How to Become a Cyber Security Engineer- As our world becomes more reliant on the Internet and mobile computers to complete many of our daily duties, the issue of security becomes more pressing. As a result, there will be a greater demand for Cyber Security engineers.
Cyber security is an intriguing sector of information technology that is suitable for those who appreciate a challenge. The sector is rife with opportunity, and we’re about to show you why a career in Cyber Security is a great (and rewarding!) decision. Let’s take a closer look at the following topics to learn how to become a cybersecurity engineer:
- What is a cyber security engineer?
- Roles and responsibilities of a cyber security engineer
- Cyber security engineer qualifications
- Cyber security engineer salary
- Demand for cyber security engineers
- Cyber security engineer career path
Let us first grasp the responsibilities of a cybersecurity engineer before we start learning how to become one.
What is a Cyber Security Engineer?
Cyber security engineers create and deploy secure network solutions to protect against hackers, cyber-attacks, and other persistent threats. They also test and monitor those systems on a regular basis, ensuring that all of the system’s defences are up to date and functioning properly.
The role of Cyber Security engineer is frequently referred to as data security engineer, IT security engineer, or Web security engineer. Furthermore, in smaller firms that cannot afford a Cyber Security specialist, the work of a Cyber Security engineer is occasionally wrapped into another IT function.
Let’s learn how to become a cybersecurity engineer after we’ve learned what this job entails.
What Does a Cyber Security Engineer Do?
A Cyber Security Engineer’s tasks and functions include:
- Assess the organization’s security requirements and set best practises and standards in response.
- All security measures required to secure an organization’s data, systems, and networks are designed, implemented, maintained, overseen, and upgraded.
- Responding to all network and associated system security breaches.
- All network and security concerns and incidents are investigated and resolved.
- Conduct penetration testing on a regular basis.
- Taking the necessary security precautions to protect the organization’s infrastructure and existing data.
- Conducting tests and scans to identify any network and system vulnerabilities.
- Participating in the change management process.
- Assist in the investigation of any security breaches.
- Managing day-to-day administrative responsibilities such as reporting and maintaining open lines of communication with the necessary departments within the organisation.
It’s worth noting that the job and responsibilities of a Cyber Security engineer are extremely similar to those of a security analyst. A Cyber Security engineer creates systems, but a security analyst is more concerned with putting the system through its paces and attempting to break it.
There is some overlap, however, because many Cyber Security engineers run stress testing on a regular basis in order to predict and test the weak points. It’s pretty uncommon to come across job postings for a Security Engineer/Analyst, which basically combines the two jobs into one.
Let’s take a look at the prerequisites before learning how to become a cybersecurity engineer.
Cyber Security Engineer Qualifications
A Cyber Security engineer should have the following qualifications in general:
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, systems engineering, or a related subject is required.
- Two years of expertise performing Cyber Security-related tasks such as incident detection and response, as well as forensics.
- Experience with firewalls and various forms of endpoint security, including its functionality, operation, and maintenance.
- C++, Java, Node, Python, Ruby, Go, or Power Shell are examples of languages and tools.
The ability to operate in a fast-paced, frequently stressful setting - Have a keen eye for detail and exceptional problem-solving abilities.
- Knowledge of the most recent cyber security trends and hacker strategies is essential.
It’s worth noting that different organisations may have more or fewer qualifications, or place a lower or higher value on any of the requirements listed
Cyber Security Engineer Salary
According to this article on career explorer, the typical compensation for a Cyber Security engineer is roughly $74K a year. Senior-level engineers make an average of $96K per year, while entry-level engineers can expect to make $59K per year. If you can acquire it, it’s great work!
A Cyber Security engineer in India earns an average of 525,652 rupees a year, compared to A$130,000 in Australia and £47,926 in the United Kingdom.
Of course, the above figures may change based on demand in your area. Regardless of the salary level, a Cyber Security engineer can make a lot of money.
Let’s look at the demand for cybersecurity engineers before we look at how to become one.
What’s the Demand for Cyber Security Engineers?
