Is B.Tech in Cyber Security (Engineering) Degree Right for You?

The abundance of cyber threats and the shortage of qualified professionals, along with competitive salaries and attractive job descriptions, are some of the reasons why a career in cybersecurity remains an attractive option. We touched on some of these specific points in our recent article, which was especially addressed to those of you who are wondering whether to join this growing industry.

However, choosing which career path to take can be a daunting task, not least because there are so many careers to choose from, each with its specific requirements and skills. 

If you aspire to join the growing ranks of cybersecurity professionals, you will need to assess what skills you have and what skills you will need to apply for the job you want.

System Administrator (SysAdmin)

The system administrator is actually one of the basic professions on the path to a career in cybersecurity. System administrators are not strictly described as cybersecurity professionals. System administrators, however, need to have an in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity issues to do their jobs well. These Ten Commandments illustrate the impact of cybersecurity on their work. Although a degree is not required, CyberSeek states that a bachelor's degree in network administration is recommended for this position. People who do not have this degree but wish to pursue this career can do so by obtaining various certifications from reputable organizations.

Network administrators are essential for most businesses, as they are responsible for the configuration, maintenance, operation & security of computer systems and servers, as well as for troubleshooting problems and supporting others. employees. If you are looking to become a system administrator, the main requirements are knowledge of Linux and major networking hardware, network engineering, and technical support. To successfully transition to cybersecurity, you will be well advised to add information and systems security, network security, and security operations to your skills arsenal. 

Responder in the event of an Incident

Responders to cybersecurity or cyber defense incidents are responsible for investigating, analyzing & responding to cyber attacks or cyber incidents. However, their position is not only reactive - they must also actively monitor systems and networks for intrusions, perform security audits and develop response plans, as well as know the business continuity plans of the company. business if an attack is successful. Once the attack is over, the incident response manager should also be able to write an incident report detailing how the attack occurred and what can be done now to prevent it in the future. You do not need to have a diploma to become a speaker. However, having one in cybersecurity or IT is considered an advantage. Information security, knowledge of Linux, network security, information systems & project management are some of the key skills employers demand. The position is classified as an entry-level position and, according to CyberSeek, it offers an average annual salary of approximately $ 85,000 in the United States.

Cybercrime Analyst

Cybercrime specialists can be described as cyberspace detectives. They are responsible for investigating various data breaches and security incidents, recovering and examining data stored on electronic devices, and rebuilding damaged systems to recover lost data. These experts are also expected to help authorities assess the credibility of data and provide expert advice to legal professionals when electronic evidence is used in a court case.

Further Reading: Investigative Stories from the Digital Forensic Laboratory

To become a cybercrime specialist, a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity or computer science is essential. Also, having a master's degree in computer forensics is seen as an added benefit. Skills required by employers include proficiency in computer forensics, knowledge of information security, and the ability to scan consumer electronics and hard drives. The salary in the United States is quite competitive, with an estimated annual average of US $ 93,000.

Penetration Tester (Pentester)

Penetration testers are, for all intents and purposes, the antithesis of hackers.

The role of the penetration tester is a mid-level role and requires the potential candidate to be well versed in information security and be able to use an assortment of coding languages, such as Java. or Python.

Cybersecurity Engineer

This position requires at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or cybersecurity and the potential candidate should have a high level of proficiency in threat detection, analysis & protection.

Cybersecurity engineers need to be creative and technical, as some of their responsibilities include creating processes that resolve production security issues, performing vulnerability testing, and even developing automation scripts that will help manage and to monitor incidents. They are also responsible for configuring, installing & maintaining security and intrusion detection systems. To handle all the obligations associated with this position, cybersecurity engineers must be proficient in information and network security and have a solid working knowledge of cryptography. The demands of the position are offset by the proposed compensation, which averages approximately US $ 99,000 in the United States.