A career in cybersecurity is rewarding, as there are many qualified candidates. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that cybersecurity jobs will increase by 35 percent between 2021-2031. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this demand.

There are more specializations in cybersecurity as the field grows. As a cybersecurity analyst, you can follow your passions in information security and find a career that suits you. Here are five career options in this highly-demanded field.

To get a good carrer you need a high-quality resume. When writing a resume for a career in cybersecurity, it’s important to highlight your technical skills and experience in the field. This includes your knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, technologies, and methodologies, as well as your experience with security tools and software. 

Additionally, it’s important to include any certifications or training you have completed in cybersecurity, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). It’s also a good idea to mention any experience you have with programming languages such as Python, C++, or JavaScript, as well as any experience you have with network security, penetration testing, and incident response.

It’s also important to mention any experience you have in other IT-related fields, such as network administration, system administration, or programming, as these skills can be transferable to a career in cybersecurity.

It’s also a good idea to include any relevant coursework, projects, or publications in cybersecurity, as these can demonstrate your passion for the field and your commitment to staying current with the latest developments in cybersecurity.

With the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, it’s important to stand out from other candidates by highlighting your skills, qualifications, and experience in a clear and professional way. By working with a professional resume writer, you can be sure that your resume will be polished, professional, and ready to help you land a job in this rewarding and highly-demanded field.

Get started: Entry-level jobs in cybersecurity.

You may begin your career in cybersecurity in an entry-level role, such as a help desk tech, network administrator, or software developer. After gaining experience in IT, many cybersecurity professionals start as junior information security analysts.

You should take the time to learn essential IT skills before you apply for your first cybersecurity job. This includes programming, systems administration, cloud computing, and networks. Although you don’t need to have a degree in cybersecurity to be able to apply for a job, structured training can help you get ahead.

The IBM Cybersecurity analyst Professional Certificate is available on Coursera and teaches you the skills necessary to get a job as a security analyst. You will learn from industry leaders and gain practical experience in a virtual lab setting using real security tools.

Five career options for information security analysts

You have many options when it comes to your career as a cybersecurity analyst. You might study security engineering or architecture if you like building and planning. You might enjoy the excitement of responding to an incident or prefer to hack to stay ahead of bad actors.

Let’s look at five possible security areas you might specialize in as you progress through your career.

1. Architecture and engineering

You’ll be a security engineer and use your knowledge to create and implement security systems against various security threats. You could be promoted to security architect and responsible for the entire security infrastructure of your company.

If you like to tinker with technology and take a holistic approach to cybersecurity, security engineering and architecture might be a good match.

Skills to develop:

• Critical thinking
• IT networking
• Administration of the system
• Risk assessment

Common certifications are: CompTIA Security+ (SSCP), Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP), and Certified Professional Cloud Security Engineer (Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer).

2. Incident Response

Security incidents can still occur, despite the best efforts of a company to protect itself. Incident response is the process of addressing security incidents. You will be responsible for monitoring your company’s network and working to minimize losses and fix vulnerabilities when they occur.

Cybercrime and digital forensics are other areas of incident response. For example, the digital forensic investigator works with law enforcement to retrieve data from digital devices and investigate cybercrimes.

Incident Response could be a great fit if your work is under pressure and you love mystery.

Skills to develop:

• Attention to detail
• Documentation and technical writing
• Tools for intrusion detection
• Software for Forensics

Common certifications GIAC Certified Incident Handlers (GCIH), EC Council Certified Incident Handlers (ECIH), Certified Computer Examiners (CCE), Certified Computer Forensics Examiners (CCFE),

3. Administration and management

You may be able to move up the ranks in your organization as you gain more experience in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity managers manage a company’s network security and IT systems. You might be responsible for security coordination, managing security teams, and ensuring security compliance. 

The chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is an organization’s most important security position. Security at the executive level can often mean managing policies and budgets for the company’s security infrastructure.

Administration and management could be a great fit if your skills are organized, you can communicate well, and you love working with people.

Skills to develop:

• Management of projects
• Risk management
• Leadership
• Collaboration

Common certifications Certified Information Security Manager, GIAC Certified Project Manager GCPM, CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional).

4. Consulting

Companies hire security consultants to test their networks and computer systems for vulnerabilities. You will practice cybersecurity defense and offense by testing and recommending ways to strengthen systems.

Consulting might be a good fit for those who enjoy variety and want an opportunity to make an impact in helping others with their security.

Skills to develop:

• Testing for vulnerability and penetration
• Management of threats
• Operating systems
• Encryption

Common certifications CompTIA Security+ (OSCP), Offensive Security Certified Professionals (OSCP), Systems Security Certified Practitioners (SSCP), and Certified Security Consultants (CSC).

5. Hacking and testing

There are many terms for cybersecurity, including offensive security, red team, and white hat hacking. You will take a proactive approach to cybersecurity if you work in an offensive guard. You will play the role of an intruder and try to discover vulnerabilities before the bad guys do.

You will be a penetration test and help companies to build safer systems. To expose security vulnerabilities, you can also try other attack vectors, such as social engineering.

Hacking and testing could be a good match if your goal is to outsmart bad guys and earn legal money to hack into computers and networks.

Skills to develop:

• Cryptography
• Testing for penetration
• Computer networking
• Scripting

Common certifications are Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA PenTest+ (GPEN), GIAC Penetration Tester(GPEN), and Offensive Security Certified Professionals (OSCP).

What salary can you earn? Cybersecurity salaries by job

Even at entry-level, cybersecurity professionals are often well compensated for their skills. Salaries can rise as you gain more experience and get promoted to higher-level roles. According to Glassdoor, here’s an example of the average salary for cybersecurity jobs in the US as of October 2022.

• Intrusion detection specialist: $59,450
• Junior cybersecurity analyst: $81,170
• Digital forensic examiner: $91,212
• IT Security Administrator: $89,708
• Analyst for Incident Response: $70,149
• Cybersecurity consultant: $90,200
• Information security analyst: $89,654
• Ethical hacker: $105,611
• Penetration test: $97,474
• Security Engineer: $129,311
• Cybersecurity manager: $105,050
• Security architect: $172,543
• 254,510 for Chief Information Security Officer