Companies face significant challenges in safeguarding their digital assets, underscoring the urgent need for skilled cybersecurity experts who possess a blend of expertise, practical know-how, and adherence to industry standards to shield organizations effectively. According to the Fortinet “2024 Cybersecurity Skills Gap” report, 54% of businesses find it difficult to hire cybersecurity talent, and 50% struggle to keep them, leaving many vulnerable to threats. This persistent gap highlights a critical weakness in the current landscape that demands immediate attention.
For those with the right skills, this shortage opens up a wealth of career possibilities in the cybersecurity field. The same Fortinet report notes that 65% of corporate boards are pushing for increased staffing in security roles, signaling an unprecedented demand for well-trained and certified professionals, especially across the eight key positions outlined below. This surge in need reflects the growing recognition of cybersecurity as a cornerstone of organizational resilience.
Curious about these in-demand roles? What expertise do they require, and what career paths do they offer? What types of positions are they, and how much can one expect to earn in each? Discover the answers as we explore the top cybersecurity jobs that are shaping the industry today.
Role Level: Advanced/Experienced
Role Type: Technical
Average Salary: $102,432
Role Type: Technical
Average Salary: $102,432
Cybersecurity engineers are tasked with designing IT architectures and information security systems while safeguarding them against cyberattacks and unauthorized access. Their responsibilities include crafting and implementing security protocols, standards, and emergency recovery plans to ensure swift restoration after disruptions. These professionals play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of an organization’s digital infrastructure by anticipating and addressing potential threats.
A key aspect of this position involves proactive strategies, such as conducting penetration tests to uncover vulnerabilities and resolving them before they escalate into major breaches. Beyond technical duties, they may assess legal, regulatory, and technical factors impacting IT security, proposing necessary adjustments to align with compliance needs. This forward-thinking approach ensures systems remain robust and adaptable in an evolving threat landscape.
Additional Responsibilities
- Deploying and configuring firewalls and intrusion detection tools.
- Evaluating and upgrading security software, hardware, or infrastructure, or integrating new solutions.
- Managing encryption programs to secure sensitive data.
When a security incident occurs, cybersecurity engineers step in to mitigate damage by relocating data or collaborating with external teams to recover from breaches, ensuring minimal downtime for the organization.
Effective communication is essential for this role, as engineers must break down complex technical challenges for leadership and outline optimal strategies for deploying cutting-edge security measures. After an incident, they may also liaise with law enforcement to address legal ramifications. Their ability to bridge technical and non-technical audiences makes them indispensable in high-stakes environments.
Education and Skills
- Required: Bachelor’s degree or higher in fields like computer engineering, cybersecurity, information security, or similar disciplines.
- Proficiency in secure coding, vulnerability identification, and risk evaluation.
- Expertise in designing secure networks, firewall configurations, and virtualization technologies.
- Knowledge of computer forensics, identity and access management, and encryption methods.
- Skills to counter advanced persistent threats, malware, phishing, and social engineering tactics.
This blend of technical prowess and analytical thinking equips them to tackle multifaceted security challenges head-on.
Certifications
Role Level: Entry-Level/Midlevel/Experienced
Role Type: Technical
Average Salary: $81,680
Role Type: Technical
Average Salary: $81,680
The responsibilities of a security analyst are wide-ranging, involving the use of specialized tools to oversee security protocols, procedures, and best practices, ensuring these are effectively executed across the organization. They scrutinize reports generated by these tools to spot irregular or suspicious network activities before they escalate. Additional duties may include managing network updates, maintaining firewalls, and overseeing file access and credentialing processes to bolster organizational defenses.
With a deep understanding of data management and storage, well-prepared analysts are equipped to recognize various cybersecurity threats like ransomware, social engineering, and data breaches. They often conduct vulnerability scans and penetration tests, suggesting actionable improvements to strengthen security measures. Their expertise allows them to adapt to the evolving threat landscape, making them vital assets in protecting sensitive information.
In larger firms, these analysts may operate within a security operations center, focusing on monitoring, identifying, containing, and resolving threats in real time. At smaller or midsize companies, their role might expand to include tasks like intrusion detection, firewall upkeep, antivirus management, and system patching, alongside training staff on cybersecurity awareness due to their comprehensive knowledge of risks and safeguards. This versatility makes them indispensable across different organizational scales.
