Highest Paid Cyber Security Jobs

Cyber Security Careers

Another important responsibility in cybersecurity professions is developing preventative strategies. Neutralizing numerous threats and vulnerabilities makes a network more secure, and it can help a firm avoid the significant consequences of a data breach, which can cost them not just money but also their integrity and confidence with their clients and consumers.

When storing private information, it should be encrypted and only authorised individuals should have access to it. Developers and managers must incorporate technological developments, such as updated software and the latest technology, to avoid these concerns, and it is critical to communicate any changes to staff that interact with this data to ensure a smooth transition.

List of the Highest-Paying Cybersecurity Jobs

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

A chief information officer will be labelled differently in larger firms than a CISO, who is responsible for the security of sensitive data. A CIO optimises a company’s procedures, while a CISO assesses the risk of integrating new technology. They must be able to protect confidential information from other employees and their clients from unauthorised access, and they must be able to fix any present and future difficulties. They will typically make the final decision on security-related matters as an executive, and the CIO and CISO will collaborate to discover the best solutions for the firm. In smaller companies, these responsibilities may be combined into a single CIO role.

Any business, like any other executive position, requires a combination of hard and soft talents. They must have a thorough awareness of the entire information technology department, as well as the most recent industry advances. They must establish relationships with team members and gather data in order to make decisions that will benefit the organisation, and they will frequently communicate their results to other executive personnel, all of which necessitates excellent communication skills. According to PayScale, the average CISO will earn roughly $160,000, with salaries up to $224,000 in larger cities.

Chief Technical / Technology Officer (CTO)

An executive post created as a result of technological innovation, separating the information technology sector from the responsibilities of the chief information officer. They assess the company’s technology requirements and make final judgments on the objectives to be achieved, policies in place, and where to invest in process improvement – all from a technological stance. This role necessitates a thorough grasp of the company’s IT department, since it will frequently make final decisions on new hardware and software to adopt, as well as how to handle any issues that develop during transitional procedures and demographics.

While a Bachelor’s degree is the most prevalent level of education earned by CTOs, it is typical for them to acquire at least a Master’s degree before taking on the position. A Master of Business Administration with a focus in information technology is a common choice. Because this is an executive role, strong leadership and management abilities, as well as the ability to make crucial decisions, are necessary. They must be able to form teams beneath them and ensure that the hierarchy is apparent and maintained, particularly in larger organisations. According to PayScale, the average income for a CTO is $158,900, but in larger companies, that amount may rise to $240,000.

Cryptographer

Encrypting or decrypting valuable virtual information, such as securing private financial information for a client’s bank account or attempting to analyse secured data in a criminal case. This is performed by scrambling sensitive data, such as credit card and social security numbers, over the network, rendering it unusable in the event of illegal interception. To access the information and bring it back together again, special keys are required. As people become more conscious of the information they are providing and seek solutions to secure it from hackers and other potentially harmful outside sources, this position will continue to increase.

A bachelor’s degree in mathematics or computer science is required at the very least, with engineering required for those developing algorithms and programmes to execute these jobs. Security clearance is required for those investigating government positions and protecting information from various forms of cyber-terror. Other responsibilities in a cryptography job can include attempting to attack security systems in a controlled environment in order to uncover flaws and vulnerabilities, or developing programmes that can execute decryption tasks in order to keep ahead of future attacks. Cryptography jobs will pay an average of $101,900 on a national basis, according to BLS.gov.

Forensics Expert

In the field or in a lab, collects and analyses evidence from criminal investigations. This necessitates gathering evidence and assessing whether or not it is applicable in the scenario, as well as further analysis to discover specific qualities. Ballistics specialists looking at bullets to determine what firearms were used in a shooting or confirming an alibi, or forensic anthropologists analysing human remains to determine identity and cause of death, are examples of specialised expert categories. In cybersecurity, a forensics expert will often investigate the causes of a network assault, establishing what type of intrusion it was and how it was able to exploit current security flaws.

To start a career in forensic science, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. Behavioral science, mathematics, communication, and computer programming should all be included in digital forensics coursework. For hands-on learning, laboratory activities and hypothetical situations should be experienced in the classroom. Additional biology and chemistry knowledge may be required depending on the field selected. Before working on cases alone, on-the-job training and studying under an experienced investigator is frequently essential. According to BLS.gov, forensic scientists and specialists will expect a 17 percent increase in employment between 2018 and 28. They normally earn an average of $58,230, with higher-paying possibilities in state and local agencies.

