A cybersecurity professional is an expert who provides and access security. It can be during the development stages of the software, networks, and data centres. Moreover, these professionals look out for the risks and vulnerabilities in software and hardware. Most noteworthy, they check and manage any attacks and illegal intrusions. The cybersecurity professional must maintain IT security controls points, documentation, recognize the security gaps, and prepare an action plan. Hence, they act as a defensive shield against cyber attackers to protect the company’s assets.
Steps to become a cybersecurity professional
Skills to acquire
1.Get started
Before embarking on the journey to become a cybersecurity expert, it is imperative to get a degree in the IT field. For example, it can be computer engineering, information security, computer science, and any other relevant discipline that offers cybersecurity specialization. Moreover, the aspiring candidates should also look for accredited programs and certifications and stay updated with the significant changes in the field. Hence, they should be trained in fields like cybercrime and fraud investigation, cyber operations, intrusion investigations information assurance, and network forensics. Furthermore, one can go for an advanced Master’s degree to get the specialization.
2. Get the tools information
The following tools top the charts to be a cyber specialist.
Metasploit
Metasploit is a Pen-testing framework. Moreover, many IT experts and cybersecurity professionals use it to accomplish various tasks . For example, it includes managing security evaluations, discovering vulnerabilities, and forming defense methodologies. Hence, the tools can be used in online-based applications, networks, and servers.
Nmap
Nmap also called Network Mapper is an open-source tool for scanning the network and the system for vulnerabilities. Furthermore, It supports different operating systems and also both large as well as small networks.
Wireshark
Wireshark is the network protocol analyzer and gives minute details of what is happening in the network. It is actually a network sniffer, an analyzer, or a protocol analyzer for assessing the vulnerabilities in real-time.
Aircrack-ng
This is a set of utilities for analyzing the WiFi networks for security and vulnerabilities. Since it is a command-line tool, these interfaces can be scripted. Moreover, it also helps in checking WiFi cards and driver capabilities.
John the Ripper
It is an open-source password security auditing and cracking tool.
Nessus
It is a paid network scanner tool and identifies the loopholes in the computing system or the network. There are many vulnerabilities it identifies. For example, it can be misconfiguration errors, improper passwords, and open ports.
Burpsuite
This tool is used for checking the security of web-based applications. It includes analyzing the request, the response between the browsers and the destination server, initial mapping of the attack surface of the web applications, etc.
3. Non-technical skills needed to be a cybersecurity professional
Cybersecurity professionals need more than technical skills to be successful. To stay ahead in the field, these experts must be:
These professionals need to think like hackers so that they are always ahead of them in protecting the network, system, etc. They should be able to perform in case there is an emergency.
It is imperative for these professionals to have good communication and management skills.
Since novel methods to intrude a system are being adopted, it is imperative for these professionals to brush up their skills. This skill requires the professional to be a lifelong learner. They should be able to carry out research, training, and to earn other certifications to stay updated in this field and resolve complex security issues.
Demand for cybersecurity professionals and salaries
Roles, salaries, and demand
Governments and organizations across the globe are vulnerable to cyber threats. According to research, there is an cyber attacks every 39 seconds on the web. Since sites are getting hacked every day, the world is in the need of quality cyber experts. Furthermore, there is also an acute shortage of these professionals. According to a NASSCOM, India would need around 1 million expert cyber professionals by 2020.
In India, there is a considerable lack of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Hence, cybersecurity professionals are paid at a premium. According to some reports, the average cybersecurity experts’ salaries in India have increased to INR. 8.8 lakh.
The following are some of the cybersecurity jobs that are witnessing a sharp increase in pay.
| S.No | Role | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Network Security Engineer | INR 4 lakhs to 8 lakhs per annum |
| 2 | Cyber Security Analyst | INR 6 lakhs per annum |
| 3 | Security Architect | INR 17 lakhs per annum |
| 4 | Chief Information Security Officer | INR 2 crores to 4 crores |
| 5 | Cyber Security Manager | INR 12 lakhs |
| 6 | Ethical Hackers | INR 10 lakhs to 20 lakhs |
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that no organization is immune to cyberattacks. Cyber experts need to play a critical role by acting as a defense shield. One thing is sure that these roles will grow in the future as the world is making its way into a digital economy. I believe, it is the right time to invest energy and resources provided one has an interest in this field.
How small and medium enterprise should implement cybersecurity? Read our blog here.
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