Education and Skills
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, information security, or a similar discipline.
- Skills in proprietary network management, penetration testing, and triaging security incidents.
- Proficiency in risk assessments, data encryption, and firewall design, deployment, and maintenance.
These qualifications enable them to address both technical and operational security needs effectively. Staying current with emerging threats enhances their ability to protect organizational assets.
Certifications
Role Level: Advanced/Experienced
Role Type: Technical and Managerial
Average Salary: $126,166
Role Type: Technical and Managerial
Average Salary: $126,166
Network security architects are pivotal in enhancing the security of enterprise systems while ensuring that network performance, efficiency, and availability remain top-notch. They bridge the gap between business requirements and operational systems by developing policies, procedures, and providing training to both administrators and end-users. Monitoring budgetary limits and operational needs is also part of their oversight, making interpersonal and leadership skills essential for success. Their role demands a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic vision to align security with organizational goals.
To safeguard networks throughout their lifecycle, these professionals employ both proactive tactics, like penetration testing, and defensive strategies, such as configuring firewalls and antivirus solutions. They possess in-depth knowledge of security tools and techniques tied to incident response, penetration testing, and firewall management, while also understanding networking essentials like routing, switching, and trust domains, alongside industry-standard security practices. Supervising network updates to reduce risks is another critical responsibility, ensuring stability even amidst evolving threats.
Through detailed analysis of networks and systems, they pinpoint and implement the most suitable control mechanisms to meet specific security demands. Familiarity with access control models—such as discretionary, mandatory, and role-based access control—is a must for tailoring security measures effectively. Their work ensures that organizations maintain a robust defense against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Education and Skills
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline.
- Preferred: Master’s degree in cybersecurity.
- Proficiency in strategic planning, TCP/IP networking, and the OSI 7-layer model.
- Competence in ITIL and COBIT frameworks, intrusion detection, risk management, VPN configurations, single sign-on systems, and protocol encryption.
This skill set empowers them to design and maintain secure, efficient networks. Keeping abreast of emerging technologies further strengthens their ability to protect critical infrastructure.
Certifications
- GIAC Defensible Security Architecture
- Network Security Expert (NSE) 7 Network Security Architect
- Fortinet NSE
Role Level: Midlevel/Senior/Lead
Role Type: Technical
Average Salary: $75,776
Role Type: Technical
Average Salary: $75,776
For individuals passionate about coding and information security, the role of a security software developer offers an ideal career path. These professionals leverage their programming expertise, product development capabilities, and security analysis skills to build software that is fortified against potential cyber threats. Given the need to stay current with an ever-evolving threat landscape, entry-level positions in this field are rare, requiring a solid foundation of experience and knowledge from the outset. Their work ensures that software not only functions effectively but also withstands sophisticated attacks.
Security software developers must anticipate future vulnerabilities and implement preemptive measures to counter them effectively. Collaboration is key, as they often partner with designers, engineers, and testers, necessitating excellent communication and teamwork skills alongside their technical proficiency in software architecture and coding. They strive to maintain an optimal balance between security, product performance, usability, and speed, avoiding compromises that could lead to vulnerabilities or inefficiencies.
The demand for these developers is surging, particularly in cutting-edge fields like the Internet of Things (IoT) and other innovative tech sectors. This growing need reflects the increasing reliance on secure software across industries, offering abundant career opportunities for skilled professionals.
Education and Skills
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in software development or software engineering.
- Expertise in secure coding practices, security controls, and, ideally, penetration testing (though the latter is not always mandatory).
- Additional proficiency in information security, cryptography, project management, and network security.
This combination of skills equips them to tackle complex security challenges in software design. Continuous learning is essential to keep pace with rapid advancements in technology and threats.
Certifications
Role Level: Junior/Associate/Midlevel/Senior/Lead
Role Type: Technical and Reporting
Average Salary: $98,056
Role Type: Technical and Reporting
Average Salary: $98,056
Ethical hackers serve as the cybersecurity realm’s detectives, mimicking the tactics of malicious actors to uncover their strategies, motivations, and potential exploits. By performing penetration testing, they identify weaknesses in security measures across networks, operating systems, devices, and web applications, recommending solutions to shore up defenses before cybercriminals can strike. Their proactive efforts are crucial in protecting an organization’s data and infrastructure. This role blends technical expertise with a sleuth-like mindset to stay ahead of threats.
