what is a cyber security expert?
As technologies advance, cybercriminals are becoming more dangerous and pose a threat to information in computer systems. As a cyber security expert, you develop and implement network security measures to prevent cyberattacks and malware. You also regularly conduct security checks to look for threats and update the installed protection measures. When determining vulnerabilities in a computer system, sometimes you have to do white hacking and present your findings to the management.
As a cyber security expert, you need extensive knowledge of potential vulnerabilities and expertise in conducting vulnerability checks. It is necessary to keep up with emerging threats in the cyber world and learn effective strategies for prevention or intervention. In most organizations, a cyber security expert is an entry-level position that requires a broader knowledge base of all aspects of security. Aside from technical expertise, you also perform administrative functions like writing reports.
A career as a cyber security expert improves your experience in cyber jobs and helps you discover your favorite area of specialization. With a few years of experience, you can narrow your skill set to a particular specialty.
Would working as a cyber security expert suit your computer skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a cyber security expert role.
view jobs near youaverage cyber security expert salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the 2022 median pay for a cyber security expert is $112,000 annually and $53.85 per hour. Going by these statistics, it is safe to say that this compensation is one of the best in the IT sector. Moreover, you should note that experienced or advanced cyber security experts earn more than their entry-level counterparts. You should also note that the compensation package of a cyber security expert often includes paid vacations, health insurance benefits, and other allowances.
how to increase the salary of a cyber security expert
Your salary often relies on internal and external factors. In many industries, your experience determines your compensation package. In cyber security, hands-on experience is more valuable than educational qualifications. Therefore, as you gain more experience, you will increase your salary due to your transferable skills.
As a cyber security expert, it is possible to get a job in any industry since many companies rely on technology and the internet to run their businesses. However, some industries pay more to cyber security experts due to the sensitive nature of the company data they handle. For instance, finance and insurance companies are likely to pay more compared to other industries. Your certifications are also relevant during your salary determination, and a cyber security certification boosts your earning potential.
Wondering what you can earn as a cyber security expert? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a cyber security expert is.
types of cyber security expert
As a cyber security expert, you can perform general duties or specialize in the following roles:
- cyber security architect: as a cyber security architect, you design and develop hack-resistant security systems in a company's IT network. Your job is to assess the vulnerability and beef up security systems. You also regularly maintain the security systems and update the measures.
- cyber security administrator: as a cyber security administrator, you install security solutions and troubleshoot the security solutions in case of problems.
- cyber security analyst: your work as a cyber security analyst is to monitor a company's infrastructure for potential threats. You also create contingency plans and review suspicious activities in the system.
- cyber security auditor: as a cyber security auditor, you evaluate online security systems. You determine whether the security measures are effective against potential breaches.
working as a cyber security expert
Wondering what the day-to-day activities of a cyber security expert are? Read on for details on the duties and work environment of a cyber analyst.
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cyber security expert job description
Specific responsibilities depend on the industry and company you work for, but most of them include:
- providing security during software development stages: as a cyber security expert, you look for software or hardware systems vulnerabilities. During the development stages, you need to recognize potential threats and close the vulnerabilities by building firewalls into the network systems.
- monitoring systems for suspicious activities: when you are the cyber security expert, you need to design various defensive systems that will notify you of breaches or intruders in the systems. For instance, you can create an authorization protocol to ensure that only authorized personnel access sensitive data. If an unauthorized person attempts to access it, you receive a notification to act immediately.
- reporting security incidents: when monitoring security systems, you must report any incidents and recommend strategies to mitigate future risks. It is also important to document updates to the security systems and introduce new defensive systems and protocols for easy tracking.
- auditing security systems: cybercriminals are continually devising new ways to breach computer systems. They are also becoming harder to track; hence you need to conduct security audits regularly. Run a diagnostic on any changes to check for undetected breaches and develop ways to beef up security. You should also check the effectiveness of the defensive systems and generate reports on your findings and recommendations.
- creating and implementing security policies: once you recognize security gaps in the computer systems, you should create security policies to mitigate them. It is also your job to create awareness of the security policies and supervise the implementation of security measures.
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cyber security expert work environment
As a cyber security expert, you can get a job in different industry sectors that rely on technology. It's possible to work in-house for a specific company and handle all their cyber security issues or work for an IT consultancy firm. Regardless of where you work, most of your duties are office-based, and you spend most of the time analyzing computer systems and identifying ways to improve security. When you work for an IT consultancy, you work in your client's office with security issues. However, it is possible to solve the problems in your client's network without leaving your company.
