Does Cybersecurity really pay well ?

Indeed, cybersecurity positions typically offer good compensation and promising career paths. Although pay varies depending on location, specialization, and experience, the industry is renowned for its high demand and attractive pay.

The unemployment rate is said to be zero in cybersecurity. As more and more companies move towards digitalization, it is one of the most rapidly expanding and in-demand occupations in the world today. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2031, there will be a 35% increase in the number of cybersecurity positions. Because of this, it is currently one of the most alluring career options, and many people are looking for jobs in the cybersecurity industry. However, because it’s a large field, it might be intimidating to outsiders. Our goal in this essay is to explain cybersecurity and the various roles that can be played.

What is a cybersecurity job?

The art and science of safeguarding assets and data linked to the internet is known as cybersecurity. It employs ideas from a variety of academic disciplines to create practical plans to stop sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorized parties or leaking. It incorporates pertinent technology, data handling procedures, and appropriate data security training. Professionals with extensive training in cybersecurity evaluate, execute, and enhance an organization’s cyber defense. Experts in cybersecurity are able to spot system weaknesses and offer the fixes required to fix them. In addition to teaching users how to recognize dangerous activities, such as phishing scams, they also train and educate users on appropriate data security protocols. In order to identify any weaknesses and make sure these systems are operating as intended, they also routinely examine security standards.

Why choose a cybersecurity career?

As a high-responsibility career, cybersecurity is not for everybody. But for some, it can be a highly challenging and fulfilling job. There are three main reasons to seek a career in cybersecurity: it is very challenging, it is in high demand, and it has a tangible impact.

Well-Paid

A cybersecurity career can be well paid, with salaries for entry-level positions starting at $50,000 and quickly reaching six figures as you gain experience. It’s important to note that salaries can vary depending on factors such as the position, company, location, associated responsibilities, and level of experience. Additionally, certifications and specialized skills can also contribute to higher earning potential in the cybersecurity field. Overall, a cybersecurity career can offer lucrative opportunities, especially as the demand for skilled professionals in this field continues to grow.

High demand

As the world becomes more and more connected thanks to the power of the internet, the demand for cybersecurity professionals will only skyrocket. Many industries, organizations, and even governments are eager to attract the best talents in the world. This high demand but little supply also makes this career one of the highest-paying in the market today. When you pick cybersecurity as a career, you are in a position to work in virtually any field or industry you want. Furthermore, your earning potential is higher on average than in most careers these days. If you want job security with amazing compensation, a career in cybersecurity might be for you.

A real, tangible impact

Lastly, the fact that cybersecurity is one of many professions that change the world may be one of its best selling qualities. Protecting people’s data and even their life is what you do as a cybersecurity professional. In addition to managing computers and networks, you also work with medical equipment that may connect to the internet, such as pacemakers and imaging machines. The FDA recalled nearly half a million pacemakers a few years ago because of concerns about cybersecurity flaws. The weakness was discovered by a specialized cybersecurity company, which promptly alerted authorities. A possible catastrophe was avoided because of watchful cybersecurity experts. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about the highest-paying cybersecurity careers.

Top 12 Highest Paying Cyber Security Jobs and Salaries

1. Penetration tester

These experts, who are also referred to as ethical hackers, are skilled in finding security holes in systems to obtain access. The purpose of these penetration tests is to evaluate how well security systems prevent unwanted and unauthorised access. They carry out mock penetration tests that are used to obtain access by malevolent hackers in the real world. In essence, they employ dishonest means to give businesses useful information that supports the development of security infrastructure.

They earn an average salary of $97,659 yearly.

2. Malware Analyst

Malware specialists are experts who specialise in examining various types of malware, as the name implies. Software known as malware is made specifically to carry out harmful operations on servers, networks, or devices. They can help external parties obtain data, obtain unauthorised access, or just inflict bodily harm. Malware analysts are experts at deciphering and eliminating these dangerous codes so they can’t do any harm. Their average yearly compensation is $87,000.

Are you prepared to advance in your career? : Nexford’s Career Path Planner creates a personalised success plan based on your interests and experience. Get tailored guidance on the abilities and credentials required to succeed in fields such as marketing, management, finance, and entrepreneurship.

