2019 saw a lot of online data breaches and ransomware attacks that shocked the world. When so much is being done online and stored onto the cloud, the threat of cyber attacks is always looming around. The security has to be monitored constantly and should always be provided with regular updates. With the AI’s intervention, cybersecurity has seen growth but hasn’t escaped the adverse effects by the same technology, as hackers have also become sophisticated with the use of AI.
As private organisations and governments move towards making cybersecurity better and stronger, the need for skilled cybersecurity personnel has increased even if you aren’t well versed with the technology you can still pursue a career in cybersecurity.
Here are some details that we think will help you kick-start your career in cybersecurity the coming year 2020.
Cybersecurity offers various roles including penetration tester, chief information security officer (CISO), security engineer etc. Among these we are going to discuss the key job profiles here:
- Security Architect
- Security Consultant
- Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Where To Begin
The first step, whether you are a freshman or have some experience, is to enrol in a course. Joining a course not only gives you the required skills but also strengthens your resume, after all your resume has to show what skills you carry. The courses will help you have the edge over others with so much shortage of skilled cybersecurity personnel.
While starting your career in cybersecurity, keep one thing in mind that it would be a lot easier if you have a little experience in fields like system admin, database admin, web admin, web developer etc.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the more specialised course or, the more expertise you seek out when it comes to specific industries and certifications, the more powerful and attractive you will appear in front of the companies looking for the particular skill sets.
Along with courses, for a beginner, you can pick up some projects offered online.
Profile #1: Security Architect
The security architects are the people who build and implement network and computer security for an organisation. These security architects are the ones who are responsible for combating hackers, malware, DDoS attacks. Security architects create complex security structures and ensure that they function properly.
In this role, a candidate is expected to:
- Plan, research and design durable security architectures organisation’s IT projects.
- Develop requirements for networks, firewalls, routers and other network devices.
- Perform various tasks like vulnerability testing, security assessments and risk analysis.
- Researching and implementing the latest security standards, systems and best practices.
Average Salary in India: ₹19,66,080 per annum
Overall expected experience: 5-10 Years with 3-5 years dedicated security experience.
Certifications: These certifications are for a beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert, respectively:
- CompTIA Security+ (Beginner)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (Intermediate)
- EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) (Advanced)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) (Expert)
Profile #2: Security Consultant
The security consultants assess the security risks, problems and solutions for different organisations and help them in protecting and securing the physical capital and data. A security consultant needs to deal with a wide range of variables when assessing security systems for many different companies.
In this role, a candidate is expected to:
- Assessing the best ways to protect computers, networks, data and information systems from potential attacks.
- The security consultant also performs vulnerability tests and security assessments.
- Constantly communicate with the staff and department heads to uncover security issues.
- Perform security solutions tests using industry-standard analysis methods.
- A security consultant provides technical supervision and guidance to a security team.
Average Salary: ₹7,29,501 per annum
Overall expected experience: 3-5 years.
Certifications: For a beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert respectively
- CompTIA Security+ (Beginner)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (Intermediate)
- Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) (Intermediate)
- EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) (Advanced)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) (Advanced)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) (Advanced)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) (Expert)
Profile #3: Penetration Tester or Ethical Hacker
The penetration tester is also called an Ethical hacker. An ethical hacker looks for weaknesses in IT systems, applications and networks using the same sophistication as a criminal hacker.
These ethical hackers use a variety of tools to simulate real-life cyber attacks to improve an organisation’s cybersecurity.
In this role, a candidate is expected to:
- Carry out penetration tests on web applications, networks and computer systems.
- Uncover security holes and pinpoint the methods hackers could use to exploit the vulnerabilities in the system.
- Research, document and communicate the findings from their simulations with management and IT teams
- Design and implement new penetration tools and security tests in the market.
Average Salary: ₹4,79,853 per annum
Overall expected experience: 1-3 years.
Certifications: For a beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert respectively
- CompTIA Security+ (Beginner)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (Intermediate)
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP) (Advanced)
- EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) (Advanced)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) (Expert)
Profile #4: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
CISO is a senior-level job; this is a lucrative and rewarding career path if you are looking to lead a security team and head IT initiatives for an enterprise.
The role of CISO has a lot of creative freedom and power. The CISO builds security teams and oversees all security initiatives concerning the organisation. The CISO directly reports to the CEO or CIO.
In this role, a candidate is expected to:
- Building and guiding a team of IT security experts.
- Creating strategies for deploying information security technologies and improving existing ones.
- Supervising the development of the organisation’s security policies and procedures.
- Communicating with key stakeholders to establish a security risk management program
- Spearheading IT security investigations and providing courses of action in the event of a security breach impending the organisation.
Average Salary: ₹2,603,595 per annum
In addition to a traditional career path for CISO, it is recommended to have as many IT certifications and training possible and have an MBA or certifications with IT security and management focus.
Overall expected experience: 7-12 years of experience.
Certifications:
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) (Intermediate)
Management-focused Training:
