What Does It Take To Be A Cybersecurity Professional? Exploring The Job Roles & Responsibilities

Data are sensitive and are yet potential enough to leverage an organization. It is the utmost responsibility of any firm to protect user data. Cyber security professionals actively monitor network data to ensure the systems are free from cyber attacks. They protect the user's data with unique skill sets.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting electronic information by mitigating information threats and hazards. Information risks can include unauthorized access, use, disclosure, interception, or data destruction. Data can include, but is not limited to, the confidential information of businesses or individual users. Before diving in, it is important to know and understand the common terms used in this blog.

Vulnerabilities

Common vulnerabilities include 

• Software flaws
• Unsecured networks
• User error

These weaknesses can be exploited by threats to gain unauthorized access to data or systems.

Threats

These are any potential events or actions that could exploit a vulnerability and cause harm to data or systems.

Who is a cybersecurity professional?

A cybersecurity professional is responsible for maintaining the safety, security, and integrity of an organization’s computer networks and data. They are tasked with finding vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers, such as malware, hacking, and phishing attacks and testing security systems to ensure they are safe and secure.

Job Roles and Responsibilities of a Cybersecurity Professional

The job roles and responsibilities of cybersecurity professionals can vary depending on the size and type of organization they work for. However, common duties include developing and implementing security policies, conducting risk assessments, monitoring network activity, and investigating incidents. Cybersecurity professionals may also be responsible for training employees on security procedures and best practices.

Skills and Qualifications for a Cybersecurity Professional

To become a cybersecurity professional, there are certain skills and qualifications that are needed. 

• Technical skills and knowledge in areas such as,
• Networking
• Operating Systems (OS)
• Computer Hardware
• Experience in programming languages and coding.
• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving 
• Good communication 

The Impact of Cybersecurity on Businesses

Nowadays, the impact of cybersecurity on businesses has come into sharp focus. A spate of high-profile data breaches has led to increased scrutiny of corporate security practices.

As businesses grapple with these challenges, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is higher than ever. Kate Behncken, vice-president and global head of Microsoft, has stated that by 2025, there will be 3.5 million jobs for Cyber Professionals.

Different Job Roles for Cyber Security Professionals

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Security Architect
• Security Engineer
• Cyber Security Consultant
• Information Security Manager
• Security Researcher
• Ethical Hacker

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for identifying security risks and developing mitigation strategies. They use various tools and techniques to monitor network activity and identify potential threats. When an incident occurs, they work with other security team members to contain the damage and prevent further attacks.

Security Architect

Security architects design and implement solutions that protect networks and systems from attack. They deeply understand security technologies and how they can be integrated into an organization's infrastructure. Security architects also develop disaster recovery plans to ensure critical systems can be quickly restored during an attack.

Security Engineer

Security engineers are responsible for implementing and managing security solutions. They work closely with other IT staff to ensure that security controls are properly configured and updated on an ongoing basis. Security engineers also conduct regular systems audits to identify vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of existing security measures. Information security managers are responsible for developing and overseeing.

Cyber Security Consultant

A cybersecurity consultant provides expert advice and guidance to organizations on improving their security posture. They help businesses assess risks, implement security controls, and develop incident response plans.

Information Security Manager

An information security manager is responsible for developing and implementing an organization's security strategy. They work closely with other departments to ensure the company’s data is secured.

Security Researcher

A security researcher studies new exploits and vulnerabilities in order to understand how they can be used to attack systems. They also develop new ways to defend against these attacks. Often, security researchers work for private companies or government agencies.

Ethical Hacker

Organizations hire ethical hackers to test their defences by trying to hack them using the same methods used by other hackers. Ethical hackers help organizations find cyber criminals and safeguard their data from cybercrime attacks.

How to Stay Up To Date With the Latest Security Trends

• Read industry publications
• Attend conferences and webinars
• Follow thought leaders on social media

Read Industry Publications

There are many great cybersecurity publications out there that can help you stay abreast of the latest news and trends. Our favourites include Dark Reading, SecurityWeek and Threatpost.

Attend Conferences and Webinars

Industry conferences are a great way to network with other professionals and learn about the latest security trends. Oftentimes, these events will offer live streaming or recordings of their sessions, so you can still benefit even if you can't attend in person.

Follow Thought Leaders on Social Media

Twitter is a great platform for following some of the top minds in cybersecurity. Search for hashtags like #cybersecurity or #infosec to find relevant accounts to follow.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field with many job roles and responsibilities. To become a successful cybersecurity professional, you need the necessary qualifications, technical expertise, analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. At Skill-Lync, we provide online courses on topics such as the Foundations of Cybersecurity and cloud security.

If you want to gain more knowledge in embedded systems, enrol in Grow by Skill-Lync and learn for free.

Our hands-on, project-based learning model helps students understand even the most complex concepts. With the right combination of these skills and attributes, you can find your niche within the industry that matches your interests and aspirations.