When we think of infrastructure, our minds often wander to roads, bridges, and physical structures. However, in today's digital age, technology and networks have become the backbone of our society. That's where cybersecurity comes into play, safeguarding our computer systems from data breaches, theft, and damage.

Surprisingly, cybersecurity remains an unsung hero, silently battling the threats that lurk in the shadows of the digital realm. Recent data suggest that a small business in the UK falls victim to a successful hack every 19 seconds, with a staggering 65,000 attempted cyber attacks per day. The need for cybersecurity professionals has never been more critical, yet the global workforce is alarmingly understaffed.

According to the 2022 Cybersecurity Workforce Study conducted by (ISC)2, a whopping 3.4 million skilled cybersecurity experts are urgently required worldwide. This glaring skills gap has more than doubled, as reported by the World Economic Forum. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is soaring, creating a vast array of career opportunities for those willing to embark on this exciting and ever-evolving path.

Let's explore some of the captivating careers within the cybersecurity landscape

Security Analysts: The Guardians of Digital Fortresses

In the world of cybersecurity, security analysts play a crucial role in constructing robust security measures that shield organizations from malicious attacks. These analysts meticulously explore and evaluate company networks to uncover invaluable data and recommendations. Armed with this information, they collaborate with engineers to develop preventative measures. This role requires working closely with various stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of security requirements and the ever-shifting security landscape.

Responsibilities of Security Analysts include:

• Collaborating with stakeholders to analyze the cybersecurity landscape within the company

• Compiling comprehensive reports on network safety, documenting security issues, and the measures taken in response

• Developing intricate security plans that incorporate research on emerging attack tools and trends, ensuring data security is maintained across teams

  Penetration Testers: Unveiling Vulnerabilities

They can be Sometimes referred to as ethical hackers or pentesters, these professionals specialize in testing the security of systems and software within organizations. Through systematic hacking attempts, they aim to uncover flaws and vulnerabilities. By exploiting these weaknesses, penetration testers provide invaluable insights that help companies rectify issues and prevent real-world cyber attacks.

Responsibilities of Penetration Testers include:

• Conducting tests on computer systems, networks, and web-based applications

• Evaluating and reporting on vulnerabilities discovered, along with recommendations for attack prevention

• Performing security assessments, audits, and policy analysis

  Security Engineers: Architects of Digital Armor

Imagine a world without security engineers. These skilled professionals develop and implement robust security solutions, leveraging threats and vulnerability data sourced from their cybersecurity colleagues. They tackle a wide range of attacks, from web application breaches to network threats, all while staying updated on the evolving trends and tactics employed by cybercriminals. The ultimate goal is to establish and enforce security measures that minimize the risk of attacks and data loss.

Responsibilities of Security Engineers include:

• Testing and screening security measures across software systems

• Vigilantly monitoring networks and promptly updating systems to mitigate vulnerabilities

• Identifying and implementing essential systems to ensure optimal security levels

  Incident Responders: Swift Defenders in the Face of Breaches

Incident Responders: Swift Defenders in the Face of Breaches When a security breach occurs, it's the incident responders who rise to the occasion, ready to tackle the threat head-on. These professionals are responsible for creating detailed plans, policies, and protocols that organizations can execute during and after incidents. Often working under intense pressure, incident responders assess and respond to attacks in real-time, safeguarding the company's data, reputation, and financial standing from cyber assaults. Key metrics in their line of work include MTTD (mean-time to detect), MTTA (mean-time to acknowledge), and MTTR (mean-time to recover) from attacks.

Responsibilities of Incident Responders include:

• Developing comprehensive and actionable incident response plan Upholding strong security best practices and supporting incident response measures

• Conducting post-incident reporting and preparing for future attacks, leveraging insights gained from incidents to enhance security measures

  Digital Forensic Examiners: Uncovering Clues in the Digital Realm

If you have a flair for detective work, a career as a digital forensic examiner might be your calling. Whether working within law enforcement or defending a company's network, these experts focus on collecting and analyzing digital evidence to solve crimes or investigate policy violations. Their meticulous analysis helps bring the guilty to justice and exonerate the innocent.

Responsibilities of Digital Forensic Examiners include:

• Collecting digital evidence while adhering to legal procedures

• Analyzing digital evidence to uncover crucial answers related to the case

• Documenting findings and preparing comprehensive reports on each case

  GRC Analysts

(GRC) professionals embrace a structured approach to aligning IT with business goals while managing risks and meeting industry and government regulations. GRC encompasses tools and processes that harmonize an organization's governance and risk management with its technological innovation and adoption. By adopting GRC practices, companies can achieve organizational goals more reliably, minimize uncertainty, and meet compliance requirements.

Responsibilities of GRC Analysts include:

• Implements processes, such as GRC (governance, risk and compliance), to automate and continuously monitor information security controls, exceptions, risks, and testing. Develops reporting metrics, dashboards, and evidence artifacts.

• Defines and documents business process responsibilities and ownership of the controls in the GRC tool. Schedules regular assessments and testing of effectiveness and efficiency of controls and creates GRC reports.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity protects internet-connected systems such as hardware, software, and data from cyber threats and attacks. Individuals and enterprises use the practice to protect against unauthorized access to data centers and other computerized systems.

I also intend to launch a series that delves far into describing the many types of cyberattacks, how they are executed, and how to defend your application against them. To ensure that you don't miss out, subscribe. Do not hesitate to contact me on Twitter: @seunbayong if you have any questions.