3. Administrator of Cybersecurity

Implementing and overseeing an organization’s cybersecurity policies and procedures falls within the purview of cybersecurity administrators. They are managers of information security who oversee the entire team and act as a liaison between the technical and non-technical staff. They are supposed to support the creation of strong security strategies, recognise security threats, and advocate for laws that would improve security.

Their average yearly pay is $81,442.

4. Analyst of Information Security

In the field of information security, these experts serve as sentries. They keep an eye on networks and search for any indications of cyberattacks or security lapses. Additionally, they are among the first to react to any breach that is discovered. Most of the time, they search the entire network for unusual or suspicious activities. They make sure the safeguards, including firewalls and drive encryptions, are in excellent operating order by checking them on a regular basis.

Their average yearly compensation is $89,926.

5. Chief Information Security Officer

Similar to a cybersecurity administrator, but on a much larger scale, is the Chief Information Security Officer position. They are senior executives who create and carry out security plans for larger companies. They manage the entire security infrastructure, including the technological and corporate policy aspects. Depending on the size of the company, they may also oversee multiple teams that carry out different responsibilities.

They are among the highest paying cyber security occupations, with a typical yearly compensation of $256,040.

6. Network Security Architect

Creating defences against intrusions is the area of expertise for network security architects. To encourage a secure network infrastructure, they integrate technology solutions, security guidelines, and corporate practices. They carry out a variety of tasks, such as security analysis, penetration testing, and white-hat hacking.

They are among the top paid cyber security jobs, with a typical compensation of $175,065 per year.

7. Network Security Engineer

The expert in charge of planning, putting into place, and maintaining a computer network’s security infrastructure is known as a network security engineer. To defend the network against online attacks, they are specialists in intrusion detection systems, firewalls, network security protocols, and other security measures. Finding weaknesses and creating plans to fend off such attacks are their primary responsibilities.

Experience, region, and industry all affect a network security engineer’s median pay. The median pay, however, is $125,000 per year.

8. Cloud Security Engineer

The expert in charge of creating and putting into place security measures to safeguard cloud-based systems and data is known as a cloud security engineer. They are skilled in spotting possible weak points and developing risk-reduction plans. To guarantee the confidentiality and integrity of data stored in the cloud, cloud security engineers collaborate closely with teams.

Location, experience, and the size of the organisation are some of the variables that can affect their median pay. Nonetheless, reports state that the median annual wage is $121,823.

9. Security Sales Engineer

The field of cybersecurity is constantly expanding. Emerging technologies must be promoted to other organisations that require them. This sector of the industry is the focus of security sales engineers. They serve as security advisors, providing prospective customers with suitable solutions. To effectively promote these products, they combine their expertise in sales and information technology.

They rank among the highest paying cybersecurity positions on the list, with an average annual salary of $157,509. However, because they work in sales, they may receive commissions, which essentially gives them a range of pay options.

10. Bug Bounty Specialist

Despite its fancy nomenclature, this is a very serious and in-demand profession. In a sense, big tech businesses can outsource their security testing through bug bounty programs. Third-party computer system specialists search for flaws and weaknesses in this system that corporate cybersecurity teams could have missed. In return for a reward, they then notify the relevant organisation about these vulnerabilities. Similar to the wild west bounty hunters.

Their annual compensation is an average of $74,867.

11. Application Security Engineer

These experts concentrate on application software security. With a focus on the application development process, they perform a similar function to other cybersecurity specialists. They collaborate with project managers and application development teams to guarantee data security throughout the whole development process.

Their yearly pay is $117,111 on average.

12. Information Security Analyst

The task of defending an organization’s data and systems against cyberattacks falls to an information security analyst. They assist in creating, putting into practice, and keeping an eye on security measures as part of their daily work to safeguard the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of data. Operating systems, firewalls, encryption methods, computer networks, and other security protocols must all be thoroughly understood by them. To create efficient countermeasures, they must also be able to recognise possible risks and weaknesses.

Their yearly pay is $89,933 on average.

 

• Cybersecurity Fundamentals: 7 Pillars of Network Security, Cloud Protection, and Zero-Trust Strategies
• The Significance of Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Data, Privacy, and Business
• How to know if someone has hacked into your Google gmail account ?