Demand for cybersecurity professionals is definitively high, particularly in the defense sector. As a result, defense candidates often view it as an attractive field for finding secure, lucrative positions. The cybersecurity niche also continues to grow, and new specialties are emerging at a regular rate.
For those looking to build a successful cybersecurity career, understanding the nuances of this high-demand field is essential. Here’s an overview of some roles and skills required to succeed and more.
Exploring Roles and Opportunities
As with any tech field, cybersecurity contains a wide array of specialties. One of the most common positions is cybersecurity analyst, which involves safeguarding organizational assets through network monitoring, threat mitigation, vulnerability identification, and intrusion response.
Security architects are the designers of cybersecurity strategies and solutions, and they handle tasks like creating policies, assessing risks, and developing required systems. Security consultants are a resource that provides expert-level guidance to companies, providing insights into the organization’s current positioning and how to improve it.
Penetration testing is another burgeoning specialty area. Also known as ethical hacking, penetration testing involves using hacker techniques to test company systems for vulnerabilities, allowing organizations to gather information they can later use to shore up weaknesses.
There are also various management levels within the cybersecurity landscape. Anything from a team supervisor to a chief information security officer (CISO) can fall into the leadership category, allowing their expertise not just to assist the company but also to guide the efforts of other cybersecurity professionals.
Balancing Technical and Soft Skills
With technology-related positions, many professionals focus on their technical abilities. Specific hard skills are undeniably essential, though the exact nature of which may vary by specialty area. Proficiency with various operating systems, networking technologies, programming languages, and cybersecurity tools and strategies is widely needed by those working in cybersecurity.
However, it’s also critical to balance technical capabilities with soft skills to ensure that professionals effectively perform their roles. Communication and collaboration are particularly vital, as well as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Attention to detail is similarly a must, and the same is true of integrity, accountability, and trustworthiness.
Pathways to Expertise
If you need to grow your cybersecurity expertise, several pathways can make it happen. Traditionally, cybersecurity professionals begin with formal education or training, such as pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related major like computer science or information technology. Some may go a different direction, opting for a boot camp or individual collegiate-level courses. Self-directed learning and on-the-job training can also boost a professional’s capabilities.
Over time, many cybersecurity professionals acquire certifications to highlight their expertise. Technically, these are earned after garnering enough experience in the field. When it comes to entry-level-style certifications, CompTIA Security+ is popular. Other options for those who’ve developed a bit professionally include Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
Building a Cybersecurity Career
Building a cybersecurity career is relatively straightforward. Typically, it begins with an entry-level position in the broader field. Upward movement often leads to specialization, allowing a professional to direct their career in a specific direction. After that, transitioning to supervisory or management-level roles is the logical step.
If you’re ready to find your perfect cybersecurity job in the defense sector, the Staffing Resource Group makes the process simple. Apply Today and SuRGe your career forward.
