Technical cybersecurity jobs require a detailed level of computer knowledge; however, here's the good part: much of the work you do will be learned on the job. Therefore, don't let a desired skill (outlined in the job description) deter you from applying to certain jobs. As you'll read later, there's a difference between required skills and desired skills.
Just as for non-technical cybersecurity jobs, there are a variety of different technical cybersecurity jobs. Some job titles include the following:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): CISOs have a whole range of responsibilities, ranging from hiring IT experts to support their work, to providing leadership and training to those less skilled than them. They will also manage individuals, ensuring they are focusing on the right areas of strategy at the right time.
- Security engineer: In this role, you would test the network for vulnerabilities, monitor for security breaches, and develop security plans and policies. You would also mount an incident response in the event of any security breaches.
- Incident responder: An incident responder's job will require them to immediately respond to any new security threats, intrusions, or exploits, as they occur. Part of the job may also involve control of change management, ensuring orderly transitions during software, or hardware fixes, upgrades, and patches.
- Cryptographer: As a cryptographer, you would analyze, decipher, and perhaps even develop encryption algorithms. The goal of these encryption algorithms is to secure data. The idea is that even if a hacker steals data, they wouldn't be able to read it due to the encryption lock.
- Computer forensic analyst: People in this role combine their computer science background with their forensic skills to recover information from computers and storage devices. Analysts are responsible for assisting law enforcement officers with cyber crimes and retrieving evidence.
- Malware analyst: Here, you would stay up to date on the latest viruses found in the wild. Your job would also be to help develop software that would fight or defend against these new viruses.
- Penetration tester: This is the ultimate security job if you associate cybersecurity with hacking. As a penetration tester, you become a hacker; however, you will be an ethical one who must follow strict rules governed by the agreements your company has with a client company. Every action you execute will be documented. Companies hire penetration testers because they want to make sure malicious hackers cannot exploit their networks.
- Security consultant: Security consultant's are responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing security solutions to meet their client's needs.
- Security architect: A security architect is responsible for securing enterprise information by determining security requirements; planning, implementing, and testing security systems; preparing security standards, policies, and procedures; and mentoring team members.
- Information security officer: This person is responsible for establishing and maintaining a corporate-wide information security management program to ensure that information assets are adequately protected. Their responsibilities include developing, implementing, and monitoring the strategic and comprehensive enterprise information security and IT risk management program.
- Computer security specialist: The responsibilities of such professionals include designing and implementing safety measures and controls, monitoring network activity to identify vulnerable points, and acting on privacy breaches and malware threats.
- Risk manager: A risk manager designs and implements an overall risk management process for the organization, which includes an analysis of the financial impact on the company when risks occur.