WHAT DO CYBER SECURITY ENGINEERS DO?
CONTENT:
WHAT IS A CYBERSECURITY ENGINEER?
Nowadays, we keep A LOT of important stuff online – from the photo you took after you showered to top-secret documents the CIA holds onto. That’s why it’s SUPER IMPORTANT to keep all that safe. Cybersecurity is your online briefcase. And the people who put the 4-digit code? They’re called cybersecurity engineers. These are the guys who work hard every day to make sure no one can sneak into places they shouldn’t be online. If you’ve ever wondered about the people who fight off online thieves, or if the idea of being one sounds pretty interesting, you’re in the right spot. Let’s take a closer look at what these cybersecurity engineers do and why they’re so important in keeping our online world safe.
SO WHAT’S THEIR ROLE:
Cybersecurity engineers play a crucial role in protecting online information from unauthorised access and cyberattacks. Their job is quite broad and involves several key responsibilities. Let’s take a look at a few:
1. First, they design secure systems. This means they create the blueprint for computer systems that are tough for hackers to infiltrate. They decide what kind of technology and software are best suited to keep data safe, much like a security system set for banks.
2. Another important part of their job is to constantly monitor these systems for any signs of weakness. Weaknesses make hacker tasks a whole lot easier, and it’s the engineer’s job to patch these weak spots so hackers don’t infiltrate them easily. They use special tools to support them with this. This could involve updating software, changing settings, or installing new security measures.
3. They also respond to cyber threats and attacks. When a threat has been detected, they act as the emergency response team, assessing the damage, removing intruders, and recovering any lost or compromised data. They analyse how the breach happened and put measures in place to prevent similar attacks in the future.
4. Staying up-to-date with the latest technology and cyber threats are also key parts of being a cybersecurity engineer. Cybersecurity is changing rapidly, with new threats emerging all the time. Cybersecurity engineers often attend workshops, take courses, and read up on the latest research to stay ahead of the game.
5. Finally, they also play a key role in creating and applying security policies within an organisation. This involves setting rules for how data should be handled and protected and ensuring everyone follows these guidelines to maintain a secure environment. So their role is pretty important.
In essence, cybersecurity engineers are the architects, builders, and guardians of digital information. They work on building, protecting and improving our online security, ensuring that our online presence, from personal emails to your mirror photos, remains secure against cyber threats. It’s a lot on their shoulders, but the rewards are LIMITLESS.
WHAT SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS DO THEY NEED?
If you’re still reading, I’m guessing you’re one of the very few who are GENUINELY interested in becoming a ‘cyber-neer’(Did you see what I did there?) And it’s extremely simple if you show dedication and willingness to learn. This role will require a mix of technical skills and a solid understanding of cybersecurity principles. Here’s a closer look at what EXACTLY you’ll need to get started on this career path:
1) Probably the most important aspect of becoming a cybersecurity engineer will be how technically skilled you are. Here are some aspects you want to master:
- Learning how to code: Knowing how to code is FUNDAMENTAL. Languages like Python, Java, and C++ are often used in developing security software and carrying out auto-tasks.
It was reported that Python and Linux, both coding programmes, were 2nd and 3rd for most-used skills for CyberSecurity Engineers. (They were behind Cybersecurity itself at number 1). So it’s a MUST for these guys.
- Designing Secure Networks: Understanding how networks are built and how to protect them is crucial. This includes knowing how data moves through a network and how to set up defences to keep that data safe.
- Proficiency in Threat Analysis: Being able to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities is a key skill. This means you’ll need to put yourself in the attackers shoes in order to prevent attacks occurring.
2) As with most careers, soft skills are a must. So here’s how you’ll be implementing a few of these:
- Problem-Solving: Cybersecurity engineers often face complex tasks and need to come up with effective solutions quickly before hackers take action.
- Attention to Detail: Small human errors can lead to MASSIVE security breaches, so being as accurate as possible all the time is so important.