Working on sensitive, time-critical assignments, ethical hackers need to be reliable, adept at managing stress, and comfortable with ambiguity. Creativity and meticulous organization are vital for documenting and tracking their work effectively, while their ability to continuously refine their skills and techniques keeps them one step ahead of attackers. They also contribute to forensic analysis and incident response, enhancing the organization’s overall resilience against breaches.
In some companies, distinctions exist between penetration testers and ethical hackers, with the latter possessing broader tactical cybersecurity expertise and a deep understanding of the organization’s specific vulnerabilities and management strategies. Elsewhere, the titles are used synonymously, reflecting overlapping responsibilities in bolstering security. Regardless of the label, their impact on preempting threats is undeniable.
Education and Skills
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in information security or a related discipline.
- Proficiency with penetration testing tools and methods, such as Nmap, Wireshark, and Kali.
- Familiarity with programming languages like Python, Golang, Bash, and PowerShell, alongside knowledge of OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities and social engineering tactics.
These competencies enable them to simulate real-world attacks accurately. Staying current with emerging hacking techniques is essential for their success.
Certifications
- PEN-200 Offensive Security Certified Professional
- GIAC Penetration Tester.
- GIAC Certified Enterprise Defender.
- GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester
Role Level: Junior/Midlevel
Role Type: Technical and Communication
Average Salary: $143,062
Role Type: Technical and Communication
Average Salary: $143,062
Historically, software development lifecycles (SDLCs) treated security as an afterthought, something to be added to a completed product rather than integrated from the start. However, with the rising tide of cyberattacks and data breaches, organizations now recognize the need for security to be embedded within applications from inception. This critical task falls to application security engineers, who ensure that software is built with robust defenses against modern threats. Their role marks a shift toward proactive protection in an increasingly perilous digital landscape.
These engineers guide development teams in adopting secure coding practices throughout the SDLC, ensuring security is a priority at every phase. By assisting with pre-release testing, they evaluate applications against specific risks and criteria, helping to identify and address vulnerabilities early. Their expertise bridges the gap between development and security, fostering a collaborative approach to building safer software.
The core duties of an application security engineer revolve around crafting software with security as a foundational element. This involves understanding development environments—often drawing on their own past experience as coders—conducting code reviews, scanning for vulnerabilities, and performing penetration testing. They also prioritize weaknesses, assist developers in fixing them, comprehend how applications function in production, and maintain detailed technical documentation. Effective communication with development and engineering teams is essential, especially if they lack coding experience, to contextualize security concerns within the application’s framework. Their contribution ensures the software can withstand real-world threats upon deployment.
Education and Skills
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline.
- Proficiency in encryption techniques for databases and cloud systems, alongside a solid grasp of the SDLC.
- Familiarity with secure coding standards, software development, network engineering, security protocols, systems engineering, web application security, and ideally cryptography.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, plus awareness of current and emerging threats.
These capabilities enable them to integrate security seamlessly into software projects. Staying informed about evolving risks enhances their ability to protect applications effectively.
Certifications
- Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional
- MASE-Certified Application Security Engineer.
- Certified Application Security Engineer
Role Level: Midlevel/Experienced
Role Type: Technical, Plus Reporting and Communication
Average Salary: $143,800
Role Type: Technical, Plus Reporting and Communication
Average Salary: $143,800
The rapid evolution of malware, with its expanding capabilities, has left many organizations increasingly susceptible to sophisticated attacks. These threats spread swiftly and often evade detection, making it challenging for companies to stay ahead of the curve. As a result, the need for malware analysts has skyrocketed, driven by the urgent demand for experts who can tackle these elusive and persistent dangers. Their specialized skills are critical in an era where cyber threats are becoming more complex daily.
Malware analysts focus on dissecting and understanding malware-related incidents, both past and present, to uncover the intricacies of these threats. By reverse-engineering malicious code, they determine how attacks were executed, why they succeeded or failed, and use this insight to enhance malware protection tools and devise strategies to prevent future incidents. Their work requires a blend of programming prowess and security expertise, often built on years of prior experience in software development. This dual skill set positions them uniquely to safeguard organizations effectively.
