“There’s no silver bullet with cybersecurity. A layered defense is the only viable option.” – James Scott
While it has been in the news more frequently recently, affecting individuals, businesses, and even entire countries, data vulnerability has been a significant concern for a long time. Security is a pressing issue as the modern world increasingly relies on the Internet and mobile computing to complete numerous daily tasks.
Cybersecurity is a fascinating area to pursue a career in. Many responsible individuals and teams are trying to protect against vulnerabilities and threats. These include response teams, analysts, SOC teams, and—most importantly—cybersecurity engineers.
Working as a cybersecurity engineer requires a highly developed set of abilities and credentials. Here, we will go over the definition, duties, income potential, skill set, and career path of a cybersecurity engineer.
Who are Cybersecurity Engineers?
A cybersecurity engineer creates and deploys secure network solutions to defend a company against persistent online threats, cyber criminals, and cyberattacks. Their primary responsibility is to protect organizations from outside attacks. Additionally, these engineers regularly test and monitor the organization’s security system to ensure it is up-to-date and ready to fend off any online threats.
Cybersecurity professionals may work as independent contractors for small businesses or large corporations. They can also work full-time for big enterprises and handle data and web security tasks.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Cybersecurity Engineer
A cyber security engineer job description involves many requirements, including the following:
- Determine best practices and standards based on assessing the organization’s security needs.
- Create security plans to guard the network against potential cyberattacks.
- Address any security lapses that affect the network and its related systems.
- Organize, track, and improve security measures to safeguard the company’s system and data.
- Regularly perform penetration testing.
- Establish protocols, install security devices, and configure them.
- Assist with security breach investigations.
- Provide an update on system and network security measures through reporting and communication with department heads and business stakeholders.
- Manage regular administrative duties that need to be done every day, like reporting and maintaining contact with the relevant departments of the company.
Read in-depth about the roles of Cybersecurity experts in this blog: Choosing Your Path: Cloud Computing Vs. Cyber Security
Skills of a Cybersecurity Engineer
Many skills are cyber security engineer requirements. Below are some:
Soft Skills
Analytical abilities: A cybersecurity expert carefully monitors computer networks, evaluating them for security lapses and potential threats. Because they are aware of possible weak points, they implement security measures to prevent data or information leaks. These engineers bolster network security across the entire organization with their analytical abilities.
Problem-solving: Cybersecurity experts acquire diverse techniques for resolving security and network problems. They regularly test and monitor network systems to identify potential security risks. Therefore, employers favor applicants who can solve problems and devise multiple solutions for a given issue. Even with new technologies, having excellent problem-solving abilities helps handle complex information security challenges.
Proficiency in communication: This job requires effectively conveying technical topics to professionals who do not belong to a technical domain. It is also a desirable skill to explain complicated issues to colleagues and managers and express one’s opinions. Cybersecurity professionals must have strong written communication skills because they may communicate via email and discuss a potential security threat with business stakeholders.
Observance: A cyber engineer must be meticulous to find even a tiny vulnerability to protect a company from hackers and cybercriminals. To accomplish this, they would constantly monitor the network for potential security issues that might arise. In addition, they may examine hundreds or thousands of lines of computer code for any changes.
Hard Skills
Competency in database and network platforms: They work with database and network systems for a significant portion of their day. Therefore, it is preferable to be knowledgeable about common networking terminologies such as virtual private network (VPN), subnetting, routing protocols, encryption methods, and secure network architecture. Additionally, a cybersecurity engineer is skilled and competent in data organization, archiving, and distribution to stop data leaks.
Technical aptitude:
- Updating and maintaining security systems
- diagnosing network problems
- delivering real-time security updates is all part of a cybersecurity professional’s daily job
This calls for a thorough comprehension of the fundamental ideas in cybersecurity. A good understanding of technology can be beneficial when carrying out daily tasks.
Computer proficiency: This position frequently requires strong computer programming proficiency. Their knowledge of networks, computer systems, and databases can assist them in performing all job-specific duties while ensuring network security. As the IT field evolves, these professionals must maintain security to detect potential thefts.
Programming Languages: Being proficient in cyber programming languages such as Java, C/C++, Go, Python, and Ruby is very beneficial.
- Python is used for malware analysis and task automation. It can also be applied to scanning and pen testing.
- C is used in reverse engineering to help generate antivirus programs for a cyber team to dissect and diagnose malware.
- Malicious actors use Java to crack security flaws and reverse-engineer proprietary software applications. It is also helpful in organizing high-scaling servers for pen testers.
