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The fastest growing area within Information Technology, Cybersecurity careers offer higher than average pay, and the opportunity to work within virtually any job sector from Health Care to Banking to Manufacturing or Law Enforcement. Demand for skilled Cybersecurity professionals is exploding as networks become more complex and companies realize the importance of data security.

Cybersecurity is a large realm made up of many smaller specific roles. In smaller organizations, a Network or System Administrator may also be responsible for managing the security for the network, systems, and resources. In mid-sized to larger organizations, there may be several layers and more specific job functions contributing to the overall security. Some of those functions may include:

  • Firewall Administrator
  • Intrusion Detection Specialist
  • Security Engineer
  • Virus Technician
  • Penetration Tester
  • Vulnerability Assessor
  • Cryptographer
  • Source Code Auditor
  • Forensic Analysis


Keeping up with the latest cyber threats can be a daunting task for any organization. Attacks and threats are changing daily. From Ransomware and other forms of Malware to TCP/IP based attacks, the need for skilled Cybersecurity professionals with the following skill set is high:

  • Strong IT foundational knowledge of computer hardware, software, and Operating systems
  • Understanding/experience with security tools like SIEM, Snort, Python, Firewalls and IDS Systems
  • Candidates should have a working knowledge of system and network exploitation, attack methodologies and intrusion techniques
  • Security Architecture and Strategy
  • Computer and network forensics
  • Vulnerability and malware analysis
  • Protocol and packet analysis
  • Scripting and programming
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to Analyze technical issues
  • Effective communications both oral and written
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities
  • Ability to work as part of a team
Although there are many specific career fields within Cybersecurity, the job outlook most of them have is excellent. As an example, an Information Security Analyst the median pay in 2017 was $95,510, and the job growth outlook is much faster than average at 28%. Bureau of Labor Statistics

    Certification and Next Steps

    Some of the more common certifications requested by employers for the various Cybersecurity jobs include:
    • CompTIA A+, Network+Security+, Linux+, CASP+, CySA+
    • EC Council CEH, CHFI, ECSA, LPT
    • Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching, CCNA Security
    • ISC2 CISSP, SSCP, CCSP, RMF/CAP
    • ISACA CISM, CISA