With the exponential advancement of technology, we are becoming increasingly dependent on the Internet and mobile computing to handle our regular, day-to-day tasks. But this change in our everyday lives also leads to an increased number of cyber-attacks, which is why the importance of cyber security is being felt more than ever. Cyber security is one of the fastest-growing areas of (Information Technology) IT Various career opportunities in cyber security would be rewarding because there’s a huge scope of practice for cyber security engineers.
With the right education and skills, being a cyber security engineer sounds like an excellent job. According to Cyberseek, the demand for cyber security professionals has never been higher. There are more than 60,000 job openings for cyber security engineers, and the average engineer’s salary is $99,000. In some cities, the salary for such cyber security professionals is even higher, ranging from $115,000 to $180,000. However, you need the right qualifications to be able to get on this bandwagon.
Who are Cyber Security Engineers?
Cyber security engineers are computer science professionals who create and execute various secure network solutions that keep information systems secure against hackers, cyber-attacks, etc. Also, they regularly monitor and test systems and networks to make sure that they work properly and are updated. Cyber security engineers are also known as data security engineers, IT security engineers, and web security engineers. Due to a lack of available staff, it often happens that the role of a cyber security engineer is integrated with other roles.
With so many things that pose threats to personal and corporate data, having the right information security protocol in place to safeguard it is a must. Some of the industries that are vulnerable to cyber-attacks (topping the list of those suffering multiple attacks) include:
- Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)
- Healthcare
- Government agencies
- Energy industry
- Higher education
- IT and Telecoms
- HR & Recruitment
- Financial
The Responsibilities of a Cyber Security Engineer
Enrolling in a cyber security engineer program will prepare you for the role of a cyber security engineer, arming you with experience and knowledge necessary to perform their duties. The roles and responsibilities will depend on the job profile, but some of the most common responsibilities involve:
- Performing evaluations for the security requirements of an enterprise. Establishing best standards and practices.
- Creating, implementing, executing, upgrading, and overseeing all the information security systems, networks, security software, and web security to protect the data of an enterprise.
- Regularly performing various tests to identify any vulnerabilities in the network and system.
- Regularly performing penetration testing.
- Responding to any kind of security breach within the information systems and network of the organization.
- Troubleshooting incidences of network security issues to keep the data secure.
- Actively participating in the change management process.
- Actively participating in investigations for any security breach.
- Handling daily tasks, such as coordination and communication with other departments within the organization.
- Taking relevant security measures to protect the enterprise’s existing infrastructure and data.
In many organizations, the roles and responsibilities of cyber security engineers are somewhat similar to those of a security analyst. A cyber security engineer will build solutions to secure networks and information systems, while a security analyst will put the system through its paces.
Cyber Security Engineer Program
This program is designed for anyone who wants to become a cyber security professional and specialize in advanced server administration and networking system design. Our Cyber Security Engineer Program will prepare all participants to earn six in-demand professional certifications in this area, and those are:
- CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker
- CCNA – Cisco Certified Network Associate
- CCNA Security
- CySA+ – CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst
- CASP – CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
- CFR – CyberSec First Responder
The cyber security course length is 30 weeks. Upon receiving all six certifications, participants receive an Undergraduate Certificate in Cyber Security Engineer program.
The most common requirements and qualifications that today’s recruiters want in cyber security engineering jobs are:
- A degree in computer science, information systems engineering, IT, or a related field.
- Knowledge of functionality, operations, and maintenance of endpoint security systems, security software, and firewalls.
- A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in cyber security job duties and security measures, such as detection of breaches, response, and investigation.
- Knowledge of the latest trends in the cyber security realm.
- Knowledge of tools and languages such as Java, C++, Ruby, Python, and Node.
What Do You Need to Receive a Cyber Security Engineer Certification?
To earn a Cyber Security Engineer certification, there’s a lot of work to be done, so let’s begin with some of these essential aptitudes so you know what you should focus on. The basic aptitudes and soft skills you need to become a successful cyber security engineer include:
- Dedication
Regardless of how difficult and challenging it may be to learn a program code and pass a certification test, never looking back, never letting failures get you down, and pursuing your dream will keep you on track. There are many skills (from various spheres) that you need to develop,. Dedicate yourself to making a successful career switch and don’t forget to keep practicing these important traits.
- Communication
Without good communication and writing skills, you won’t be able to get on the same page with your colleagues, which is important when working in a team of people responsible for solving important security issues. Remember that you don’t have all the answers and that solving complex issues doesn’t happen in a vacuum. You will probably work on a team and collaborate with stakeholders, seeking their expertise to come up with solutions. You need to know how to cultivate relationships and build consensus. Being an excellent problem-solver and communicator contributes to your ability to collaborate and work as a team, as does having patience, an open-minded attitude, and good people skills.
- Problem-solving
In cyber security, problem-solving is a crucial skill because you are often facing scenarios that you have to troubleshoot. In order to troubleshoot a scenario, you need to know how to systematically approach an issue.
- Critical thinking
Critical thinking represents the ability to solve complex problems by breaking them down into smaller components. It’s somewhat related to problem-solving, and it usually involves a process such as identifying the issue, collecting information, developing a solution, testing it, and so on. For some people, critical and analytical thinking are innate abilities, but they can also be developed. Our Cyber Security Engineer program will provide you the knowledge and hands-on experience where you will have the opportunity to apply your curiosity in various situations. You will be able to ask questions, learn how things work, be observant, analyze your decisions, and apply them in practice.
MyComputerCareer is an accredited Information Technology (IT) career college that provides training, professional certifications preparation, and job placement services for anyone who is looking to enter the IT industry. Also, we are there to help those seeking additional knowledge and skill sets to help them advance in the field or have access to different career opportunities. If you are interested in enrolling in our ITSS program (either online learning or on-campus), feel free to reach out to us for more information.