Career in cybersecurity. Who can I get a job with?

[Lord777]

Consider possible employment options: from ethical hacking to digital forensics.

The demand for cybersecurity specialists is constantly growing, as the number of malicious attacks on information systems around the world is also growing. Various businesses strive to protect their confidential data with digital technologies, which is why the availability of appropriate qualified personnel is a necessity.

What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, systems, programs, and data from digital attacks. These attacks are usually aimed at accessing, modifying, or destroying confidential information, extorting money from users, or interrupting the normal operation of the network or computer systems.

Many cybersecurity courses aim to give people the skills and knowledge they need to protect themselves from the above-mentioned digital threats. These courses typically include a wide range of topics such as programming, system architecture and design, risk management, vulnerability management, cryptography, authentication, and digital forensics.

What is ethical hacking?
Ethical hacking is the use of hacking skills and techniques to detect and eliminate security vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.

Ethical hackers use their knowledge and experience to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in systems and networks, as well as to take measures to protect them. The ultimate goal of ethical hacking is to protect systems and networks from malicious attacks by enhancing their security.

Ethical hackers are also called "white hackers". These are well-informed security experts who use their skills and experience to identify weaknesses in systems and networks, as well as suggest methods to protect them.

Thus, ethical hacking is not a malicious act, and even vice versa, it can be useful for many organizations.

What is digital forensics?
Digital forensics involves the practice of collecting, analyzing, and reporting on digital data collection in such a way that this information is later confirmed in court.

Digital forensics involves analyzing computer systems, networks, mobile devices, and other digital media to detect evidence of digital crimes or cyber incidents. It is used to determine what, how, when, and why happened, as well as who was involved in what happened.

Digital forensics can include recovering deleted files and information, reconstructing computer network activity, analyzing system log files, detecting hidden evidence, recovering passwords, decrypting information, and searching for and protecting digital evidence.

Below are some of the best career options in cybersecurity:

Cybersecurity Architect
The cybersecurity architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the organization's security architecture. The security architecture covers all aspects of an organization's information and communication systems, from hardware and software to physical controls and other security measures. The cybersecurity architect is also responsible for ensuring that all security systems comply with industry and government regulations.

Some of the specific roles and responsibilities of a cybersecurity architect include the following:

• develop a secure architecture and provide recommendations on best security practices;
• development and implementation of a network security solution;
• implement and manage firewalls, intrusion detection / prevention systems, antivirus solutions, and other security technologies;
• monitoring security alerts and responding to intrusions;
• develop and implement security policies, procedures, and standards;
• evaluation of new security technologies and development of recommendations;
• conducting security assessments and audits;
• identify opportunities for security improvements and implement them;
• conduct security investigations and respond to various cyber incidents.

Cybersecurity Analyst
A cybersecurity analyst is a specialist responsible for protecting your organization's data and networks from cyber attacks. Analysts monitor the organization's network, and if threats or suspicious activity are detected, they take proactive measures to protect against potential attacks.

Some of the specific roles and responsibilities of a cybersecurity analyst include the following:

• analysis of cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities;
• develop and implement security measures such as firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption;
• monitoring network activity for suspicious actions, responding to any threats;
• training employees in security policies and procedures;
• maintaining security event logs;
• ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards;
• awareness of the latest developments in cybersecurity technologies and methods.

Director of Information Security
An Information Security Director is an executive-level employee who is responsible for developing and implementing an organization's information security strategy. Information Security directors usually report to the CIO, Chief of Operations, or Director of Risk Management. The role of the Information Security Director is to improve the security status of an organization by managing and monitoring its information assets and infrastructure.

The functions and responsibilities of the Head of the Information Security Department are listed below:

• development and implementation of information security policies and procedures;
• develop processes to ensure secure processing of confidential information;
• monitoring and evaluation of emerging threats;
• ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations;
• develop and deploy security measures to protect information systems;
• monitoring staff training in information security policies and procedures;
• responding to security incidents and evaluating the effectiveness of certain measures;
• maintaining relationships with external security technology providers and other service providers;
• developing security strategies for new technologies;
• prepare metrics for tracking and monitoring security performance.

Penetration Tester (pentester)
A penetration tester is a specialist responsible for assessing the security status of an organization by simulating an attack on an information system, network, or web application. The purpose of pentesters is to identify any weaknesses or vulnerabilities in the security system that can be exploited by intruders.

Roles and responsibilities of the pentester:

• develop and execute test plans to identify weaknesses in information systems, networks, and applications;
• document and report any detected security vulnerabilities;
• recommendations for necessary actions to fix vulnerabilities;
• monitor and analyze security events to detect malicious actions;
• collaborate with developers and end users to improve software security;
• view technical documentation to determine whether it contains possible hints for compromise;
• support up-to-date knowledge of industry standards, security trends, and best practices;
• awareness of the latest developments in the field of information security;
• create detailed reports to summarize the results of the pentest.

