Top 8 most in-demand cyber security roles for job-ready cyber professionals
Have you recently completed your education and are a trained cyber security professional ready to start your career? You’ll soon find there are plenty of job opportunities in cyber security available! It truly is a great time to join the workforce with your newfound cyber security skills. But where do you start looking?
In this blog, we will share the top 8 most in-demand cyber security roles you can apply for once you’re trained as a cyber security professional
(And if you’re in the early stages of feeling unsure about cyber security certification, check out our helpful resource on all the different cyber security certifications there are available to decide which one is best for you.)
1. Cyber Security Analyst
Typically, a Cyber Security Analyst detects cyber threats and takes actions to prevent and find creative ways to protect the organisation from constant external cybercrimes. In this role, you can work hands-on to complete various technical tasks and gain a lot of experience in pen testing, detecting, auditing and more.
Roles and responsibilities of a Cyber Security Analyst:
- Plan, implement and constantly upgrade security measures and controls.
- Maintain data and monitor secure access to the data.
- Perform risk analysis, vulnerability testing and security assessments.
- Determining the root cause of security breaches.
- Plan and recommend changes to increase network security.
Average Salary Range of a Cyber Security Analyst – AU$76,824
2. Security Engineer
A Security Engineer is responsible for a range of duties associated with IT security, such as ensuring the security of software, selecting and deploying network security systems. Security Engineers need to respond, document threats, resolve technical faults and provide resources to obtain solutions in the most cost-effective way.
Roles and responsibilities of a Security Engineer:
- Maintaining all software and hardware in relation to security.
- Proactively research to analyse and detect any security weaknesses and recommend appropriate and necessary strategies.
- Overseeing threat intelligence and understanding potential threats that may target the organisation.
- Sourcing and implementing new security solutions in order to protect the organisation from future threats
Average Salary of a Security Engineer – AU$96,341
3. Security Architect
A Security Architect essentially designs security structures to prevent malware and hacker intrusions to a company’s computer system. A Security Engineer then tests any weaknesses and audits the entire system.
Roles and responsibilities of Security Architect:
- Understanding of company’s IT systems and technology
- Plan, research and design security architectures
- Update and upgrade security systems
- Design public key infrastructures
- Perform vulnerability testing and security assessments
Average Salary of a Security Architect – AU$145,872
4. Security Administrator
A Security Administrator is mainly in charge of installing, administering and troubleshooting a company’s security solutions. As a Security Administrator, you will be ensuring the network’s security, protection against unauthorised access, alteration or destruction and troubleshooting any problems in relation to access.
Roles and responsibilities of a Security Administrator:
- Configuring and analysing security systems and recommending improvements
- Consulting with internal stakeholders about the best security practices and providing necessary technical advice
- Installation, administration and troubleshooting of network security solutions
Average Salary of a Security Administrator- AU$71,823
5. Security Software Developer
A Security Software Developer performs one of the two main functions:
- Responsible for developing security software such as antiviruses, spyware detection application software, traffic analysis software, etc.
- Or is a part of a development team that create application software. A security software developer in this case integrates security software during the design and development of application software.
Roles and responsibilities of a Security Software Developer:
- Creating secure software tools and systems with a team of developers.
- Implement, test and operate advanced software security techniques.
- Consulting team members on secure programming practices.
- Troubleshooting and debug issues that arise.
- Developing a software security strategy.
Average Salary of a Security Software Developer – $102,741
6. Cryptographer
Cryptographers are involved in protecting confidential information and protecting military, financial or political data. They are mainly responsible for encrypting or decrypting information.
Roles and responsibilities of a Cryptographer:
- Protecting information from being intercepted, copied, modified or deleted.
- Designing robust security systems to prevent future threats and vulnerabilities.
- Evaluating, analysing and targeting weaknesses in cryptographic security systems and algorithms.
- Decoding cryptic messages and coding systems for military, political or law enforcement agencies.
Average salary of a Cryptographer – AU$109,605
7. Chief Information Security Officer
A Chief Information Security Officer is the head of IT security, responsible for driving IT security strategies and process of implementation along with protecting the organisation from security vulnerabilities and cyber-hacking.
Roles and responsibilities of a Chief Information Security Officer:
- Managing operation and implementation of IT security strategies.
- Performing security audits and risk assessments.
- Continuously assessing and improving existing IT security practices and systems.
- Overseeing and leading IT security department.
Average salary of a Chief Information Security Officer – AU$195,059
8. Source Code Auditor
The main responsibility of a Source Code Auditor is to identify potential security weaknesses and bugs. This role demands attention to detail. In addition to coding, a major focus of the job is on drawing audit reports and recommending a practical course of action to less tech-savvy folks.
Roles and responsibilities of a Source Code Auditor:
- Reviewing authentication, authorisation and communication techniques.
- Performing penetration testing to identify high-risk and low-risk vulnerabilities.
- Analysing source code on a line-by-line basis.
- Educating development teams about the best practices in code creation.
Average salary of a Source Code Auditor – AU$95,000
The above-mentioned roles indicate a strong focus on the technical skills required to be a successful Cyber Security professional. There are also essential soft skills that will help you ace the job and make you an all-rounder in the field. The Institute of Data’s Cyber Security program is designed to help you get practical training in both technical and non-technical areas that will help you excel in your next role in Cyber Security.
If you’re not yet a certified cyber security professional, learn more about our cyber security program and how we can help you get your start in the most challenging, cool and thriving industry. Schedule a consultation with one of our expert career advisors today to discuss your career goals and options available.