The increasing implementation of EMR systems into cyber security will be something professionals need to keep in mind as we enter into the new decade.
Highly-Demanded Cyber Security Careers
We’ve compiled a list of the most desirable cyber security professions to prepare you for your entry into the industry. Developing skills in a few of these professions will help you land a job the moment you start looking!
1. Cyber security consultant
A cyber security consultant is an advisor who works with business clients to improve their cyber security systems.
Generally knowledgeable about all the different fields in the cyber security industry, a consultant is usually the first point of contact for businesses looking to improve their cyber security. Hence, it is important for consultants to have adequate social skills and enough industry experience to answer all client questions and concerns.
Not only do cyber security consultants need to be knowledgeable on different fields within cyber security, they should also be knowledgeable on the respective cyber security needs of different business industries.
2. Cyber security software developer
A cyber security software developer is directly involved in the construction of a software platform, which provides businesses a safe cyber space to operate from. A security software developer is concerned with the building of original security measures for business use, as well as the integration of existing security software applications.
Usually working from the backend of the industry, software developers are technically skilled and usually communicate with business clients through consultants and administrators. Rather than possessing the people skills that consultants have, cyber security software developers are usually more in tune with their hard skills.
3. Ethical hacker
An ethical hacker, also known as a penetration tester, is a person who legally breaks into computer systems in order to determine their security’s strength levels, as well as devise further improvements to the security system. Usually working directly for businesses, ethical hackers identify any vulnerabilities within business’ cyber security systems. They apply the latest trends in system hacking and as a result, need to keep up to date with new hacking techniques.
In order to work as an ethical hacker, individuals will need to obtain a license or certification, usually by undertaking a Certified Ethical Hacker course. They will also need legal permission to hack into business’ cyber security systems.
4. Cyber security systems administrator
One of the most important yet overlooked roles in the cyber security industry is a cyber security systems administrator. A professional in this role will contribute to a system’s security by installing, administering, maintaining and troubleshooting the system on a daily basis. Although rarely assisting in the development of cyber security systems, an administrator will know the ins and outs of the final product, and act as the first wall of defence against cyber threats.
A cyber security systems administrator is a staple position in every business, and may be suitable for those who want an all-rounder role in the cyber security industry.
More cyber security jobs
There are also a few more career paths in the cyber security industry which have become growingly popular amongst businesses in the space. These include:
- IT and systems engineers
- Cyber security analysts
- Information security analysts
- Computer forensics experts
- Chief information security officers
- Cyber security architects.
Want to Learn More About Cyber Security Career Paths in Australia?
If you are looking to get a head start into the cyber security industry, invest in the hands-on industry experience courses offered at Pacific Training Group!
At Pacific Training Group, our team of teachers and education advisors possess a wealth of experience in the cyber security industry, and would love to help you succeed in the space as well! Check out our courses and promotions and contact us if you have any enquiries!