Security Engineer
A security engineer is a technical professional who designs, develops, implements, and maintains security-related solutions. Security engineers are tasked with creating and maintaining a secure environment using their expertise and advanced security technologies.

Roles and responsibilities:

• design, development, implementation, and maintenance of the security system, policies, and procedures;
• monitor and analyze network activities and security-related events;
• identify, investigate, and resolve security issues;
• analyze system logs and reports for potential security incidents;
• develop and implement security training programs for your organization's employees;
• identify and evaluate new cybersecurity technologies and products;
• awareness of the latest security trends;
• work closely with the information technology team to ensure safe operation of systems;
• create and maintain security audit processes and procedures;
• manage and maintain existing security platforms, tools, and applications.

Security Consultant
A security consultant is an individual or organization that provides advice and expertise in an area related to the organization's security. Consultants are usually hired to provide advice and recommendations on a specific project. For example, to evaluate the security of a company's computer systems, manage risk assessment and security policies, develop security control environments, and provide recommendations for compliance with industry standards.

Roles and responsibilities of a security consultant:

• design and develop security solutions for organizations based on their internal structure and environment;
• provide guidance on security policies and strategies to ensure the implementation of advanced security solutions;
• audit existing systems and infrastructure to identify weaknesses and risks;
• implement solutions to improve security systems and ensure compliance with industry standards;
• tracking the development of security technologies and recommendations for ready-made solutions;
• providing recommendations on best security practices in organizations;
• research new trends and be aware of the latest developments in the cybersecurity industry;
• work closely with other departments and business units to develop competent recommendations and implement suitable ready-made solutions;
• prepare detailed documents and presentations related to the security strategy.

Network Security Administrator
A network security administrator is a specialist responsible for the overall security of an organization's computer network. Administrators are responsible for ensuring the security and reliability of the network, as well as identifying and eliminating any potential threats or vulnerabilities.

Roles and responsibilities:

• development, implementation and monitoring of security measures to protect computer networks and information;
• installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network security systems;
• identification of threats and vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks;
• develop and implement security policies and procedures;
• tracking cybersecurity incidents, investigating causes, and making recommendations on how to eliminate consequences;
• monitor and analyze security audit logs and network traffic to detect suspicious activity;
• ensuring system security in accordance with industry standards and best practices;
• timely software updates for internal systems;
• conduct security vulnerability assessments and penetration tests;
• training and advising employees on information security and privacy issues.

Information Security Manager
The Information Security Manager is responsible for overseeing the security of the organization's systems and data. These managers are responsible for designing, developing, and implementing effective security measures to protect organizational systems and data from unauthorized access, manipulation, or destruction.

Roles and responsibilities:

• develop and monitor policies, standards, and procedures to ensure the security of organizational systems and data;
• control the implementation of security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and access control systems;
• monitoring and auditing of security systems to ensure their effectiveness;
• perform regular risk assessments to identify potential security gaps;
• responding to security incidents, as well as advising on necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future;
• training employees in the necessary security policies and procedures;
• develop a security awareness campaign to help employees better understand the importance of protecting organizational systems and data;
• explore new security trends and technologies;
• working with external organizations to ensure security;
• track and report security incidents and their results.

Security Software Developer
A security software developer is responsible for developing software products related to information security. Such developers should have a deep understanding of the security principles, necessary protocols, and algorithms.

Roles and responsibilities:

• design, develop, and maintain software for information security-related products;
• create new software solutions and security tools using the latest security techniques;
• conducting research and developing new security technologies;
• security requirements analysis, solution development, and product architecture development;
• ensuring that the product meets the specified requirements;
• monitor customer feedback to ensure product satisfaction;
• troubleshooting software errors and providing technical support;
• research of industry trends and technologies related to software development in the cybersecurity industry;
• awareness of the latest best practices in security software development.

Incident Response Specialist (Digital Criminologist)
An incident Response specialist is a person charged with responding to cybersecurity threats or incidents and analyzing digital evidence related to digital crimes.

Roles and responsibilities:

• identify security threats and provide relevant advice and recommendations;
• cyber incident investigation and potential damage assessment;
• collecting and analyzing digital evidence;
• structuring and analyzing attack patterns;
• evaluation of discovered evidence from a legal point of view;
• develop processes and procedures for rapid response to cyber threats;
• monitoring and investigation of suspicious activity on the network;
• creating reports on the results of investigations;
• develop and maintain cybersecurity incident response plans;
• providing technical expertise and support to other departments;
• track, analyze, and report trends in cyber incidents.

Summing up the results
Exploring all possible options for developing a professional career is definitely something that should not be neglected if you have decided to link your life with the cybersecurity industry. There are many interesting opportunities and vacancies in this area.

Ethical hackers play a vital role in identifying vulnerabilities and helping organizations maintain their networks and systems. Digital forensics offers opportunities for collecting, analyzing, and preserving digital evidence for use in criminal and civil investigations.

Regardless of which path you choose, it's worth remembering that any cybersecurity experts are critical to protecting organizations from malicious attacks and data breaches. This means that your role in ensuring the security of an organization can be crucial.