Cybersecurity is rapidly becoming the dominant position in a firm’s IT department. This is because security is now the number one concern of managers around the world. As a result, there is a spike in demand globally for qualified cybersecurity experts. A casual look at the latest IT job openings will show you just how popular this professional has become in recent times. 

However, before you decide to become a cybersecurity professional, it is important to understand how you can enter this field, what specializations are available, and what career roles you can choose from. After reading this article, you will be in a stronger position to decide whether you want to become a security architect or consultant, an ethical hacker or the chief information security officer of an organization. 

The interesting thing about making a career in cybersecurity is that you don’t need to follow the same path as everybody else. There are multiple career pathways to become a cybersecurity professional. Whether you are a fresh college graduate with zero work experience or an experienced IT professional, there are ample options for you to start working towards a career in cybersecurity. 

The first thing you should aim for is to get some hands-on experience in an IT role. The best way to do this is to get an entry-level job in the IT department of any organization. At the entry-level, you will be typically offered some of the following jobs:

• Network administrator

• Systems administrator

• Web developer

• Computer engineer

• IT technician…

• and many others

In addition, some formal training and education will help your career prospects. Due to the high-risk environment in which cybersecurity professionals work, almost 35% of cybersecurity jobs have a mandatory requirement of relevant certification. 

Other IT jobs have such a requirement in only about 25% of the cases. Getting a certification has immediate as well as long-term benefits. As you progress in your career, your role with become increasingly specialized. Therefore, having a certification will make you a valuable member of the management team and enhance your skill level.  

A security architect is an important member of the cybersecurity team. It is a strategic level position requiring intensive problem analysis and solution development. As a security architect, your job will be to design and build a security system for your company. This includes creating sophisticated security structures and keeping them running smoothly. The structures you create should be capable of resisting attacks by viruses and other kinds of malware. You will conduct regular testing of the system to ensure that it is impenetrable by malicious attackers. Furthermore, you will be responsible for updating the systems according to the current IT security regulations and any changes that are made to them from time to time. 

A security architect in the US earns approximately USD 118,700 and have at least 5 years of IT experience, with at least 3 years in a security role. A typical career path for a security architect is as follows:

• Get a degree in one of the following—cybersecurity, IT, computer science. Alternatively, you can complete a relevant certification equivalent to graduation.

• Get an entry-level position as a network or security administrator.

• You will then be promoted in a few years to the position of a security analyst.

• You become an IT security architect.

To get a role in cybersecurity, you need to prove that you have the relevant cybersecurity certifications. Here are some of the certifications you can choose from depending on your experience:

• If you are a beginner, CompTIA Certification in security is the best option.

• At the intermediate level, you can opt for the Certified Ethical Hacker or CEH certification.

• EC-Council Certified Security Analyst or ECSA is preferable for advanced level professionals.

• If you are an expert, you can take the Certified Information Systems Security Professional or CISSP certification.

Security consultants are all-rounders in the cybersecurity field. Their job is to evaluate cybersecurity problems and risks and propose workable solutions. They are primarily responsible for protecting the data of the company, conducting interviews and surveys with staff to detect any vulnerabilities and supervise the everyday working of the network. A security consultant is also referred to by other titles such as database security expert or computer security expert.   

Typical salaries lie around USD 106,200, and such professionals have 3 years of minimum experience. This is a typical career path for a security consultant:

• Get an undergraduate degree in one of the following—cybersecurity, IT, computer science. Alternatively, you can complete a relevant certification equivalent to graduation.

• Get an entry-level position in the IT department of any firm.

• You will then be promoted in a few years to the position of a security engineer.

• Acquire relevant advanced professional certifications.

• You will qualify to become an IT security consultant.

• If you are a beginner, CompTIA Certification (Security+) is the best option.

• At the intermediate level, you can go for either the Certified Ethical Hacker or CEH or cybersecurity analyst (CySA+) certification.

• ECSA, CISA, and CISM are the preferable options for advanced level professionals.

• If you are an expert, you can take the Certified Information Systems Security Professional or CISSP certification.

Become An Ethical Hacker

An ethical hacker identifies loopholes in the IT system of a company so that companies can improve the security of their networks. Average salaries fall around USD 79,500. The career path typically followed is shown below:

• Get a starting position as a system administrator in a company. 

• Get certifications in ethical hacking.

• Get a job as an ethical hacker. 

• Over time, you will be promoted to the role of a security consultant. 

The certifications required to become an ethical hacker are listed below: 

• If you are a beginner, CompTIA Security Plus Certification is the best option.

• At the intermediate level, you can go for the Certified Ethical Hacker or CEH certification.

• ECSA or CASP is the preferable options for advanced level professionals.

• If you are an expert, you can take the Certified Information Systems Security Professional or CISSP certification.

The CISO leads the IT security teams and is the source of any innovations in the IT firm. They design the security team and supervise all the workings of the department. They have a keen eye to spot problems in the organization’s overall security infrastructure, and they report directly to the CEO. The typical CISO has around 10 years of IT security experience and earns around USD156,500.

• Get an undergraduate degree in IT, computer science or cybersecurity. Or, acquire relevant IT certifications. 

• Get a job as an IT programmer. 

• You will be promoted in a few years to security engineer.

• Acquire certifications in IT.

• Get advanced certifications in ethical hacking.

• Qualify for a managerial role in the IT security team.

• Get a management level IT security certification. 

• Over time, you will be promoted to the position of CISO. 

• At the intermediate level, you can go for the CISA certification.

• CISM is appropriate for advanced level professionals since it offers a managerial focus.

• CISSP is the relevant certification for an expert professional.

As seen above, there are many career pathways to become a cybersecurity professional. Depending on your current education and knowledge, work experience, and career goals, you can choose any track that works for you. Remember, no matter which career path you choose, continuous professional development will always be necessary, and you will be responsible for your own career growth. So never stop learning and always go for advanced certifications.