Cybersecurity aims to protect data, processes, and systems from cybercriminals. With cyber threats looming large, the data in an organizational database is not safe unless it is protected by adequate security methods and tools. Regular monitoring and patching are required to keep the data and systems secure. But what about job opportunities in the cybersecurity domain? Continue reading to learn about the top seven advantages of pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
- Variety
The field of cybersecurity is constantly growing, so new positions will emerge, and existing roles will evolve over time. Even today, there are many different roles to pick from.
For instance, if you prefer to solve puzzles and technical flaws, you may work as a penetration tester or an ethical hacker participating in bug bounty programs. While they both primarily assess the security of various IT systems, their approaches are not the same. Penetration testers are often more specialized in specific areas, but ethical hackers are multi-talented.
- Education Is Out There
Contrary to the common assumption, a degree is not imperative to enter the cybersecurity sector. A fair proportion of cybersecurity experts is still self-taught. But the good news is that more and more institutions have started offering degrees that help you specialize in various cybersecurity areas. If you are seeking a job change, you may lack the financial resources and time to attend university. In that scenario, you can turn to online resources. For example, if you are looking for advanced learning options, finding a well-reputed online MBA cybersecurity program should not be a tough nut to crack.
- Lucrative Salary Package
A few years ago, the highest yearly salary for a cybersecurity professional was around 75,000 dollars. But the amount has skyrocketed in the last few years. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that cybersecurity experts now earn an impressive median annual pay of 105,000 dollars.
If it entices you to step into this field, you might want to focus your search on the highest-paying positions. Here are some of the top-paying cybersecurity roles:
- Identity manager: Customers and employees can trust identity managers to develop secure onsite and cloud network environments. Typically, identity managers collaborate with developers to establish systems that accurately authenticate a user’s identity when accessing platforms. An identity manager’s salary ranges between 110000 to 130000 dollars.
- Lead software security engineer: hire an engineer This is an ideal opportunity for coders with leadership skills. As a lead software security engineer, you can earn 225,000 dollars. Advanced software knowledge combined with executive-level “soft skills” can result in a rewarding senior management position.
- Security sales engineer: Sales engineers in cybersecurity are in charge of selling security-related products and services. Individuals in this position should be able to gather information to accurately describe client requirements. Besides, they must have a thorough understanding of a product’s design or technical qualities. According to a study, the average pay for this position is 97,282 dollars. With that said, professionals based in New York City earn around 12 percent more than those in other cities.
- Challenging
Cybercrime is becoming more prevalent. With hackers always devising new tactics to steal data, cybersecurity experts have to stay one step ahead of the game, adapting to new technology and honing their abilities regularly. Your goal will be to solve puzzles, analyze their origins, and determine how to stop them using online systems, robots, and other sorts of AI. This makes for a challenging profession.
- Several Self-Employment Options
Some of us desire the freedom to work with whomever we want, whenever we want. Guess what? There are numerous self-employment opportunities in cybersecurity that you can leverage in the long run. To begin with, you may establish your own cybersecurity firm. Or you might function as a subcontractor, working for a firm for a set amount of time but charging the company a higher fee compared to a traditional employee. Also, you can even tap into consulting, where you offer your expertise on a contract basis to a massive clientele.
- Choose The Desired Industry
One of the most tempting parts of a cybersecurity job is that it can be applied to various businesses, including government, nonprofits, and the private sector. Industries that handle large amounts of consumer data, including healthcare, retail, and finance, have a huge demand for cybersecurity workers.
- The Industry Is Always Up And Running
There is no downtime in this industry. Cybersecurity does not slow down after the holidays or when individuals go on vacation throughout the summer. Furthermore, it stays unaffected by global recessions. Cybersecurity is a priority at all times, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will never be out of work as long as you keep enhancing your skillset.
The Final Verdict
Cybersecurity is now an integral part of any modern business’s fiber. As news of breach after breach accumulates headlines, it is evident that businesses require additional cybersecurity expertise to keep hackers at a safe distance and avoid financial and reputational damages along the way. So if you are at the critical juncture of choosing a career, cybersecurity will make up for an ideal choice.