Overview
Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, with an increasing demand for skilled professionals. If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, there are a number of entry-level positions that can help you get your foot in the door.
Here are five of the most common entry-level cybersecurity job titles:
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Security Engineer
- Incident Responder
- Security Administrator
- Penetration Tester
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for monitoring and analyzing security data to identify potential threats. They also develop and implement security measures to protect against these threats.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor security data for suspicious activity
- Analyze security logs and reports
- Identify and escalate potential threats
- Develop and implement security measures
- Provide technical support to users
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field
- 1-3 years of experience in a cybersecurity-related role
Security Engineer
Security engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security systems. They also work to ensure that these systems are compliant with applicable regulations.
Responsibilities:
- Design and implement security systems
- Configure and maintain security hardware and software
- Conduct security audits and assessments
- Develop and implement security policies
- Provide technical support to users
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field
- 3-5 years of experience in a cybersecurity-related role
Incident Responder
Incident responders are responsible for responding to and resolving security incidents. They work to contain the damage caused by the incident and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
Responsibilities:
- Respond to security incidents
- Investigate the cause of the incident
- Contain the damage caused by the incident
- Restore normal operations
- Provide technical support to users
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field
- 1-3 years of experience in a cybersecurity-related role
Security Administrator
Security administrators are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of security systems. They work to ensure that these systems are operating properly and that they are compliant with applicable regulations.
Responsibilities:
- Manage security systems
- Configure and maintain security hardware and software
- Monitor security data for suspicious activity
- Respond to security incidents
- Provide technical support to users
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field
- 1-3 years of experience in a cybersecurity-related role
Penetration Tester
Penetration testers are responsible for conducting security assessments to identify vulnerabilities in systems. They work to exploit these vulnerabilities to demonstrate the potential impact of a security breach.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct security assessments
- Identify vulnerabilities in systems
- Exploit vulnerabilities to demonstrate the potential impact of a security breach
- Provide technical support to users
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field
- 3-5 years of experience in a cybersecurity-related role
Why Cybersecurity Matters
Cybersecurity is essential for protecting businesses and individuals from the growing threat of cyberattacks. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cost of cybercrime is expected to exceed $6 trillion by 2021.
Cyberattacks can cause a number of serious problems for businesses, including:
- Financial losses
- Data breaches
- Damage to reputation
- Loss of customers
Cyberattacks can also have a significant impact on individuals, including:
- Identity theft
- Financial fraud
- Damage to reputation
- Emotional distress
Benefits of a Cybersecurity Career
A career in cybersecurity offers a number of benefits, including:
- High demand for skilled professionals
- Competitive salaries
- Opportunities for career advancement
- A chance to make a difference in the world
How to Get Started in Cybersecurity
If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, there are a few things you can do to get started:
- Get a good education in computer science or information technology.
- Gain experience in a cybersecurity-related role.
- Get certified in cybersecurity.
- Network with other cybersecurity professionals.
Table 1: Entry-Level Cybersecurity Job Titles
| Job Title | Median Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $103,560 | 31% |
| Security Engineer | $114,810 | 28% |
| Incident Responder | $91,250 | 22% |
| Security Administrator | $98,350 | 20% |
| Penetration Tester | $117,220 | 26% |
Table 2: Cybersecurity Certifications
| Certification | Level | Vendor |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | Entry-level | EC-Council |
| Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) | Intermediate | (ISC)² |
| Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) | Advanced | ISACA |
| Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) | Advanced | ISACA |
Table 3: Cybersecurity Resources
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) | The CISA is a federal agency that provides cybersecurity guidance and resources to businesses and individuals. |
| Information Security Forum (ISF) | The ISF is a non-profit organization that provides cybersecurity best practices and guidance. |
| Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) | The OWASP is a non-profit organization that provides resources for developing secure web applications. |
Table 4: Cybersecurity Blogs
| Blog | Author |
|---|---|
| Krebs on Security | Brian Krebs |
| Schneier on Security | Bruce Schneier |
| Dark Reading | Dark Reading Team |
| Security Boulevard | Security Boulevard Team |
| Threatpost | Threatpost Team |
