If you have also been amazed by the fantastic opportunities presented by the cyber security industry, then you will agree with us when we say that creating a career as a cyber security professional is one of the best decisions individuals can make today. Whether you are a student, or fresher or a professional who is looking for a career switch, information security can provide you with an amazing professional life that is full of unbelievable benefits in all aspects. From the lucrative salaries to the immense job satisfaction, from the unmatchable job security to the wonderfully exciting work life, cyber security is really the whole package anyone can ask for in a career. Here are some of the things that you should know if you are seriously planning to work in cyber security.
Can anyone learn cyber security?
Yes it’s true that anyone can learn cyber security. There are no restrictions for age or educational background as such that prohibit anyone from learning cyber security. A lot of professionals switch to information security from totally different fields. Anyone can enroll in an ethical hacking training program or a network security course at an institute or just start learning online from hundreds of educational platforms offering online classes. If you have the zeal to learn and the curiosity to explore, then you won’t find it an onerous task to learn the technicalities of this discipline.
Do you need to be certified?
To work professionally in the industry, you will need to have certain credentials in your résumé. If you want to become an ethical hacker, then the Certified Ethical Hacker or the CEH certification is your essential and golden ticket. Similarly, for every branch of cyber security, there are certifications by various certifying bodies that can help employers trust your skills and abilities as a cyber security professional.
What do organisations look for in a cyber security professional?
When employers look for someone to strengthen their security, they’re not just looking for technical expertise, but they’re also looking for a trustworthy, analytical, communicative and dedicated individual. There’s a high demand for cyber security professionals in the market and it is true that the huge skill gap has made it hard for organisations to fill their vacancies. This means that they don’t just have to pay attractive packages to the candidates but that they also have to choose from a really small pool of applicants. However, security is not something that people take lightly, therefore you must have a perfect mixture of technical as well as non-technical skills on your side when looking for a job in this field.
With this in mind, sure you are familiar with the latest security protocols, such as using single sign on to authenticate multiple applications. It is knowledge like this that help you stand out from other applicants.
What are the industries that hire cyber security professionals?
Nearly every industry today requires digital security and is on the lookout to hire cyber security professionals to fill their empty departments. One of the biggest advantages of choosing this field is that you will never get bored with your job or industry, because you’ll always have the whole world at your table. From healthcare to finance, from manufacturing to hospitality, from national defense to education, you can create a career for you in any sector that attracts you.
How much do cyber security professionals earn?
Last but not the least, talking of numbers, cyber security professionals make a pretty hefty amount as compared to the other information technology professionals. Just last year, the average salary for an ethical hacker was $90,000 a year, and has increased to $104,813 a year just recently. In short, you don’t have to worry about making enough money if you’re a cyber security professional.
Here’s wishing you all the best for your wonderful career ahead.