Security Auditor

Completes an in-depth analysis of the security of a company’s system or software. These audits will verify if all of these procedures are secure and that all information technology rules and regulations are followed, as well as identify any potential vulnerabilities through a series of tests in a controlled environment. Unlike a security penetration tester, they must assess the potential for damage and complications in the event of a storage disaster. Employees that use this software and administer these systems might be evaluated as part of the process to see how well they perform. When accessing the network, they must be aware of the resources available to them and possess computer abilities.

Additionally, all of these findings must be compiled into a report and distributed to the organization’s higher-level executives, offering a summary of the current positives and negatives as well as any recommendations for adjustments. A Bachelor’s degree and five years of work experience are required for a career as a security auditor, while a Master’s programme can benefit in many cases. Computer science and information technology topics should be covered in class. According to BLS.gov, job growth in this field is predicted to increase by 28% by 2026.

Security Director / Manager

Higher-level security jobs that handle all of an organization’s security functions. Within the information technology security sector, managers frequently delegate instructions and actions to workers and set the objectives that must be completed. Directors or supervisors serve as administrators, ensuring that the manager’s choices are carried out correctly and frequently advising the manager in a variety of scenarios. They usually decide how to achieve specific objectives and can divide work into groups that make the most sense.

Both positions will need to collaborate to handle any issues with security and the implementation of new software and hardware technology, as well as provide opposing perspectives in order to make the best judgments. It is advantageous to have a bachelor’s degree and prior professional experience in the workplace in order to completely comprehend the processes, practises, and regulations. According to PayScale, security directors and managers earn an average of $66,000 to 80,000 per year, with directors typically earning more.

Vulnerability Assessor

Provides a thorough examination of an organization’s security system in order to identify any threats that could compromise private data. They identify the severity of the vulnerabilities and the appropriate actions to take. Higher threat ratings indicate that action must be taken sooner. They’ll also give you an estimate of how much money you’ll lose if specific systems fail. This method is applicable not only to the IT industry, but also to other industries such as communication and transportation.

A postgraduate degree in business, computer programming, or risk management is recommended for those interested in a career in vulnerability assessment. These workers must also have a solid understanding of the company’s system in order to appropriately classify risks and assess the possible impact of any assaults. According to BLS.gov, the average compensation for this occupation falls under the information security analyst category and is roughly $93,000 per year.

Security Software Engineer / Developer

Creates computer programmes for the organization’s security tasks, either internally or as a third-party service. Aside from developing the applications itself, typical responsibilities include eradicating errors and fixing production issues, as well as collaborating with others to fine-tune particular features and make it more accessible to other employees. Firewalls built into an operating system, antispyware applications that delete data being tracked on a computer, and Norton AntiVirus software that goes deeper and removes viruses, possible dangers, and vulnerabilities are all examples of security software.

According to BLS.gov, software developers will earn an average salary of $110,000, though this can vary greatly depending on the industry. This is in accordance with the earnings potential of system software engineers. This profession might be a stepping stone to architectural or security engineering positions in some situations. A Bachelor’s degree is required for this employment, and common fields of study include Cyber Security, Business Administration, and Computer Science.

Cyber Operations Specialist

It entails duties in the disciplines of cybersecurity engineering and computer science. Software development and architecture engineering are two examples of specialised employment. When acquiring a cyber operations education, it is critical to look for accreditation from the Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE). Programs will provide a technical understanding of cybersecurity as well as hands-on training and the opportunity to collaborate with expert academics. Because these programmes must adhere to strict rules on a regular basis, individuals with a Master’s degree in this particular field will stand out from the crowd. The similar category of operations research analysts can earn an average of $83,390 per year, according to BLS.gov.

Cyber Defense Specialist

The national data infrastructure is protected, and any threats in various systems are identified. Security analysts or penetration testers are the most common types of professionals in this field, as they deal with the more defensive aspects of cybersecurity. The CAE accredits cyber defence programmes in the same way as it accredits cyber operations. Some will have specialisation areas, such as Digital Forensics, which is the investigation of tampered with information within storage data, and Network Security Administration, which prepares future graduates to create and monitor security systems such as anti-virus programmes and firewalls to prevent intrusions.

Systems and Cyber Security Analyst

Also known as cybersecurity consultants, these are more generalised specialists who can perform a variety of tasks, such as analysing data for system flaws, creating risk assessments or potential vulnerabilities that have been exposed or could lead to future data breaches, or researching new prevention methods to improve the current system. Being a consultant necessitates a thorough understanding of the organization’s systems and operations, thus several years of entry-level IT expertise is necessary.