To excel, malware analysts need advanced digital forensics abilities, proficiency with tools like OllyDbg and IDA Pro, and a keen awareness of the latest attack methods and countermeasures. Given the depth of knowledge required, this role typically suits mid-to-senior-level professionals rather than entry-level candidates fresh out of school. They must also excel at writing technical reports and communicating findings to development teams and executives, bridging technical and strategic perspectives. Their expertise helps organizations adapt to an ever-shifting threat landscape.
Education and Skills
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
- Programming experience, preferably in C/C++, languages commonly used in malware creation, along with scripting skills in Python, Perl, and Ruby.
- Familiarity with tools like IDA Pro, OllyDbg, RegShot, WinDbg, Immunity Debugger, and TCPView, plus a solid understanding of Windows OS internals and APIs.
- Competence in reconstructing obscure TCP/IP protocols, file formats, and data structures, paired with strong communication skills for technical reporting.
This robust skill set allows them to unravel complex malware threats. Ongoing learning ensures they remain effective against emerging attack vectors.
Certifications
- GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware
- Certified Malware Analysis Professional
- Certified Reverse Engineering Analyst
Role Level: Entry-Level/Midlevel/Senior
Role Type: Technical, Reporting, and Communication
Average Salary: $78,753
Role Type: Technical, Reporting, and Communication
Average Salary: $78,753
Known by various titles such as digital forensics examiner, forensic technician, or cyberforensic analyst, a computer forensics analyst acts as the cybercrime equivalent of a crime scene investigator. These specialists are invaluable in dissecting cyberattacks that have impacted an organization, pinpointing their origins, and devising strategies to prevent future incidents. Their work provides critical insights that strengthen an organization’s defenses against increasingly sophisticated threats. This role combines technical expertise with investigative prowess, making it a cornerstone of cybersecurity efforts.
By delving into digital investigations, computer forensics analysts uncover how threat actors breached enterprise networks and identify security weaknesses that need immediate attention to avoid repeat intrusions. They meticulously analyze digital traces left by attackers, compile evidence suitable for legal proceedings, and, when necessary, offer expert testimony in court. Their findings not only resolve past incidents but also inform proactive measures to enhance network security moving forward.
Key responsibilities include analyzing log files to trace the source of network intrusions, conducting file signature and forensic file system analyses, and collecting intrusion artifacts like malware, source code, or system configurations. They collaborate closely with security teams to reduce the likelihood of future breaches, leveraging their findings to bolster organizational resilience. Precision and thoroughness in their work ensure that evidence remains intact and actionable, supporting both technical and legal outcomes.
This position demands a blend of technical cybersecurity knowledge, criminal investigation skills, and legal understanding, which is why it typically suits mid-to-senior-level professionals rather than recent graduates. However, opportunities exist at the entry level in some private companies and government agencies—local, state, or federal—provided candidates demonstrate the requisite expertise. The role’s complexity underscores its importance within cybersecurity teams combating digital threats.
Education and Skills
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in computer forensics or a comparable field.
- Proficiency in forensic tool suites, data carving techniques, malware and binary analysis, and handling volatile data while preserving evidence integrity.
- Understanding of anti-forensics tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), plus the ability to perform bit-level analysis, interpret memory dumps, and detect obfuscation methods.
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and communication abilities, alongside familiarity with law and criminal investigation practices.
These qualifications equip them to unravel intricate cybercrimes effectively. Continuous skill development is vital to keep pace with evolving attack methodologies.
Certifications
- Certified Forensic Computer Examiner
- Certified Computer Examiner
- GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner
- GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst
- EnCase Certified Examiner (for those using OpenText EnCase Forensic)
With cyberattacks growing in frequency, scope, and sophistication, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals, including computer forensics analysts, continues to rise sharply. This dynamic field offers not only intellectual stimulation and personal satisfaction but also significant opportunities for career advancement, lucrative compensation, and the ability to effect meaningful change across organizations and industries. The role’s impact extends beyond individual companies, contributing to broader efforts to secure the digital world.
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