- Communication: You’ll need to explain technical issues and solutions clearly to people who may not have a technical background and to your co-workers, so clear and concise communication plays a big role for these people.
3) Qualifications can also support your role as a cybersecurity engineer. There are a few ways you can get these, so let’s have a look:
- Education: A degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is a common starting point. You’ll want to aim for the best degree possible, typically a Masters degree. In the US, CyberSecurity Engineers earned around $30,000 more per year had they completed a Masters Degree of some sort instead of a basic level degree. Crazy, right?
However, the field is also open to those who are self-taught or have gained skills through boot camps.
- Certifications: Earning certifications can BOOST your job prospects. Look into certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). These are recognized across the industry and show employers you have specific security skills and knowledge, boosting your portfolio.
- Experience: Hands-on experience is invaluable in any field. This can come from internships, personal projects, or simply any roles in IT that involve security tasks.
Now, you may be flabbergasted by the steps you’ll need to take to become a cyber-neer. And that’s COMPLETELY normal. You’ve never experienced the field, so how would you know what to do? It quite simply comes down to your mindset and dedication towards the role. As cybersecurity is ever-evolving, learning will be a constant part of your role as a cybersecurity engineer. As long as you master the skills required using the correct resources, there’s nothing to be stressed about even if you’re a beginner or an IT pro who’s looking for a switch-up. You’ve got this!
WHAT ARE THEIR CAREERS LIKE?
The career path for a cybersecurity engineer is filled with opportunities for growth, specialisation, and impact. As businesses and governments worldwide recognise the critical need to protect their digital assets, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has increased MASSIVELY.
According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the Growth Projection of CyberSecurity Engineers is set to skyrocket by 32% each year!
And they also reported that in the US between the years 2008 and 2021, there was no more than a 4.5% unemployment rate for CyberSecurity Engineers. Whereas doctors had an unemployment rate of 6%!
This demand translates into a wealth of job opportunities for cybersecurity engineers across various sectors, including finance, healthcare, government, technology and more.
For those starting as cybersecurity engineers, you’ll start off with entry-level jobs often involving roles focused heavily on monitoring systems for any security breaches, assessing any security measures being taken, and implementing protective measures within systems. With experience, cybersecurity engineers can advance to roles such as security analysts, where they take on more responsibility in analysing and strengthening security solutions, or even lead cybersecurity teams as security managers or directors.
It’s like starting off as a novice and gradually working your way up the hierarchy until you reach the very top. It’ll take time and effort, but will most certainly be worth the sacrifice!
As a cybersecurity engineer, you can also specialise in certain areas, helping you to BOOST your career growth. They can delve into areas like ‘ethical hacking’, where they use their skills to test and strengthen security systems, or focus on emerging fields like cloud security (for businesses) and IoT (Internet of Things) security (for fitness trackers, thermostats, smart ovens etc.), which are becoming increasingly important as more devices connect to the internet day by day.
The continuous evolution of cyber threats ensures that the field is always evolving, with a CONSTANT need for professionals who are up-to-date with the latest technologies and strategies to defend online systems. This will NOT ONLY offer you job security but also a continuous learning journey for those passionate about staying ahead in the cybersecurity game.
UNLOCKING YOUR FULL POTENTIAL AT THE UTE CONFERENCE:
If you’re serious about the cybersecurity engineer role, the UTE conference in Cebu, Philippines, is where you need to be. This isn’t just any event; it’s your ticket to really get into the world of cybersecurity. Picture this: a place where you can get the latest scoop, try things out for yourself, and listen to some of the top players in cybersecurity, all ready to share their knowledge with you. And it’s all happening on the August 23rd and 24th 2024 in Cebu.
And you WON’T just be sitting through endless presentations. You’ll be joining a community that’s all about discovering new things in digital safety. So, here’s your chance: Learn more, grab your spot, and be part of the future of cybersecurity. Your future into this ever-evolving and exciting field begins with one ticket to the UTE Conference.