Cyber security, also known as cyber security, is the practice of protecting computers, mobile devices, servers, electronic systems and data from the risk of malicious attacks.
Even though the cyber security profession is not yet very popular, the fact is that this job is quite promising to try.
The existence of cybersecurity is very crucial for companies that exist in the digital era like today. Because, in the midst of the dynamic development of information technology, all electronic devices can be connected to each other via the internet.
Career Overview
Broadly speaking, cyber security is one of the efforts that can be made by agencies or individuals to protect their information from cyber attacks.
In this case, this includes interfering with the confidentiality, integrity or availability of information. It may also be intended to physically disrupt or disrupt the logical flow of an information system.
Specifically, there are several types of cyber crimes that resonate in the digital era. Call it denial of service (DoS), malware and viruses, scareware, and botnets and zombies.
It can be concluded, cyberattacks can cause fatal disruption, and damage even the most resilient companies.
Typically, companies affected by these attacks will lose their assets, reputation and the business they run, and face fines and remediation fees. For this reason, cyber security emerged as a solution.
Other benefits that will be obtained by digital-based companies that use cyber security are ensuring the security of a business, protecting personal information, anticipating websites so that they do not experience system downtime, and increasing employee productivity.
How to Become A Cybersecurity Architect
Security architects are responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive security solutions for organizations.
This role requires a strong understanding of security best practices, as well as the ability to take a holistic view of an organization’s security needs.
To become a security architect, it is important to develop your security knowledge and leadership skills, as well as gain experience working in the field of information security.
Here is a general overview of the steps you can take to pursue a career as a security architect.
1. Begin your career in an entry-level cybersecurity position
Many security architects progress into the role after gaining a significant amount of experience in the field of cybersecurity.
When searching for job listings on LinkedIn, you may notice that many positions require at least 3-8 years of experience in information security.
Entry-level roles, along with their average annual base salary in the US include:
- Cybersecurity analyst: $82,705
- IT auditor: $74,109
- Security specialist: $50,111
- Incident responder: $46,715
*Average salary data sourced from Glassdoor as of December 2022
After acquiring one or two years of experience, you can move on to roles such as penetration tester, cybersecurity consultant, or security engineer, gradually working your way up to the position of a security architect.
2. Consider A Degree
A majority of security architect job listings, 72%, require at least a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, 22% of listings request a graduate degree.
While it is possible to secure an entry-level cybersecurity job without a degree, having one can increase your chances of advancement and make you a stronger candidate during your job search.
Earning a degree in computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, or a related field can provide you with the foundational IT and security skills that employers are seeking.
3. Develop Your Skills
To become cyber security, you must understand programming code languages, especially program languages that directly lead to corporate database systems.
In addition, cyber security must also understand the data structure, network penetration trials, cyber forensics, cyber law, human and computer interaction, design program methods, artificial intelligence, to security programs.
In more detail, the five capabilities that must be possessed by cyber security are as follows.
- Communication skills to collaborate with other teams.
- Ability to perform analysis on network systems
- Skills in mastering computer programming languages
- Foreign language skills, especially English
- Understand network systems
4. Get Certified!
Earning a cybersecurity certification is another way to acquire new skills and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers. Some certifications that are beneficial for aspiring security architects include:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
It is common for cybersecurity professionals to hold multiple certifications throughout their careers. If you are just starting out in the industry, consider obtaining an entry-level certification, such as Security+ or Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP).
Cybersecurity Careerpath
Given the enormous benefits of using cyber security for a business, the prospects for this profession are still very broad. Moreover, this work is not widely understood by ordinary people at this time.
Several job opportunities as cyber security include:
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Security Engineer
- Security Architect
- Incident Responder
- Computer Forensic Specialist
- Penetration Tester
- Security Analyst
- Security Software Developer
- Security Auditor
Each of these professions has their respective duties and authorities, from developing security systems, providing consulting for companies that need more security for their data storage, monitoring possible cyber attacks, repairing security systems that are not working well, to evaluating system performance. safeguards implemented.
Cybersecurity Job Description and Responsibilities
1. Cyber security is responsible for finding the most effective ways to protect software, and networks, conducting tests, and analyzing risks that arise.
2. Build and maintain company security systems. Whether it’s for installing firewalls, testing security systems, testing the security of a network, or developing automation scripts that can track an incident.
3. Implement and oversee security and company computer networks. Besides that, a security architect also plays an active role in the design, research, and development of enterprise security architectures.
4. Play a role when a security incident or cyber attack occurs. In addition, incident responders also have a big responsibility to educate and prevent similar incidents from occurring.
5. Responsible like a detective from the police. So, cyber security is required to access and analyze evidence from various things, starting from data storage devices, networks, or computers.
6. Checking the effectiveness or not of a cyber security system from a company. It also provides solutions to improve plans that are safer from potential cyber-attacks.
Cybersecurity Architect Salaries
Security architects are often among the highest-paid members of a cybersecurity team. The average base salary for a security architect in the US is $126,304, according to Glassdoor data (December 2022). Your salary will depend on your company, location, and experience, among other factors.
Cybersecurity Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity jobs, including the role of security architect, are expected to experience a growth rate of 35% between 2021 and 2031. This is significantly higher than the average growth rate for all occupations.
In various parts of the US, there is a shortage of qualified candidates for cybersecurity jobs.
States such as New York, California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Maryland have the largest talent gaps in cybersecurity, presenting ample opportunities for individuals with the necessary skills and qualifications.