Cybersecurity is more crucial than ever as we are becoming more dependent on technology. This boosts the demand for the role of cybersecurity engineer.
The cybersecurity engineer role is one of the hottest information security (infosec) jobs today. This job requires the combination of the most in-demand infosec and IT skills. Indeed, being a cybersecurity engineer is challenging. However, such challenges are nothing compared to the reward the job brings.
It is a role that pays well and promises abundant growth. Furthermore, many organizations are desperately trying to fill this position. The reason is there are not enough cybersecurity engineers on the job market.
Sounds great, isn’t it? Yet, let’s dive deeper first on the cybersecurity engineer role and how to become one.
What is a cybersecurity engineer?
Many people are quite uncertain of the definition of this role. Cybersecurity engineers are infosec professionals that perform many functions. Some of those are designing and developing secure network solutions. Moreover, they are the ones that implement (or oversee) such solutions.
These security solutions are installed to defend an organization’s data. There are many cyber threats out there. For instance, hackers are more determined to steal your data. They use different methods such as malware, phishing, ransomware, etc.
The title of a cybersecurity engineer may vary per organization. yet, their role and function within an organization are the same. Some of the other titles include:
- Data security engineer
- IT security engineer
- Web security engineer
Furthermore, it depends on the organization’s needs and resources. That is whether they will work alone or on a security team. Indeed, this role entails a lot of crucial responsibilities.
Required Skills For A Cybersecurity Engineer
This part depends on the needs of an organization and how they view the role. Some organizations have a cybersecurity engineer that performs specific tasks only. Meanwhile, some organizations have these infosec professionals deal with many responsibilities.
Generally speaking, cybersecurity engineers must be experts on information security concepts. Also, on their applications. This includes securing IT systems and designing security protocols. Additionally, they are experts on installation and configuration. That is of various security devices and applications.
Moreover, these experts often clean up computer code bases for common coding vulnerabilities. Since infosec involves all departments, cybersecurity engineers communicate with them for securing data.
Penetration testing is another great to have skill. Typically, penetration testers are the ones holding this skill. However, some organizations don’t have penetration testers. Instead, they have their cybersecurity engineers do the work when the need arises.
Penetration testing or pen testing means attempting to infiltrate an organization’s network. This is done with the organization’s supervision. Pen testing’s purpose is to uncover the organization’s vulnerabilities and fix them before outside hackers exploit them.
Educational Requirements
Since this is a highly technical role, most organizations require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree. This could be in computer engineering, computer science, and other related fields.
Furthermore, you’ll also need a master’s degree to advance your career further. You’ll need one if you aim to land senior cybersecurity engineering roles.
