You now have a better understanding of how to pursue Cybersecurity as a career. Still unsure of which specialization to go with. Let me walk through the various roles in cybersecurity and their responsibilities.
Roles in Cyber Security
Cyber security or Information security is the practice of protecting the assets, networks, and data from threats. It can be either in cyberspace or in the real world. The demand for cyber security professionals is on the rise because it is difficult to find strong, qualified talent. Hiring and keeping professionals is a big challenge for an organization. Due to the lack of skilled cybersecurity professionals, many organizations are looking for nontraditional candidates to fill these positions.
Let's look at the various roles in cyber security.
Vulnerability Assessment Analyst
A vulnerability assessment analyst identifies vulnerabilities in systems, applications, and infrastructures and must document their process and findings. They often use scanners to find vulnerabilities and threats and create plans and strategies to mitigate them.
Estimate Salary: 4L – 9 L
Skill Required: Working knowledge of Linux and Windows OS, Network Security, Knowledge in Automation Tools like Nessus, Nexpose, Qualys, Rapid7.
Certifications preferred: GCFA, CHFI, OSCP, CEH, Security+, CEH, Rapid7, Qualys, Nessus.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers, or Ethical hackers, are one of the most popular jobs in the cybersecurity field. The goal of a pentester is to test the organization’s defense capabilities against a simulated attack by finding vulnerabilities and attempting to exploit them. They must document their process and findings. People should have strong technical knowledge. The role of Penetration Tester can be an in-house position or a consultant hired for specific times or tasks. The various online platform gives hand on experience to get familiar with tools and Techniques.
Estimate Salary: 6L – 10 L
Skills Required: Knowledge of Network Security, hand on Experience with Tools and Techniques, Windows client or server, Unix & Linux systems, Mac OS X, VMware, and cloud technologies.
Certifications preferred: CEH, OSCP, OSCE, GPEN, GXPN, GICSP, GWAPT, OSWP, etc.
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity engineers protect private data from cyberattacks. They implement security software and procedures, including cyberattack detection systems and firewalls. Cybersecurity engineers also assess the risk of data breaches and conduct tests to find weaknesses. They recommend information security measures to decision-makers.
Estimate Salary: 4L–12L
Skills required: Scripting Knowledge, Network Security, Familiarity with security standards and frameworks, and cloud technologies.
Certifications Preferred: Security+, CCNA, CEH.
SOC Analyst
SOC Analysts monitor, identify, analyze and respond to threats in an organization's IT infrastructure and assess security systems and measures for weaknesses and possible improvements.
Estimate Salary: 4L to 7L
Skills Required: Network Security, OWASP Top 10, Attack Techniques and Tactics, Knowledge of SIEM Tools, Hands on experience with EDR/XDR.
Certifications Preferred: SIEM certification (IBM Qradar, HP Arcsight, RSA Netwitness, SPLUNK), Security+, CEH
Incident Response Team
An Incident Response Team, also called an incident response unit, is a group responsible for planning for and responding to IT incidents, including cyber-attacks, systems failures, and data breaches.
Estimate Salary: 5L – 12L
Skills Required: Industry Standards related to security and Incident Response, Network Security, Familiar with Windows and Linux OS and Public Cloud Platform (AWS, Azure), SIEM concepts.
Certifications Preferred: SANS GCIH, CREST, EC-Council CEH & ECIH, CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst.
Cyber Forensics:
Forensic computer analysts collect digital evidence after a cyberattack or security breach. Using data retrieval techniques, they analyze the data to identify the perpetrators. Many forensic computer analysts work for organizations or law enforcement, where they investigate cyberattacks. The career path requires investigative skills and some legal training.
Estimate Salary: 4L to 10 L
Skills Required: Knowledge in Forensics Tools (like EnCase, Forensic Toolkit (FTK), X-Ways Forensics, Oxygen Forensics, Volatility, Wireshark), Familiar with Windows and Linux OS and Public Cloud Platform (AWS, Azure), Network Security, Tools and Techniques, End Point Security, Basics of Scripting and Database.
Certifications Preferred: EnCe, MCFE, GCFA, GREM, GCFE, GNFA, CompTIA A+, OCSP.
Malware Analyst
Malware analysts identify, examine, and understand the behaviour and purpose of malware and its delivery methods. The output of the analysis aids in the detection and mitigation of the potential threat.
Estimate Salary: 4L–9L
Skills Required: Knowledge of tools like IDA Pro, OllyDBG, WinDBG, Radare, Hexrays, CFF Explorer, WinHex, Hiew, PEiD, Hydra, CFF Explorer, Regshot, Wireshark, and other malware analysis tools, Knowledge of Sysinternal tools such as Sysmon, Autoruns, ProcMon, RegMon, diskMon, TCPView or OS Logs (Syslogs / EventViewer), Scripting Language (Python, .NET, Java, Javascript, VBScript, Powershell), Knowledge about Malware Analysis on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Certifications Preferred: GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM), GIAC iOS and macOS Examiner (GIME), GIAC Advanced Smartphone Forensics (GASF).
Cybersecurity Consultant
Cybersecurity consultants advise clients on how to protect data and prevent cyberattacks. They develop custom information security plans, conduct risk and treatment analysis, and research cybersecurity improvements. Cybersecurity consultants also report their findings to decision-makers and implement upgrades.
Estimation Salary: 5L – 10L
Skills Required: Cyber Security Basics, Knowledge of IT Infrastructures, Risk Management, Knowledge of Security Policies, framework, and Industry Standards.
Certifications Preferred: CISSP, CISM, CISA, CIA, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor/Lead Implementer, One Trust certifications, CCNA, Network+, Security+.
Cyber Lawyer/Cyber Legal Counsel
Cyber lawyers are responsible for handling criminal matters in cyberspace. They solve cases of cybercrimes related to people, law enforcement agencies, or private organizations. The work of a cyber lawyer is to prepare, examine, and advocate a case for the client involved in a cybercrime case. In-House Cyber Lawyers or Legal Advisory work with the organization that helps to resolve cyber issues and keep their information safe and secure. This career path required experience and legal training.
Estimate Salary: 4L – 8L
Skills required: Have a degree in LL. B/LL.M, Understand the basics of cybersecurity and Familiarity with security standards, frameworks, and Laws and regulations.
Don't chase after success; instead, focus on improving your skillset, success will find you….
Best wishes,
Keerthana Partheeban.