With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks, the need for cyber security professionals continues to grow. A career in cyber security offers many benefits, but also has some potential downsides. This article examines the pros and cons of pursuing a job in cyber security.
The growing need for cyber security
Cyber threats are on the rise. A 2021 study by Cybersecurity Ventures predicted that global cybercrime costs will grow by 15% per year over the next five years, reaching $10.5 trillion USD annually by 2025. This is up from $3 trillion in 2015.
As cyber attacks become more common, organizations are investing heavily in cyber security to protect their data and systems. The U.S. government alone plans to spend over $18 billion on cyber security in 2022. Businesses will spend even more, with global spending on cybersecurity products and services projected to exceed $1 trillion cumulatively over the five-year period from 2017 to 2021.
All of this spending leads to huge demand for qualified cyber security professionals. The 2021 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study estimated there is a global shortage of around 2.72 million cyber security professionals. With demand far exceeding supply, those with cyber security skills are in a great position to command high salaries and job stability.
Benefits of a career in cyber security
Here are some of the top advantages of pursuing a cyber security career:
- Excellent job prospects – The cyber security skills gap means great job security and opportunities for those qualified in the field.
- High salaries – The average cyber security salary in 2021 was over $103,000 in North America, according to CyberSeek.
- Career advancement – The field is still emerging, offering opportunities for rapid advancement to supervisory and leadership positions.
- Variety – Cyber security roles involve assessing diverse threats, safeguarding varied assets, and developing innovative solutions.
- Purpose – Protecting critical systems and data from bad actors provides meaningful work.
- Transferable skills – In-demand technical expertise, problem-solving, and communication skills carry over to many industries.
- Remote work potential – Many cyber security roles can be done fully or partially remote.
For those interested in challenging, high-paying and stable tech careers, cyber security checks many boxes. The varied work protects crucial assets and offers a sense of purpose. With remote options, career growth, and transportable skills, there are many long-term benefits.
Downsides to a cyber security career
A cyber security career also comes with some potential negative aspects, including:
- Stress – Threat monitoring and response induce stress. There is always pressure to stay on top of emerging risks.
- Complexity – The varied facets of cyber security make for challenging work, and staying current with threats and solutions requires ongoing self-education.
- Always on – Dealing with attacks and vulnerabilities often involves being on-call outside of normal business hours.
- Fast pace – New cyber threats emerge every day, requiring quick learning and adaptation skills.
- Isolation – Extensive time is spent at a computer managing technical controls and data versus collaborating with co-workers.
- Risk and liability – Security professionals carry responsibility for protecting critical systems and data.
- Negative attention – No one notices cyber security until something goes wrong.
The stress, fast pace, complexity, and constant change make cyber security roles challenging. Long hours monitoring threats and responding to incidents can negatively impact work-life balance. There is real pressure and liability to protect critical systems and data.
Skills needed for a cyber security career
Pursuing a successful career in cyber security requires a well-rounded set of technical and soft skills, including:
- Information technology expertise – Comprehension of operating systems, networking, servers, applications, and other core technologies vulnerable to threats.
- Programming – Coding languages like Python enable automation of security tasks.
- Analytical ability – Identifying anomalies and patterns is key for threat detection and response.
- Problem-solving – Developing creative solutions to complex technical challenges.
- Communication – Explaining security risks and controls to stakeholders at varying technical levels.
- Collaboration – Partnering with IT, management, and staff across the organization on security initiatives.
- Flexibility – Adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and attack methods.
- Curiosity – Continuously learning about and evaluating new security tools and practices.
Technical expertise and soft skills allow security analysts to detect, investigate, and mitigate threats. Core IT knowledge provides context for where vulnerabilities exist. Programming automates repetitive tasks. Analytical and problem-solving abilities enable threat assessment and remediation. Communication and collaboration are essential to educate others and build support for security measures. Curiosity and flexibility let analysts evolve along with the threat landscape.
Education requirements for cyber security roles
Getting hired for cyber security positions typically requires earning a degree or certification in a related field. Common educational options include:
- Bachelor’s degree in cyber security – Four-year programs provide comprehensive foundations combining computer science, information technology, data analysis, and security concepts.
- Computer science or IT degree – Relevant knowledge even if not specialized in security. Many schools now offer concentrations or electives in cyber security.
- Certifications – Industry-recognized certs like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) validate skills.
- Bootcamps – Intensive training programs focusing on security tools and skills needed for entry-level roles.
- Master’s degree – Advanced education for management or engineer positions.
While not all cyber security roles require a four-year degree, pursuing some post-secondary technical education demonstrates foundational knowledge. Certifications validate expertise on specific security topics. Bootcamps offer accelerated training targeting beginner skills. Those seeking leadership roles may pursue master’s degrees.
Most in-demand cyber security jobs
Here are some of the most in-demand and lucrative cyber security career paths:
Information security analyst
Infosec analysts protect systems and networks from threats. Daily tasks include monitoring systems for anomalies, investigating suspicious activity, improving security controls, and educating staff on risks. The role requires a strong grasp of networking, operating systems, and security tools. Many analysts start their careers after earning a bachelor’s degree or certification. The average salary for information security analysts is $103,560.
Security engineer
Security engineers assess and build infrastructure to protect systems and data. Responsibilities include designing and implementing security architectures, developing secure network topologies, and creating security policies and processes. Extensive technical expertise is vital, often requiring a bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering plus security certifications. The average salary for security engineers is $122,120.
Penetration tester
Pen testers simulate cyber attacks to uncover vulnerabilities in networks and applications. Also known as ethical hackers, they exploit weaknesses using tools and techniques similar to real attackers. Pen testing requires programming skills, problem-solving, creativity, and communication ability. Many pen testers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science along with cyber security certifications. The average salary for penetration testers is $103,560.
Security auditor
Auditors evaluate the effectiveness of organizational security controls through assessments and tests. Tasks include examining policies and procedures, conducting interviews, performing vulnerability scans, and preparing audit reports. Auditors distill technical details into actionable findings for leadership. The role requires audit experience, security expertise, and communication skills. The average salary for information systems auditors is $96,070.
Security manager
Security managers develop and oversee the implementation of organizational security programs. Responsibilities include planning security policies and controls, directing analyst teams, coordinating security initiatives and budgets, and reporting to executives. The role requires leadership, strategy, budgeting, project management, and communication skills on top of technical proficiency. Many hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cyber security, computer science, or engineering. The average salary for security managers is $156,577.
These diverse roles all leverage technology skills to manage cyber risk. Demand is high across job types requiring varying education and experience levels. All play a vital part in protecting critical assets and responding to real-world threats.
Conclusion
A career in cyber security offers many advantages, but also comes with some significant challenges. The work provides an opportunity to use skills in a meaningful way protecting crucial systems and data, but also involves complexity, stress, and fast change. For those willing to constantly learn and evolve alongside threats, cyber security offers high pay, job stability, and career advancement potential.
Organizations will continue to heavily invest in security talent as attacks become more frequent and costly. However, the supply of qualified professionals lags far behind demand. This talent gap means those entering the field have bright prospects if they invest in the right education, certifications, and experience. While challenging, a cyber security career lets you play a pivotal role in combating cybercrime and safeguarding our digital world.