Since employment of IT security professionals in the United States is currently at an all-time high, there are more jobs available in information security. In fact, employment in information security is expected to grow much faster than average at the rapid rate of 37%, thus creating an additional 27,400 new jobs before 2022. As employment growth continues to skyrocket and the IT world suffers a shortage of security practitioners, information security is quickly becoming one of the safest places to have technical expertise for long-term job stability, according to Bank Info Security. If you are up-to-date on your IT security know-how and are interested in fulfilling this dire employment gap, read on to learn about three of the hottest jobs available in information security.
Information Security Analyst
In an effort to protect an organization’s computer information systems from an increasing number of cyber attacks, information security analysts are hired to design the security measures that are needed to keep sensitive data safe from theft. Most IT security analysts are heavily involved in monitoring from security breaches, installing data encryption software, conducting penetration testing, fixing system vulnerabilities, developing security standards, and recommending security enhancements directly to upper-level executives. To work as an IT security analyst in computer companies, consulting firms, financial corporations, private businesses, and government agencies, you will need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or another IT-related field.
Network Penetration Tester
Ideal for hackers who want to do what they love legally and actually get paid for it, network penetration testers are experts in the IT security field who are given the responsibility of finding vulnerabilities in a computer security system. After network penetration testers simulate cyber attacks on an organization’s network, they are able to work on multi-disciplinary teams to develop solutions that fix any flaws that could potentially be exploited. Network penetration testers are able to provide businesses with a comprehensive report on their information security risks and provide crucial insights into how these pressing issues can be solved. In addition to a bachelor’s degree related to computer science, penetration testers must be able to think outside-the-box to spot weaknesses and unravel defenses.
Information Security Crime Investigator
While most professionals in the IT security field simply try to clean up the messes created by cyber attackers, information security crime investigators are given the chance to make sure that the criminals go to jail for their actions. Using their expertise in understanding the minds of criminals, the investigators analyze how hackers breach computer infrastructures, identify systems that have been compromised, investigate traces left behind, and utilize the latest exploit methodologies to bring about justice. Most information security crime investigators working in forensics crime labs, independent consulting firms, private businesses, and federal government agencies must have at least a bachelor’s degree related to computer science to master intrusion detection.
Related Resource: Network Security Jobs
Between cyber terrorists, internet viruses, botnet attacks, and data leaks, there is a very strong demand for professionals in IT security to work tirelessly at guarding organizations’ networks from disaster. Although the information security field is bustling with career growth, competition is still tough as employers expect candidates to be extremely skilled. If you want to land jobs available in information security, be sure you earn an appropriate degree, read up on the latest IT security discoveries, obtain certification, and participate in internship for hands-on experience, according to the Certified Information Systems Security Professionals.