Cybersecurity
The practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and digital assets from unauthorized access, theft, and damage. Career opportunities in cybersecurity include positions such as cybersecurity analysts, cybersecurity engineers, and cybersecurity managers.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organisation’s computer networks and systems. They monitor systems for security breaches and investigate violations when they occur.
Soft Skills:
Problem-solving, attention to detail, communication.
Hard Skills:
Understanding of firewalls, VPNs, data loss prevention, knowledge of risk assessment tools, methods, and technologies.
Personality Traits:
Analytical, detail-oriented, proactive.
Penetration Tester
Penetration Testers simulate cyber attacks on their organisation’s computer system to find and fix security issues. They identify weak spots in system security that could be exploited by malicious hackers.
Soft Skills:
Problem-solving, creativity, ethical integrity.
Hard Skills:
Proficiency in penetration testing tools (Metasploit, Burp Suite), understanding of networking and web application protocols, programming languages (Python, JavaScript).
Personality Traits:
Curious, persistent, ethical.
Security Architect
Architects design, create, test, and implement an organisation’s network and computer security. They plan and design components that will help protect the company’s digital assets from various cyber threats.
Soft Skills:
Strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication.
Hard Skills:
Proficiency in cryptography, firewall and VPN design and implementation, knowledge of risk assessment tools, methods, and technologies.
Personality Traits:
Analytical, detail-oriented, strategic thinker.
Cybersecurity Consultant
Cybersecurity Consultants help businesses protect their data from cyber threats. They assess the risks, data exposure, and potential impacts of data breaches and design and implement response procedures to mitigate them.
Soft Skills:
Communication, analytical thinking, problem-solving.
Hard Skills:
Understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, proficiency in security software and hardware.
Personality Traits:
Adaptable, detail-oriented, strategic thinker.
Forensic Computer Analyst
Forensic Computer Analysts retrieve and analyse data from computers and other digital equipment to use in investigations or legal proceedings. They can uncover data in devices that have been deleted, damaged, or encrypted.
Soft Skills:
Attention to detail, patience, problem-solving.
Hard Skills:
Proficiency in forensic software, understanding of networking and operating systems, knowledge of law and legal procedures.
Personality Traits:
Analytical, meticulous, patient.
Cryptographer
Cryptographers develop algorithms, ciphers, and security systems to encrypt sensitive information. Their work protects data from cyber threats and ensures that data can be decrypted as needed.
Soft Skills:
Problem-solving, analytical thinking, detail-oriented.
Hard Skills:
Knowledge of cryptography theory and practice, proficiency in programming languages (Python, C++), understanding of network security and algorithms.
Personality Traits:
Analytical, meticulous, innovative.
Security Software Developer
Security Software Developers are focused on developing secure software and enhancing the security of existing software. They incorporate security from the ground up in software development processes.
Soft Skills:
Problem-solving, teamwork, communication.
Hard Skills:
Proficiency in secure coding practices, knowledge of software development processes, programming languages (Java, Python).
Personality Traits:
Detail-oriented, innovative, analytical.
Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator
Cybersecurity Managers/Administrators oversee the operations of an organisation’s security solutions. They are responsible for establishing and implementing policies and procedures that help ensure the company is prepared for security audits.
Soft Skills:
Leadership, strategic thinking, communication.
Hard Skills:
Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, proficiency in security software and hardware.
Personality Traits:
Adaptable, detail-oriented, strategic thinker.
Incident Responder
Incident Responders handle security incidents within an organisation. They are responsible for identifying, managing, and remediating security threats or breaches to minimise damage.
Soft Skills:
Problem-solving, communication, adaptability.
Hard Skills:
Knowledge of incident response and handling methodologies, understanding of networks and systems, proficiency in forensic tools.
Personality Traits:
Detail-oriented, calm under pressure, proactive.
Malware Analyst
Malware Analysts examine malicious software, such as viruses and ransomware, to understand their origins, inner workings, and potential impact. They use this information to help develop protection strategies and remediate infections.
Soft Skills:
Problem-solving, detail-oriented, patience.
Hard Skills:
Proficiency in reverse engineering and disassembly tools, understanding of programming languages (C, C++, Python), knowledge of operating systems internals.
Personality Traits:
Analytical, curious, patient.
