Cybersecurity, which involves protecting internet-connected systems, networks and programs from digital threats and attacks, is a lucrative career with promising growth prospects.
Median salaries exceed six figures for some jobs, and employers are actively pursuing qualified applicants. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were over 700,000 open roles in cybersecurity in the country as of August 2022, and the industry is expected to grow 32% by 2032. Given this positive outlook for the field, pursuing a career in cybersecurity could be a savvy move – if you have the skills and training required. Here's what to know about this career path.
Should You Pursue a Career in Cybersecurity?
A career in cybersecurity is worth pursuing due to the lack of "ready skills" in the marketplace to meet the demand, says Chris Campbell, chief information officer at DeVry University. “The cybersecurity field is booming. And due to fast-growing technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and quantum computing, companies large and small are understaffed and ill-equipped to handle these rapid technological changes and the security threats involved,” he said in an email.
If you aren't ready for a fast-paced work environment, however, cybersecurity may not be the field for you. "Tech worker burnout is a serious issue in the cybersecurity industry," said Reed Bundy, who leads employee experience and environmental, social and governance at global cybersecurity firm Mimecast, in an email. But if you're up for the challenge, Bundy suggests finding an employer that invests in its employees through diversity, equity and inclusion commitments and holistic employee well-being programs.
While a degree in computer science isn't always necessary to enter the field, it's extremely helpful to have, says Danny Jenkins, CEO of cybersecurity company ThreatLocker. "I also recommend that you get the CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CCNP/CCIE Security and Microsoft security certifications to stand out among the competition," he said in an email.
In-Demand Careers in Cybersecurity
To see where you might fit in the field, here are a few of the most in-demand cybersecurity jobs.
1. Information Security Analyst
Median
salary: $112,000
Expected job growth by 2032: 31.5%
Information security analyst ranks No. 3 among the Best Technology Jobs and No. 6 among the Best STEM Jobs.
These analysts help protect an organization’s information from data breaches and cyberattacks. Some of their tasks include maintaining firewalls or data encryption software and developing security standards to protect sensitive information. And since lots of company information and sensitive data are stored electronically, including bank account numbers and passwords, these professionals are in high demand.
To become an information security analyst, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, engineering, or math. A master’s degree in business, management or programming would also be helpful.
2. Computer Network Architect
Median
salary: $126,900
Expected job growth by 2032: 3.5%
Computer network architect ranks No. 7 among the Best Technology Jobs and No. 20 among the Best-Paying Jobs.
Computer network architects design, build and maintain data communication networks, from expansive cloud infrastructures to smaller intranets. Some of their duties include creating plans and layouts for data communication networks, inspecting existing networks and fixing security vulnerabilities.
To get started in this career, you’ll usually need at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems or a related field, such as engineering.
3. Computer Systems Administrator
Median
salary: $90,520
Expected job growth by 2032: 2.5%
Computer systems administrator ranks No. 10 among the Best Technology Jobs and No. 30 among the Best STEM Jobs.
Computer systems administrators support, troubleshoot and maintain computer servers and networks to make sure they run efficiently, reliably and securely. They’re also responsible for monitoring system performance, managing backups and disaster recovery, implementing security measures, applying updates, and documenting system changes.
Computer systems administrators typically have a bachelor's degree in computer or information science.
Required Skills for Cybersecurity Careers
Here are some examples of hard and soft skills to develop if you're considering a career in cybersecurity. Keep in mind that the precise skills required will differ depending on the role you're targeting.
Hard (Technical) Skills
- Understanding how operating systems are built and managed
- Fundamentals of computer networking and cloud computing
- Programming languages like Java, Python and C++
- Familiarity with MySQL database platforms
- Familiarity with virtual machines
- Malware prevention and detection
- Firm grasp of basic antivirus principles, VPNs and firewalls
Soft Skills
- Creative thinking
- Adaptability
- Communication and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Analytical skills
- Project management
Pros and Cons of Careers in Cybersecurity
Before accepting a job in cybersecurity, weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right career path for you.
Pros
- High demand. As organizations face more cyberthreats and seek to protect their valuable data, the need for cybersecurity professionals is growing.
- Great pay. Because cybersecurity is a specialized field, roles in this industry often come with strong salaries and benefits.
- Range of career options. Cybersecurity is a broad field with many areas in which to specialize, including ethical hacking, security analysis and risk management.
- Continuous learning. The cybersecurity world never stands still, so you’ll constantly learn new things and tackle fresh challenges.
Cons
- High stress levels. The responsibility of defending against cyberthreats and responding to security incidents can be stressful, particularly during high-pressure situations or breaches.
- Long hours. The need for vigilance and quick response can sometimes lead to working late.
- Constant learning requirement. While continuous learning is a pro, it can also be a con since staying updated on the latest technologies and best practices can be demanding.
- Complex problem-solving. Working in cybersecurity requires sophisticated problem-solving skills and the ability to handle intricate technical challenges, which can be overwhelming for some.
Tips for Starting a Career in Cybersecurity
Finding a job in cybersecurity can be a challenge if you don’t have a solid plan. To make your journey smoother, here are some tips from professionals in the industry.
Be Open-Minded and Eager to Learn
Because cybersecurity is a relatively new and quickly growing industry, approach a career in this field with openness and curiosity, says Chris Evans, chief hacking officer and chief information security officer at HackerOne, a company specializing in cyberattack resistance management.
“There aren’t as many predefined avenues to build a career in cybersecurity, like for accounting or engineering,” he said in an email. “This means you’ll likely need to carve your own way at times, so it’s important to stay open to new opportunities and see how you can be resourceful in building your skills.”
Prepare for Continuous Learning
A career in cybersecurity requires embracing ongoing education.
“Cybersecurity constantly evolves and requires cybersecurity professionals to stay up to date with the latest trends of threats, risks and technologies,” wrote Benjamin Luthy, program director of cybersecurity and adjunct professor at Champlain College Online, in an email. “If you want a career that is not the same thing day in and day out, then this is a great career path for you."
Prioritize Practical Experience
Since cybersecurity work requires critical thinking skills and flexibility that can’t be studied in a classroom, put your knowledge to the test in real-world scenarios once you’ve learned basic coding and cybersecurity concepts, Evans says.
“There are numerous resources available, including free platforms like Hack the Box, where you can learn hacking skills in a controlled environment. And even if you aren’t interested in hacking specifically, it’s a great way to deepen your understanding of how vulnerabilities can be exploited in the wild,” he said.
Best Companies to Work For in IT, Software and Services
These companies in the technology space rate highly for factors such as pay, good work-life balance, safety and opportunity for personal career growth. These are just a few examples.
Akamai, Headquarters: Cambridge, Massachusetts
CrowdStrike, Headquarters: Austin, Texas
Fortinet, Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California
Innova Solutions,Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia
Peraton, Headquarters: Herndon, Virginia
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