What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security involves the use of various technologies, controls and processes to protect networks, systems and data from cyberattacks. These are typically aimed at accessing, altering or destroying sensitive information, with some of the most common tactics being malware, ransomware and phishing. An effective cyber security approach consists of several layers of protection over potential targets, which Cyber Security professionals will oversee.
Opportunities to further your career within the Cyber Security industry
As hackers launch progressively sophisticated attacks at an increasingly rapid rate, the Cyber Security industry will need all the help it can get. Unfortunately for everyone that isn’t a hacker, it’s the industry with the “largest human capital shortage in the world”, meaning that Cyber Security jobs are in high demand. If you’re considering going for a Cyber Security job or are currently in the field, there are plenty of opportunities for you to advance in your career.
Popular Industries
The core industries which regularly employ Cyber Security specialists are information technology, engineering, military, government, and the security sector. The number of job opportunities for the various Cyber Security roles vary between the different industries. Most security consultant roles are, for example, offered within the IT sector.
Recent Changes
One of the biggest changes within Cyber Security is that the importance of the international standard for information security management systems, ISO 27001. As a large number of organisations implement the ISO 27001, there is an increasing demand for professionals, who are qualified according to this international standard. Another change is that cyberattacks have been conducted more frequently over the past years, which is why more non-tech specific companies have started to hire Cyber Security specialists.
Future Prospects
Due to a talent shortage within Cyber Security, it is not surprising that the future prospects for Cyber Security professionals are extremely good. High salaries are expected to increase further, whilst the working conditions will become more convenient, including for example the option to work from home, and if employees perform well, they rarely have to fear losing their jobs. Besides the competitive salaries and the multiplicity of job offers, Cyber Security specialists will also have the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
Employers’ Requirements
The right mix of soft skills and hard skills are required for Cyber Security jobs. According to hiring managers, one of the most important soft skills is communication as Cyber Security professionals are often asked to explain complex concepts to the rest of the business and multiple clients. Due to regular interaction with other parties, employers also want Cyber Security specialists to be good listeners.
Concerning hard skills, Cyber Security specialists should have a profound understanding of virtualisation software and operating systems. Furthermore, they are expected to have excellent Java and C or C++ programming skills, and to have an advanced understanding of at least two further scripting languages, such as Perl or PHP.
CV Requirements
Excellent knowledge of Linux operating systems, wireless technologies and a variety of open source applications should appear on the CV of every Cyber Security specialist. Moreover, it is important to show your understanding of the latest information security principles as well as of the best practices for software development and database security. It should also be visible from your CV that you are able to conduct vulnerability assessments, including penetration testing, wireless security assessment and infrastructure solution implementation.
Interview Preparation
The employers’ expectations on Cyber Security specialists are extremely high, which is why it is very important to come well-prepared to job interviews. One suggestion would be to identify before the interview which cyber security problem a business might face, so that you can describe those experiences to the employer which are most relevant to solve the problem. The second suggestion would be prepare to answer questions which are based on the technical skills listed on your CV. Thirdly, it is suggested that you get to know the background of your interviewers before meeting them as it might reveal which types of questions — particularly in which field — they are likely to ask.
Educational Requirements
The educational requirements for Cyber Security jobs vary slightly between the various Cyber Security jobs. Generally speaking, it is advisable to have a degree in cyber security mathematics, computer engineering, computer science, or similar. For more senior positions, it is beneficial to also have a master’s degree with focus on information technology security.
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