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who are your colleagues?
As a cyber security expert, you work alongside a security analyst or a chief security officer to protect the company’s data and ensure its networks are always secure. A security manager oversees the security operations and ensures compliance with relevant standards and regulations. They also manage security personnel, meaning, as a cyber security expert, you must report to them and keep them up to date. You work with cryptanalysts or security software developers who think like hackers and develop strategies to stop cybercrimes in their tracks.
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work schedule
A cyber security expert career is not your typical 9 to 5 job. Data breaches occur at any time, and you need to be available to prevent breaches or intervene when necessary. Most of the technical and administrative duties require you to work about 40 hours a week. However, when there is an active threat, you may need to work overtime, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Most cyber security experts work full-time positions, but part-time jobs are available. You can also work remotely or become a freelancer. Usually, cyber security roles involve minimal traveling unless you work for a consultancy firm and visit your clients.
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job outlook for cyber security expert
The increased reliance on online services makes cyber security experts highly sought after to protect the security of computer systems and prevent data breaches. As a cyber security expert, you may choose to focus on the general roles or specialize and increase your job prospects. From the cyber security expert position, you may gain additional certifications and become the information security manager or senior cyber security risk analyst. Other areas of specialization are compliance officer, cloud security analyst, and penetration tester. Alternatively, you can become self-employed, but you need impressive cybersecurity skills to be successful.
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benefits of working for randstad as a cyber security expert
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a cyber security expert is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
cyber security expert skills and education
For you to work and excel as a cyber security expert, you need certain educational qualifications and up-to-date computer expertise. The educational qualification you need varies depending on your role and the organization that plans to hire you. For example, cyber security experts at entry level need to have an associate’s degree in computer science or a related field. An associate’s degree takes around two years to complete.
If you are aiming for a mid-level position, you may want to go for a bachelor’s degree in engineering, IT, computer science, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree in these fields often takes four years to complete. Most companies hiring cyber security experts in advanced positions require a master’s degree and work experience. A master’s degree takes one to two years to complete.
Furthermore, if your employer happens to be the military or government, you may need to have security clearances as well as security industry certifications. Also, some employers may offer tuition programs to help you obtain an advanced degree and become better equipped in your role as a cybersecurity expert.
skills and competencies
Aside from educational qualifications and certifications, you need transferable skills, including:
- problem-solving skills: as a cyber security expert, your problem-solving abilities play a significant role in your day-to-day duties. You need creative problem-solving skills to tackle complex security issues in computer systems and digital environments.
- technical aptitude: cyber security relies on technology, and you should have exceptional computing skills to perform complex tasks like updating information security systems. You also need to design and implement security measures to provide real-time protection against data breaches.
- attention to detail: as a cyber security expert, you need to be vigilant and detail-oriented to notice the slightest changes in a system. Attentiveness to detail also helps you detect vulnerabilities in computer systems and monitor networks for breaches.
- communication skills: as a cyber security expert, you work closely with various employees when solving security issues. You need communication skills to help explain your findings and concerns in non-technical terms. It also comes in handy when you are developing security procedures for a company.
FAQs about working as a cyber security expert
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about cyber security experts.
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are cyber security experts on demand?
Yes, the threat of cyberattacks continues to grow, leading to a high demand for cyber security experts. According to BLS, the number of jobs related to cyber security will grow 32% in the next 10 years, which is much faster than average occupations.
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what traits make a good cyber security expert?
The traits of a good cyber security expert are staying current on the latest industry trends, attention to detail, and being highly organized. You also need to be good at solving problems as well as have comprehensive technical knowledge.
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which degree programs are popular in the cybersecurity field?
If you think you would enjoy a cybersecurity career, you should consider the following degree programs, such as an MS in Cyber Security Engineering, an MS in Information Technology, an MS in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership, an MS in Information Assurance, an MS in Computer Engineering, or an MS in Computer Science.
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do I need to know coding as a cyber security expert?
You do not need to know coding if you are looking for a job as a cybersecurity expert in an entry-level position. However, coding may be necessary if you want to go higher and work as a cyber security expert in a mid-level or advanced position.
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what are the different types of cyber security?
The different types of cyber security are: application security to protect software applications, Internet of Things (IoT) security to protect your networks and devices, network security to protect and defend online systems, programs, and networks from digital threats, critical infrastructure security to protect infrastructure such as transportation, water, energy, and communications systems, and cloud security to protect cloud-based data and systems from malicious attacks.
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how do I find a job as a cyber security expert?
Applying for a cyber security expert job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our cyber security expert jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
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