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Kevin Faber
Kevin Faber

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Careers In Cyber Security

Stories of companies being hacked and vital information being stolen are in the news everyday. Today having your data kept secure is just as important as protecting your possessions. There are many positions in the cyber security field that provide this layer of defense for their customers. Here are a few of those jobs and what it takes to get them.

Security Specialist

This post is the first line of security to protect a company. They install and update a corporation’s antivirus and antimalware software and stay up to date on the latest threats on a network. They train the employees on what to avoid and how to update their own computers. They monitor anything that might try to break into a system and then eliminate it.

Penetration Tester

A tester is hired to attempt to hack into a system through different methods. If they succeed in breaking into the network, they report how they did it to their company so that measures can be put in place to prevent it from happening due to an outside source. If they fail to break in, they take note of what they tried and how the were prevented from getting in. This can also be done by ethical hackers who access the databases the same way as an illegal hacker would so that they understand which holes are open and need to be locked up.

Security Architect

This job requires the employee to explain what is cybersecurity to the staff of the company. They study the latest threats on the internet and make suggestions on how to combat them. They might also consult on the development of new software and products that will protect computers and help install systems in a corporation. They build an entire system for a business to follow to keep each piece of their network secure and safe.

Information Security Crime/Forensics Expert

When a company is attacked and information has been stolen, a forensics expert is brought in to try to find out what happened and what data is missing. They analyze any breach that occurs and trace it back to the source if possible. They investigate any hack to figure out if just that company is in danger or if it spreads wider than that. They make recommendations to strengthen a corporation’s security so that they will remain safer than they previously were. They also collaborate with the police and other legal avenues to bring justice to those who do hack illegally.

Information Security Analyst

An analyst develops a plan to provide security to a company. The research and recommend the right software and services that will keep a business’s network under lock and key. They ensure that everyone is following the correct protocols to keep the information safe and write documentation for all to follow.

Security Consultant

This job does a little bit off all of them so you must be able to go with the flow. They offer advice on how to improve what systems are in place and if others should be added. They must also be on top of the latest issues in the cyber security world and know how to counter them. These jobs can be within a business structure or can be offered as a contract or freelance position.

Chief Information Security Officer

This position coordinates all the rest to make sure they are working as a team. They set up plans when software should be replaced or updated. They work with officials to provide information when data is stolen. They reach out to the management of the company to report any changes in the department and if they should be concerned about data loss. They also need to monitor the actions of their employees as well as any potential dangers to the network. This employee needs to be well versed in many facets of cyber security as well as have great people skill so they can manage others.

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