- Go is ideal for identifying malware. Moreover, Golang malware is large and complex for antivirus software to detect, which makes it a favorite among bad actors.
- JavaScript is helpful for cross-site scripting, hander exploitation, and cookie capture.
- jQuery, React, and Node.js are JavaScript libraries.
- Written in C, Ruby’s syntax is virtually identical to that of Perl and Python. It is a popular language for managing large-scale code projects.
Cybersecurity Engineer Qualifications
Generally, a cybersecurity engineer must have the following qualifications:
- Major in Computer Science, IT, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
- Two years of experience in cybersecurity-related work, including forensics and incident detection and response.
- Familiarity with firewalls and other endpoint security systems’ installation, configuration, and upkeep.
- Proficiency in C++, Java, Node, Python, Ruby, Go, or Power Shell.
- Capacity to function in a hectic setting, frequently under duress.
- Excellent sense of detail and exceptional problem-solving abilities.
- Current knowledge of cyber-security trends and hacker tactics.
Note: Depending on the organization, the number of qualifications or the weight given to each of the criteria may vary.
Certifications required to become a Cybersecurity Engineer
A Certifications can help you stand out from other applicants by demonstrating your skills. Certifications are credentials obtained from reputable private companies within the industry. Some certifications include test preparation plans, while others allow you to take the exam without them.
Cybersecurity certifications often require some work experience. While some are designed to cover entry-level jobs, others extend to mid-career and beyond.
Here are the most common ones:
GISF: The GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) course is intended for individuals new to cybersecurity, managers, information security officers, system administrators, and anyone with a rudimentary understanding of computers and technology. Aside from passwords and basic cryptography, this certification covers incident response, security policies, computer network fundamentals, cybersecurity terminology, and incident response. Stackable credentials, such as GISF, are a means to develop skills that complement one another. It costs $979.
Security+: One of the most sought-after certifications for cybersecurity engineers is CompTIA Security+. The certificate validates knowledge of architecture and design; attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities; implementation; operation and incident response; and governance, risk, and compliance. It is accepted everywhere and costs $404.
CISM: The ISACA Certified Information Security Manager certification specializes in incident management, risk management, information security governance, and information security programs. It evaluates candidates’ capacity for risk assessment, governance implementation, and security incident response. The member exam costs $575, and the non-member exam costs $760.
Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP): ISC2 offers this certification, regarded as one of the most important in cybersecurity. ISC2 provides a wide range of certifications for various concentrations. The CISSP certification exam costs $749.
CASP+: CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) is another certification offered by CompTIA. To pass the exam, you must know about Risk Management, Enterprise Security Integration, Enterprise Security Architecture & Operations, Research, Development, and Collaboration. The certification costs $275.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This certification is for individuals who can demonstrate proficiency in identifying, evaluating, testing, and reporting vulnerabilities in computer systems. The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) recommends at least two years of IT experience before taking the CEH. CEH certification fees may range from $950 to $1119.
CCST: The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) certification verifies a candidate’s proficiency in entry-level cybersecurity concepts and subjects, such as incident handling, vulnerability assessment and risk management, security principles, network security, and endpoint security. The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity certification is also a prerequisite for CyberOps Associate certification. It costs $125.
You can also read about the CCNA certification here.
Cyber Engineer Salary and Job Outlook
Information security analysts are expected to see 32% job growth from 2022 to 2032, as per the BLS, indicating a persistently high demand for workers with comparable cybersecurity expertise.
The annual total compensation for a cyber security engineer is estimated to be $160,821, with an average salary of $120,662.
Regarding employment prospects, the financial services, government, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail sectors are among the top choices for individuals seeking employment in cybersecurity. However, that is not the end of the list. There are thousands of open cybersecurity engineer positions in almost every industry, according to a quick search on Indeed and LinkedIn.
However, there is a severe shortage of workers in the cybersecurity industry. By 2030, the lack of talent across all nations and industries could affect 85 million workers and result in an annual revenue loss of about $8.5 trillion. Four million professionals are urgently needed to close the talent gap in the global cybersecurity sector.
How to become a Cybersecurity Engineer?
Obtain a bachelor’s degree.
If you are wondering how to break into the cybersecurity industry, remember that it is a very technical field that calls for a background in coding, programming, encryption, and computer networks.
A bachelor’s degree in CS or cybersecurity can provide a solid foundation in these fields. A bachelor’s degree in computer programming, software engineering, IT engineering, system engineering, or a related discipline is the minimal prerequisite.