According to this employment outlook analysis, demand for Cyber Security engineers is expected to expand at a rate of 12% between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than the average for all other occupations. As corporations, governments, and other organisations become more reliant on digital platforms, the demand for Cyber Security engineers will continue to rise.
According to Cyber Security Ventures, by 2021, there will be 3.5 million employment openings in the Cyber Security field. The bad news is that there will be a comparable expanding skill gap in Cyber Security specialists (at least from the standpoint of a business owner).
According to a Forbes storey from a few years ago, Cyber Security is “the fast-growing job with a massive skill gap.” According to an ISACA research, by 2019, there will be a global shortfall of two million Cyber Security specialists. And now we’re in 2019, and things are only getting worse. 40,000 Cyber Security analyst positions are unfilled in the United States alone.
Cyber Security Ventures also anticipates that the yearly expenses of cyber-crime damages would rise considerably, from $3 trillion in 2015 to $6 trillion by 2021, according to Cyber Security Ventures. As a result, cyber-spending is expected to exceed $1 trillion between 2017 and 2021.
Despite the fact that many organisations are employing Cyber Security engineers, these ten organisations are at the top of the list.
- BAE Systems
- Symantec
- Check Point Software
- Lockheed Martin
- FireEye
- Amazon (Amazon Web Services)
- Microsoft
- IBM
- Cisco
- CyberArk Software
Taken together, these projections provide a rosy picture for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a Cyber Security engineer. Cyber Security engineering (and similar occupations) might be considered a “recession-proof job.”
So now that you know what a Cyber Security engineer does, what they make, and how safe the job is, you’re probably wondering how to get started.
The Cyber Security Engineer Career Path
We’ve already seen the requirements for becoming a Cyber Security engineer, as well as the scope of their tasks. As a result, it should come as no surprise that becoming one involves careful planning and a great deal of effort, though the effort is well worth it.
For begin, you need have a bachelor’s degree in a Cyber Security-related discipline. To mention a few, these fields include computer engineering, computer programming, computer science, engineering, information security, and software engineering. Corporations used to not care if an applicant didn’t have a degree, but a growing number of companies are requiring one. So, first and foremost, get your official education in order.
A candidate for a master’s degree in cyber-engineering can then continue his or her education, focusing on fields that are closely related to Cyber Security. If you want to work as a Senior Cyber Security Engineer, you’ll need that master’s degree even more.
After that, you should try to gain some work experience. According to conventional thinking, an aspiring Cyber Security engineer should work for three years before making a formal move. This figure varies depending on the amount and quality of job experience a potential candidate has accumulated.
Last but not least, there’s certification. Certification benefits you in two ways. First, it provides you with additional skills and knowledge that will be useful in the future. Second, it gives the hiring party verifiable proof that you are well-trained for the role they are interviewing for.
If you’re looking for certification, you’ll find a plethora of options, almost an embarrassment of riches. There may be a plethora of materials available, but don’t worry; we’ll cover a fantastic choice shortly.
There are a variety of acceptable qualifications you can pursue. There’s no reason why you can’t choose more than one. The more tools you have at your disposal, the more likely you are to land the job you want. You should think about the following certifications:
- CCNP Security: Cisco Certified Network Professional Security
- CEH v10: Certified Ethical Hacker
- CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor
- GIAC: Web Application Penetration Tester
- CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- GSEC / GCIH / GCIA: GIAC Security Certifications
Want to Become a Cyber Security Engineer?
With so many options, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Fortunately, Simplilearn is here to help you learn faster and easier! Simplilearn’s CEH (v10) – Certified Ethical Hacking Course is a wonderful place to start if you’re looking for your first certification. The training will teach you how to hack using advanced step-by-step approaches. Writing viral codes and reverse engineering are two examples of how you can better safeguard your company’s infrastructure from data breaches. This ethical hacking course will teach you sophisticated network packet analysis and advanced system penetration testing techniques so you can improve your network security skills and outsmart hackers.
The course includes 40 hours of instructor-led instruction, six months of free CEH v10 lab access, and a pass guarantee on the exam! Hackers are a Cyber Security Engineer’s worst nightmare, so by completing this course and earning your certification, you’ll be better prepared to halt them in their tracks and keep your company’s systems safe.
