Technology

Top 5 Jobs in Cybersecurity for 2021

While digital transformation brings enormous benefits, we can all agree that with technology comes great responsibility.

The question is: are we ready for that?

Do you remember the Yahoo Cyber Attack that made headlines in September 2016? Hackers stole almost 500 million users’ data in 2014. This was an alarming number that compelled the UK population to question their online choices and safety.

This is where cybersecurity comes into the picture.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a 31% expected growth rate for jobs in the information security sector from 2019 to 2029. This rate is much faster than the average for all other occupations.

Understandably, security cannot be compromised and with everything being automated today, employing cybersecurity professionals is a need rather than a choice for most organizations.

This and many more reasons have significantly contributed to a rise in demand for cybersecurity jobs.

What are the Top In-Demand Cybersecurity Jobs?

Let’s take a look at the top jobs in cybersecurity that are in high demand today.

1.   Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity engineers identify potential threats in software and programmes to develop and implement high-tech solutions that can prevent cyber crimes like hacking and malware.

They also ensure that the organization’s data and privacy are protected by checking security controls and functions.

Their average annual salary for a cybersecurity engineer is USD 96,467.

2.   Information Security Analyst

They are usually responsible for planning and carrying out security plans to protect the system network. They also install protective software like firewalls to keep the computer and software away from cyber threats.

Most information security analysts get employed in consulting firms, computer companies, and business and financial companies.

Their average annual salary is over USD 99,730.

3.   Ethical Hacker

An ethical hacker’s primary responsibility is to identify weaknesses and malfunctions in software and potentially hacking risks. Their role is like a hacker but in a lawful and knowledge-led manner.

Ethical hackers reverse a hacker’s role by seeking countermeasures to buckle up the existing security processes.

Their average annual salary ranges from USD 24,760 to USD 111,502.

4.   Security Architect

A cybersecurity architect, usually in a senior position, holds the important responsibility of creating, designing, and maintaining the organization’s security systems.

They aim to seal the network so tightly that no one can breach the security and get access to the information. Thus, they play a vital role in the organization.

Their average annual salary is around USD 153,439.

5.   Chief Information Security Officer

Chief Information Security Officers or CISOs usually look over the strategic and budgetary aspects of data management and protection.

They are senior-level executives responsible for various duties like responding to data breaches, analyzing threats, and ensuring internal security.

Their average annual salary ranges between USD 185,000 and USD 200,000.

Why Pursue a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity?

From malware and phishing to ransomware and data breaches — organizations are prone to different types of cyber threats today. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many qualified cybersecurity professionals to meet the growing demand.

If you’re interested in this field, you should consider pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity to get equipped with the in-depth knowledge and skills required to make a mark, increase your earning potential and grow up the career ladder.

Let’s take a look at the five key reasons that make pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity worthwhile.

1.   Increased job demand

In Singapore, over 3,400 cybersecurity professionals are expected to be in demand by 2020-2021. This is almost a 110% increase in demand as compared to 2017-2018.

As cybercriminals are getting equipped with an advanced skill set, organizations no longer want their internal team to handle something as sensitive as security and privacy. Due to this, they prefer hiring someone who can defend the systems against qualified hackers.

2.   Professional certification

You cannot deny the importance of a specialized field certification significantly when the competition is growing.

While there’s an increased demand for cybersecurity jobs, it’s essential to remember that organizations are still looking for knowledgeable professionals.

Securing a professional degree in this field will help you stand out from the crowd, adding credibility to your profile.

3.   Strong industrial engagement

The best part about specializing in a field is getting exposed to theoretical and practical knowledge through projects and internships which can then be applied in the real world.

Not only does this help you gain a better understanding of the field but it also increases your prospects of getting a well-paid job.

Direct guidance under experienced professionals and having hands-on experience counts a lot when you’re applying to a job at prestigious organizations.

4.   Wide course depth

A master’s degree’s core aim is to help you gain a deeper understanding of the discipline, stretching in all directions for a holistic growth experience. These courses are designed in a way that offers insightful knowledge and profound learning experiences.

Combining strategic deployment and implementation of cybersecurity within organizations, master’s degree courses help develop strategic thinkers who are able to build and support secure systems that contribute to strategic business growth.

In addition to technical knowledge, students also learn how to apply that knowledge in real-life business situations and make an impact.

5.   Credible reputation

While you can get a job after doing a bachelor’s degree, taking an extra effort to do a master’s degree adds credibility to your resume. It indicates that you have taken a step towards gaining a better understanding of an essential field.

The key lies in securing a master’s degree in cybersecurity from a reputed university.

For instance, we at the Singapore Institute of Management offer a Master of Science in Cyber Security and Management programme awarded and fully taught by our university partner, the University of Warwick.

Being one of the UK’s leading research universities, the University of Warwick has an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, for innovation, and for links with business and industry.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that the demand for cybersecurity jobs will keep increasing because, in today’s digital world, the greatest fear of a consumer or any organization seeking data is security and privacy.

As aspiring cybersecurity professionals, what’s important is making the right choice when it comes to selecting the right university and programme that gives you the opportunity to gain academic knowledge and industrial experience, helping you excel in the field.

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