9 ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS IN CYBERSECURITY IN 2020

There is a shortage of qualified workers in cybersecurity, and the vacancies are expected to rise. Statistics show that there may be up to 3.5 million cybersecurity job vacancies by 2021. This figure is scary because other statistics estimate that cybercrimes will cost the world $6 trillion by 2021. This is an industry that is growing at a higher rate than most other industries.

If you wish to help fill this gap, you may be wondering what kind of jobs are available at the entry-level. Here are nine such jobs you may apply for when you are starting out:

1. IT Technician

The work of an Information Technology technician is to manage computer systems. They install hardware and software. They maintain computer systems and perform tests on computer programs and equipment. They also schedule maintenance on software and hardware and teach clients how to use applications. Every IT worker helps to protect and defend their client’s data, systems, and infrastructure. You can start as an IT technician and work your way up to a Security Consultant.

2. Junior Penetration Tester

A penetration tester is like an ethical hacker. They work with companies to test their networks for vulnerabilities. They do this by hacking into their systems and then offering solutions to prevent such attacks in future. A junior penetration tester assists a senior penetration tester in their tasks. This role sets you up to be a penetration tester or an ethical hacker.

3. Junior Information Security Analyst

As a security analyst, you perform roles aimed at protecting a company’s computer systems and networks. You may:

1. Track a company’s network for breaches.
2. Prepare reports on any breaches, including their effects.
3. Install and update software used to protect sensitive information.
4. Conduct penetration testing.
5. Develop best practices and security standards for a company.
6. Research security trends and recommend them to senior IT staff and management etc.

4. Network Engineer

A network engineer builds and maintains a company’s computer network. They are also in charge of managing it on a day to day basis. They set up these systems to protect them from physical and cyber-attacks. They may also help in performing disaster recovery operations after breaches. A network engineer can work their way up to a penetration tester.

5. Junior Intelligence Analyst

An intelligence analyst has two leading roles. First, to collect information on potential threats, challenges, and opportunities and interpret it. The next job is to tell the relevant staff on how to apply this information in policy and decision making. In cybersecurity, the goal is to make sure that the appropriate personnel is up to par with new developments in the field.

6. Junior SOC analyst

SOC stands for Security Operations Center. The SOC analyses and monitors a company’s security posture at all times. In case of a cyber-attack, SOC analysts are the first responders. As a SOC analyst, your roles will be:

1. Prepare a company’s disaster recovery plan.
2. Research, document, and report on emerging trends and information security issues.
3. Analyze your company’s systems for any threats and vulnerabilities.
4. Uncover and respond to previously undisclosed hardware and software vulnerabilities.

7. Systems Administrator

A system administrator sets up, maintains, and manages the computer network system. They make sure that all computer operations are performing optimally and are secure. They may also troubleshoot the network, hardware, and software. Your goal is to identify any vulnerabilities your system may have to cyber-attacks and fix them. This career path can lead you to the job of a security architect.

8. Cybersecurity Consultant

This job is perfect for anyone who does not wish to be employed in in-house security teams. Generally, they either work for a third-part security consulting firm or are self-employed. As a consultant, you will play both attacker and defender roles. You will help an organization uncover any weaknesses in its computer systems and applications. Organizations hire consultants to help with their large and complex problems.

9. Systems Engineer

If you work in system engineering, you may be able to transition into cybersecurity easily. As a system engineer, you will have four key roles:

1. Implementing new systems.
2. Fixing errors in existing systems.
3. Performing hardware upgrades to improve performance.
4. Track systems for attacks and respond to them to cut damage.

Typically, you can divide security activities in cybersecurity into seven categories. They are

1. Protect and Defend (PR)
2. Security Provision (SP)

• Investigate (IN)

1. Oversee and Govern (OV)
2. Analyze (AN)
3. Collect and Operate (CO)

• Operate and Maintain (OM)

You may be able to get jobs in this industry using some basic certification. Yet, to advance your career, you may need more specialized certifications. Do your research to decide what gap you want to fill in cybersecurity.

Reference:

Cybersecurity Jobs Report Vs Survey