Think you know what the hottest cybersecurity jobs are right now? Well, think again.
With the rise in cyberattacks in 2021, many business organizations around the world are now beefing up their security team to respond to incidents of cyberattacks. As a result, there has been a 350% increase in global cybersecurity job demand between 2013 and 2021. In the United States, for instance, the available record suggests that there are currently more than 590,000 cybersecurity job openings that need to be filled.
SEE: Help meet the cybersecurity demand by getting CompTIA-certified (TechRepublic Academy)
While cybersecurity roles such as penetration testers, security analysts and incident responders have gained a lot of mentions lately, new positions are quickly emerging on the scene. Hence, we’ll take a look at some of the hottest cybersecurity jobs in 2022.
Hottest cybersecurity jobs of 2022
1. Chief information security officer (CISO)
The chief information security officer (CISO) is responsible for an organization’s overall security posture. They develop and implement security strategies, policies and procedures to protect the company’s data and systems from cyberattacks. CISOs also oversee the work of other security professionals, such as security architects and engineers.
2. Cybersecurity architect
A cybersecurity architect is responsible for designing, developing and implementing an organization’s security infrastructure. They work with a company’s CISO to create a comprehensive security strategy that takes into account the latest threats, as well as the company’s business goals. A cybersecurity architect also designs and oversees the implementation of security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems and encryption technologies.
SEE: Hiring Kit: Security architect (TechRepublic Premium)
3. Security engineer
A security engineer is responsible for implementing and maintaining an organization’s security infrastructure. They work closely with cybersecurity architects to deploy and configure security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems and encryption technologies. Security engineers also conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and recommend solutions to mitigate risks.
SEE: Hiring Kit: Security engineer (TechRepublic Premium)
4. Security analyst
A security analyst is responsible for identifying cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities in an organization’s network. They use various tools, such as penetration testing to simulate attacks and assess the effectiveness of an organization’s security controls. Security analysts also develop mitigation plans to address identified risks.
SEE: How to recruit and hire a Security Analyst (TechRepublic Premium)
5. Incident response coordinator
An incident response coordinator is responsible for coordinating an organization’s response to a security incident. They work with a team of security experts to investigate the cause of an incident, contain the damage and restore normal operations. Incident response coordinators also develop plans to prevent future incidents from occurring.
6. Cybersecurity consultant
A cybersecurity consultant is an independent contractor who provides expert advice to organizations on how to improve their cybersecurity posture. They assess an organization’s current security practices and make recommendations on how to improve them. Cybersecurity consultants also often provide training on cybersecurity best practices.
7. Security awareness trainer
A security awareness trainer is responsible for educating employees on cybersecurity risks and best practices. They design and deliver training programs that raise awareness of potential threats, such as phishing attacks, ransomware, data protection, etc. Security awareness trainers also develop policies and procedures to ensure that employees follow best practices.
8. Vulnerability management specialist
A vulnerability management specialist is responsible for identifying, assessing and mitigating cybersecurity risks in an organization. They work closely with security analysts to identify vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems and networks. Vulnerability management specialists also develop plans to remediate identified risks.
9. Cybersecurity project manager
A cybersecurity project manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation of cybersecurity initiatives. They work with a team of security experts to plan and execute projects, such as the deployment of new security controls or creating a security awareness training program. Cybersecurity project managers also track the progress of projects and report on their status to senior management.
10. Information Security Manager
An information security manager is responsible for developing and implementing an organization’s cybersecurity strategy. In addition, they work closely with the CISO to ensure that all security controls are in place and effective. Information security managers also develop incident response plans and conduct regular security audits.
11. Penetration tester
A penetration tester is responsible for identifying and exploiting security vulnerabilities in an organization’s systems and networks. They use various tools and techniques to conduct their tests, including social engineering, network scanning and password cracking. Penetration testers typically work with ethical hackers to help improve an organization’s security posture.
12. Ethical hackers
Ethical hackers are responsible for conducting security testing on an organization’s systems and networks. They use the same tools and techniques as malicious hackers, but they do so with the organization’s permission. Ethical hackers help identify security weaknesses to be fixed before attackers exploit them.
SEE: Start a new career in ethical hacking with these 18 training courses (TechRepublic Academy)
How to start a career in cybersecurity
Given the avalanche of jobs in the cybersecurity space, pursuing a career in the IT security industry might be one of your best decisions. Fortunately, there are many training resources out there to get you up and running, including these offerings from TechRepublic Academy: Become a cybersecurity analyst for just $9 and Delve into cybersecurity with this two-part training bundle.
Importantly, some cybersecurity training resources and certifications are curated to serve organizations that are interested in educating their staff on cybersecurity issues. Although this move might not turn them into security experts, it will keep them abreast with the forms of cyberattacks and how to respond when they sense one.
Cybersecurity is a growing field with different job roles
The roles outlined above are just the hottest ones; as the threat landscape evolves, new cybersecurity positions will likely emerge. With the right skills and experience, you can launch a successful career in this exciting and important field.
