What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security study programming techniques on how to protect computer operating systems, networks, and data from cyber-attacks. You’ll learn how to monitor systems and mitigate threats when they happen.

This is an oversimplification of IT security degrees’ curricula. Each module will have a certain focus, but the overall goal is to help you develop the computing skills needed to prevent attacks and protect people’s data and privacy.

Cybersecurity is not an average 9 to 6 job. There is dedication and most importantly, a lot of effort must be made to keep up with the latest trends within the industry. There is no straight way to a Cyber Security career, but most people get there either straight out of college or by transitioning from another IT role. Both are good starters to get a solid understanding of how technology works.

The best Cyber Security jobs and salaries

Do you know how much of the world needs IT Security experts? Currently, there is a 2.9 million job shortage of cybersecurity professionals, according to ISC2. The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics also adds that there will be a 28% job increase in this field by 2026.

Cyber Security experts are needed in companies from all fields, but no fields more-so than financial, healthcare, and even educational institutions. Any time there are transactions, assets, and health records that need to be protected.

There are multiple positions you can occupy in this field. To earn these high salaries there is a high demand for technical skills, attention to details, problem-solving mentality, and the ability to analyze risks. Let’s look at some of the best IT Security jobs and the average annual salaries in the United States, according to Payscale:

• Cryptographer – 100,000 USD
• Information Security Officer – 91,000 USD
• Security Assessor – 90,000 USD
• Security Engineer – 88,000 USD
• Penetration Tester – 81,000 USD
• Forensics Expert – 71,000 USD
• Security Administrator – 65,000 USD

What are some recent trends in Cyber Security?

Trends that affect companies

• Network and endpoint security: securing corporate networks and all the remote devices (e.g. laptops, smartphones) that connect to these networks and represent a potential security threat.
• Infrastructure hardening: increasing security on all components of the infrastructure, including web servers, database systems, application servers, etc.
• Breach detection: detecting malware activity inside a network after a security breach occurs.
• Forensic investigation: recovering data and evidence from digital devices after a cybercrime occurs.

Ready to start your Cyber Security career?

There are almost 3 million Cyber Security jobs open for a future expert like you. If you’ve enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it on social media. You can drop us a like or comment there. Let us help kick start your cybersecurity career, through our new full-time and part-time bootcamp, Cyber Ops Training Academy.