Cybersecurity professions: overview, opportunities and future
Cybersecurity professions: overview, opportunities and future
Cybersecurity and its professions
Cybersecurity has become a priority for businesses of all sizes as cyberattacks have increased exponentially. Cybersecurity jobs are booming, with a growing global demand for experts who can protect IT systems from threats.
Cybersecurity overview: why is this sector crucial?
Cybersecurity encompasses all the processes, practices, and technologies used to protect computer systems, networks, and data from attacks, damage, and unauthorized access. In 2023, the average cost of a data breach is $4.45 million, according to an IBM study. Companies are therefore investing heavily in cybersecurity to protect their critical assets.
By 2024, the global cybersecurity market is estimated to reach $223.7 billion, a figure that is constantly increasing. This growth is fueled by the increase in cyberattacks, the development of digital technologies and new data protection regulations such as the GDPR in Europe. Faced with this growing demand, cybersecurity jobs are multiplying and diversifying.
The different cybersecurity professions: skills and missions
Cybersecurity offers a wide range of jobs requiring various technical and organizational skills. Here is an overview of the main positions in this sector.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Duties: Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for monitoring computer systems to identify suspicious or abnormal activity. They implement protective measures, perform vulnerability tests, and prepare security incident reports.
Skills: In-depth knowledge of intrusion detection systems (IDS/IPS), mastery of network protocols, incident management skills.
Average salary: Around €50,000 to €90,000 per year, depending on experience.
IT Security Engineer
Missions: Design, implementation and management of security infrastructures for networks, servers and information systems. They work closely with development teams to integrate security measures from the early stages of projects.
Skills: Knowledge of cryptography, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and vulnerability management.
Average salary: Between €60,000 and €120,000 per year.
Information Systems Security Manager (RSSI)
Missions: The RSSI has overall responsibility for a company’s IT security. He defines the security policy, supervises cybersecurity teams, manages major incidents, and ensures compliance with standards and regulations.
Skills: Leadership, risk management, regulatory compliance skills, and advanced technical knowledge.
Average salary: From €80,000 to €200,000 per year depending on the size of the company and its sector.
Pentester
Missions: Carry out intrusion tests to assess the security of computer systems by imitating the actions of hackers. Their objective is to identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited by attackers.
Skills: Excellent knowledge of ethical hacking, cryptography, and security protocols.
Average salary: Between €70,000 and €110,000 per year.
Cybersecurity Consultant
Missions: Provide strategic security advice to companies of all sizes. They carry out audits, risk assessments and propose suitable solutions to strengthen the security of information systems.
Skills: Regulatory expertise (such as GDPR), project management, deep technical skills.
Average salary: €60,000 to €130,000 per year.
Cybersecurity professions
The 5 highest-paid cybersecurity jobs in 2024
Here is a ranking of the five cybersecurity jobs offering the highest salaries:
Information Systems Security Manager (RSSI)
Average salary: €80,000 to €200,000 per year.
Why does it pay well? This strategic position encompasses oversight of all cybersecurity initiatives within an organization, with direct responsibility for protecting critical assets.
Security architect
Average salary: €90,000 to €180,000 per year.
Why is it well paid? The security architect designs complex security infrastructures and ensures that systems are resilient to cyber threats.
Cloud Security Engineer
Average salary: €85,000 to €160,000 per year.
Why it pays well: With businesses moving to the cloud, cloud security engineers are crucial to ensuring the security of data stored and processed online.
Offensive Security Expert (Pentester)
Average salary: €70,000 to €150,000 per year.
Why it pays well: Companies are looking for skilled pentesters to identify vulnerabilities before they are exploited by cybercriminals.
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Average salary: €120,000 to €250,000 per year.
Why does it pay well? As a CISO, this professional holds a leadership position and oversees all cybersecurity strategies, with major responsibilities across the company.
Cybersecurity Salaries
The 4 future cybersecurity professions
With the rapid evolution of technologies, new jobs are emerging in cybersecurity. Here are five future jobs to watch.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cybersecurity Architect
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in various sectors, and protecting AI systems is becoming a crucial issue. This job will consist of securing AI algorithms against manipulation, attacks and other threats.
Quantum Cybersecurity Specialist
The Quantum Cybersecurity Specialist is responsible for protecting computer systems against potential threats posed by quantum computing. He develops cryptographic solutions that are resistant to quantum attacks and works on developing new security protocols suitable for the quantum era.
Blockchain Security Analyst
The Blockchain Security Analyst job is crucial as businesses adopt the technology for applications beyond cryptocurrencies, such as smart contracts, identity management, and supply chain systems. Here’s a look at the essential information for this job
Behavioral Cybersecurity Researcher
The behavioral cybersecurity researcher studies the interactions between human behaviors and computer security. He seeks to identify how user behaviors can lead to security breaches, while developing solutions to improve the security of systems by taking into account behavioral aspects.
Cybersecurity Training and Certification
To launch a career in cybersecurity, a solid education is essential. Most professionals start with a background in computer science, networking, or telecommunications, before specializing in cybersecurity.
Professional certifications are also important to validate skills. The most recognized include:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Cloud Security Professional
These certifications are often required by employers and guarantee international recognition of cybersecurity skills.
CSB.SCHOOL cybersecurity training
Cybersecurity challenges and future opportunities
Cybersecurity professionals face many challenges, including:
Evolving Threats: Cybercriminals are continually developing new attack methods, requiring experts to be constantly up to date.
Talent Shortage: By 2024, it is estimated that there will be more than 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions worldwide.
The impact of new technologies: AI, blockchain and quantum computing are all areas that are disrupting cybersecurity, paving the way for innovations, but also for new threats.
Despite these challenges, cybersecurity offers countless career opportunities. The need for security experts is constantly increasing, and salaries are often very attractive. In addition, with the rapid evolution of technologies, new professions are regularly emerging, allowing professionals to specialize in innovative fields.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity careers offer many opportunities for technology enthusiasts. With competitive salaries, career growth opportunities, and growing demand, this sector is one of the most promising for years to come. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, cybersecurity can offer you an exciting and rewarding career.
Sources and Key Figures
Global Statistics: According to the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)², there are over 4.7 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide in 2024, but a talent shortage that leaves millions of positions unfilled.
Cybersecurity Investment: Cybersecurity Market to Reach $223.7 Billion by 2024
Average cost of a data breach: In 2023, the average cost is estimated at $4.45 million according to an IBM study.
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