Although it is not always necessary, having a degree is an excellent advantage for careers in cybersecurity.
By enrolling in engineering courses in these fields, you can familiarize yourself with cybersecurity principles, such as cryptography, network communication, network infrastructure, and computer networks. It can help you land a job if you have a solid understanding of these principles.
Get Certified
Cybersecurity certifications help you stand out from the competition for open positions. Try pursuing one or more of the abovementioned certifications as you advance in your engineering career.
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can immediately pursue a certification, or you can wait to do so until you have some relevant work experience. Even though they are optional, these certifications can boost your reputation and demonstrate your subject-matter expertise.
CompTIA’s Security+ and Network+ certifications are entry-level credentials that can improve your cybersecurity credentials and help you get hired as a cybersecurity engineer. If your goal is to work for the U.S. Department of Defense, these certifications also meet that requirement.
The ISACA Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer credential is a good choice for mid-level cybersecurity professionals. On top of that, Global Information Assurance Certification, an organization that oversees information security certifications, provides credentials measuring particular knowledge and skill areas.
The CISSP credential is the gold standard for the cybersecurity industry and designates you as a top cybersecurity specialist. Two prerequisites for this designation are the recommendation of an active CISSP holder and a minimum of five years of paid experience.
Acquire pertinent experience
You can get entry-level cybersecurity jobs in cybersecurity engineering and related fields to start your career and develop your skills. Consider positions such as cybersecurity specialist, cybercrime analyst, incident and intrusion analyst, and cybersecurity analyst.
Alternatively, you could begin your career in IT before advancing to cybersecurity. Network or systems administrator, software developer, and IT auditor are all related roles.
These jobs give you more knowledge about database and network maintenance. You gain practical experience resolving network and computer-related problems, preparing you for a cybersecurity position.
Learn relevant programming languages
It is desirable to be proficient in common programming languages such as C++, Java, Python, Go, Node, Ruby, and PowerShell. Gaining a basic understanding of one or two programming languages will help you remain ahead of hackers proficient in network systems and know how to take advantage of them. A candidate must also be able to write and comprehend computer code to be considered for mid- and senior-level cybersecurity engineering positions.
Try the Bootcamp method
While most employers require a relevant bachelor’s degree for a cybersecurity position, it is still possible to enter the field with a bachelor’s degree from another field by completing an online cybersecurity bootcamp.
Shorter, more targeted online courses are offered during boot camps. Although some start as low as $1,000, most boot camps cost between $10,000 and $15,000. They usually take a few weeks to a few months to complete and provide you with specialized knowledge without requiring the same general education coursework as traditional degrees.
You can learn the following crucial cybersecurity skills from boot camps:
- Ethical Hacking
- Threat Hunting
- Cyberforensics or Digital Forensics
- Malware Analysis
- Business Continuity
Seek employment
It is time to apply for jobs after obtaining the necessary training and credentials. With over 19,500 new job openings each year, you should be able to find a cybersecurity engineering position that appeals to you.
Make a CV highlighting all of your abilities, credentials, work history, and accomplishments to land the desired position. Review the job description, highlight any relevant keywords, and add them to your resume so that an applicant tracking system (ATS) can find it.
How much time does it take to become a Cybersecurity Engineer?
The time it usually takes to become a cybersecurity engineer can vary depending on your training, experience, and credentials. To become a cybersecurity engineer, you would need to complete four years of engineering school.
However, getting a BCA or BSc might take three years. Additionally, many companies favor employing applicants who have some system or network engineering experience.
With the right experience, most people can work their way up to an entry-level position as a cybersecurity engineer in two to four years. A certification is a reliable means of entering the IT industry fast for someone with sufficient experience who has already been working in the field.
Demand for cybersecurity experts is high, and the time required to become a cybersecurity engineer varies. To secure a position as a cybersecurity engineer, you should budget several years to finish your schooling and obtain work experience.
Are you ready to begin your journey toward becoming a Cybersecurity Engineer?
Strong security measures are becoming increasingly necessary as our reliance on technology increases.
A career in cybersecurity provides an exciting and demanding work environment and offers the chance to significantly contribute to protecting sensitive data and upholding public confidence in digital systems.
By obtaining the required training, degrees, and certifications, aspiring cybersecurity engineers can put themselves at the forefront of this vital field, prepared to take on new threats and protect the security of our globalized society.
Need any help? Contact Microtek Learning today!
