5 Cybersecurity Career Paths To Consider In 2023

5 Cybersecurity Career Paths To Consider In 2023

Would you like to pursue a career in cybersecurity?

As our dependence on technology grows, safeguarding data has become a crucial task.

The risks and threats related to technology are increasing alongside its advancements. This is why cybersecurity has become one of the most important and sought-after career paths of our time.

From ethical hacking to digital forensics, the possibilities are endless.

If you are interested in technology, enjoy solving problems, and want to safeguard against cyber threats, then a career in cybersecurity might be the perfect fit for you.

In this blog post, we'll explore five of the most promising cybersecurity career paths that you should keep an eye on.

If you're starting out in cybersecurity or thinking about changing your career, these career paths provide great opportunities for growth and advancement in the field.

Why Consider A Cybersecurity Career Path?

Before we explore some of the most in-demand career paths in the field of cybersecurity, let's first talk about the significance of considering a cyber security career.

Here, we have outlined three important reasons why it is beneficial to pursue a career in cybersecurity:

High Demand For Cybersecurity Professionals:

In recent years, there has been a boost in demand for cybersecurity experts, mainly because of the greater frequency and complexity of cybersecurity threats. Fortune Business Insight predicts that the cybersecurity market is likely to grow at a compound annual rate of 13.8%. The market is expected to surge from USD 172.32 billion by 2023 to USD 424.97 billion by 2030.

Lucrative Salaries:

Due to the scarcity of skilled workers in the field, caused by the increased demand for cybersecurity professionals, salaries have gone up. The average salary for a cybersecurity job has risen by 5.29%, from $107,580 in 2020 to $113,270 in 2022. According to ZipRecruiter, in 2023, the average yearly salary for a Cyber Security professional in the United States will be around $110,823.

Diverse Career Paths:

There are various career paths available in cybersecurity, including technical roles like penetration testing or incident response, and non-technical roles such as policy and compliance. With its constant evolution, there are opportunities for growth and development in this field.

What Are The 5 Cybersecurity Career Paths To Consider In 2023?

Now that we know how rewarding a Cyber Security Career can be, let's explore the 5 most in-demand career paths in cybersecurity. They are:

Security Analyst

A security analyst's job is to keep an eye on computer networks and systems for any security breaches or intrusions. They aim to detect any security threats and take measures to stop them from happening.

Additionally, they scrutinize security risks and provide suggestions regarding how to enhance security measures.

A security analyst's duties include keeping track of security logs and alerts, checking security incidents, performing vulnerability assessments, and establishing security controls. They must also remain informed about the most recent security threats and trends to safeguard their organization's systems and data.

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a security analyst is $96,000.

Cyber Security Consultant

Cyber Security Consultant: A cybersecurity consultant offers professional guidance to businesses on enhancing their cybersecurity strategies. They collaborate with clients to detect possible risks and weaknesses, and suggest remedies to minimize those risks.

Cybersecurity consultants may also conduct risk assessments and develop security policies and procedures. They work to improve their client's overall security posture by providing strategic and tactical guidance on cybersecurity issues.

Some specific responsibilities of a cybersecurity consultant include conducting security audits, developing incident response plans, and training employees on cybersecurity best practices.

As per the information from Indeed, the Cybersecurity Consultant earns an average yearly salary of $103,469.

Incident Responder

The role of an incident responder is to promptly respond to security incidents like cyber-attacks or data breaches. Their primary objective is to limit the damage and mitigate further attacks.

In addition, they analyze the cause of the event and implement measures to avoid its recurrence in the future.

To guarantee the safety of an organization's systems and data, incident responders collaborate with cybersecurity experts like security analysts and penetration testers.

As an incident responder, you will have to prioritize security incidents, analyze them forensically, and update the relevant stakeholders about the situation.

In 2023, according to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an Incident Responder is $105,252 per year.

Penetration Tester

The role of a penetration tester involves testing computer systems and networks to evaluate their level of security. This is done by attempting to exploit vulnerabilities using ethical hacking techniques with the purpose of identifying weaknesses in a company's cybersecurity defenses.

Penetration testers are responsible for detecting and informing about security weaknesses so that they can be addressed before being taken advantage of by unauthorized individuals.

As a penetration tester, you will be responsible for tasks such as running vulnerability scans, carrying out penetration tests and creating recommendations for enhancing security controls.

According to Indeed, Penetration Testers can expect to earn an average annual salary of $122,418 in 2023.

Cyber Security Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineer: The role of a cybersecurity engineer involves creating and enforcing security protocols to safeguard computer networks and systems against any form of unauthorized access.

Their primary responsibility includes the development and implementation of policies and procedures that ensure optimal protection of a company's confidential data.

In addition, they keep an eye on security logs and alerts to detect possible threats and implement measures to thwart them.

In short, the tasks assigned to a cybersecurity engineer consist of creating and deploying security structures, setting up security software and equipment, and performing evaluations of security risks.

According to Glassdoor, the average yearly salary for a Cyber Security Engineer in the United States in 2023 is approximately $102,150.

Conclusion

You are now aware of five promising cybersecurity career paths to consider in 2023.

From ethical hacking to cybersecurity consulting, there are many paths to choose from that offer exciting challenges and opportunities.

However, to excel in any of these fields, you need to constantly upgrade your skills and knowledge to keep up with the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

Enrolling in Cyber Security Training Programs can help you develop the technical skills and expertise required to land one of these jobs and thrive in the industry.

Don't hesitate to take the next step in your cybersecurity career and enroll in a training program today.