Although a Bachelor’s degree is preferred, earning a certification is still an option for general cybersecurity roles. A Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is one approach to verify that a candidate has the skills needed to work in the field. This certification can be earned in a variety of ways, including self-study or instructor-led classes, and the exam will demonstrate skills to future employers. A CIO, a security auditor, or a network architect might benefit from this qualification.

Computer and Cyber Forensics Specialist / Analyst

They analyse various software applications and hardware, such as computers, mobile devices, servers, and systems that run an organization’s network, in the same way as forensics experts do, in order to identify how an unwanted intrusion occurred. They can also undertake any restoration procedures, such as looking for lost data after an attack and relocating backup data to regular servers while getting the network back up and running to its previous capabilities.

Students studying computer and cyber forensics should learn about the different sorts of computer crimes so they can comprehend how and why hackers attack networks. They will require the ability to decrypt sensitive information as well as the ability to break into password-protected systems. In larger organisations or corporations that specialise in specific products, these positions are frequently specialised in specific hardware. According to BLS.gov, forensic science technicians earn roughly $58,230 per year, with a job forecast of 14% growth from 2018 to 2028.

Information Security Specialist / Analyst

Monitoring security systems for potential assaults and breaches, as well as investigating any issues or risks that develop, protects an organization’s computer networks. They will write reports on their findings and submit this information to other IT employees and higher-level positions with the abnormalities. These reports may contain suggestions for how to strengthen the security procedures in place to safeguard data throughout the network. Other responsibilities may include defining security standards that will best maximise their firm, as well as assisting other employees with the implementation of new security technology.

To work as an IT security analyst, you must have a Bachelor’s degree with studies in computer science and programming. For more senior positions or managerial positions, a Master of Business Administration with a focus in information systems is advised. Analysts and managerial roles in information security can earn just over $94,000 on average, according to BLS.gov. While the majority of the work will be done during typical business hours, some responsibilities may necessitate night and weekend hours because security is required around the clock.

Security Engineering Specialist / Analyst

These jobs, which might be classified as engineers or security professionals, comprise the backbone of the information technology security industry. They either develop customised security systems for their organization’s network or implement a third-party system that they are familiar with and can assist other employees in learning the policies and procedures. They frequently interact with other analysts and consultants to supply any necessary system information, and they can also engage with forensic scientists to discover the source of intrusions. Specialists will be more knowledgeable in this area, while analysts will look for flaws in their security procedures.

A bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security, Information Technology, or Business Administration will be required for engineering and architecture programmes. More specialised employment will necessitate additional education, such as a Master’s degree, as well as additional professional training. Those involved in the actual construction of infrastructure will require more schooling than those involved in analytical jobs. According to BLS.gov, computer network architects earn roughly $109,000 per year on average across the country.

Network Penetration Testing Specialist / Analyst

Creates an experimental environment to ensure that security measures in an organisation are performing as expected. These experts can hack into systems to see how well they can withstand unwanted invasions, as well as estimate how large an attack’s aftermath will be. In the event of an assault, this is perfect for establishing protocols and norms for the workplace. It can also be used to uncover additional effective approaches, as well as to test new technology advancements to check if they are compatible with existing systems.

To enter into this sector, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security, Cyber Forensics, Computer Science, or Information Technology. With a Master’s degree and a higher degree or many years of professional experience, those who have held this post can work their way up to senior roles, and with a higher degree or many years of professional experience, they can also become security consultants or network administrators. According to PayScale.com, the national average compensation for a penetration tester is $83,941, with some of the highest-paying opportunities in Washington, DC, Atlanta, Georgia, and Seattle, Washington.

Network Security Specialist / Analyst

They will observe and assess the organization’s information systems, similar to other security analyst professions, to determine whether there are any issues and what remedies are required to keep information safe from outside sources. When an assault occurs, they will be needed to investigate the breach and resolve the issues that have arisen as a result of it. They usually collaborate with other professionals, such as forensics experts and network consultants, to devise solutions and put in place protections to prevent repeat problems. In smaller organisations, this function can sometimes take on other specialised duties, such as cryptography and vulnerability assessment.

A Bachelor’s degree is normally required for network analyzers, however other forms of higher-level education, such as certification, may be sufficient. Configuring security systems, resolving any flaws, computer science analysis, and general business will be covered in class. According to BLS.gov, the average income for more specialist or administrative tasks in network and computer systems is roughly $82,050 nationwide, with that amount rising in the information technology and finance and insurance industries.