Identifying threats and vulnerabilities in systems and software is the responsibility of cybersecurity engineers, also known as information security engineers. These professionals apply their knowledge to developing and implementing high-tech solutions to protect against hacking, malware and ransomware, insider threats, and other forms of cybercrime.
A cyber security engineer — alternatively referred to as an information security engineer, a data security engineer, or a web security engineer—is someone who devises methods of protecting devices, services, and networks from hostile digital attacks, such as viruses and worms. Additionally, a cyber-security engineer builds and installs secure networks while ensuring that the network and its associated resources (databases, printers, smartphones and other devices) are protected from cyber-attacks.
In addition, the security engineer tests and monitors the security systems regularly to verify that they are up to current and functioning effectively. Companies and individuals hire these engineers to assist them in safeguarding organizational data, sensitive and secret information, financial and transactional information, and the company’s overall reputation. To accomplish this, they primarily safeguard data against data breaches.
The responsibilities of a cyber-security engineer are as follows:
The tasks of a cyber security engineer are highly similar to those of a cyber security analyst, who is similarly responsible for safeguarding sensitive information in the digital age. For example, the following are the responsibilities of a security engineer:
- Corporate data and resources are protected through the planning, implementation, management, monitoring, and updating security methods and infrastructure.
- Assuring that proper security procedures and policies are in place to protect company data is essential.
- Identifying and resolving network and security issues
- Exploring and finding weaknesses in network and system architectures
- Reacting to security breaches with their SOC team, which includes cyber security analysts, pen testers, security consultants, cyber threat analysts, and compliance analysts on occasion.
- When performing security activities, it is necessary to communicate with the proper departments inside the firm.
- Administrative responsibilities as well as report drafting
 A security engineer’s required abilities include the following:
Jobs in cyber security require a high level of technical expertise. They are tough to break into because of their extensive training and expertise. Most firms often require a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a similar discipline is often required by most firms… Some employers give preference to candidates who have earned a master’s degree.
A cyber or computer science degree, on the other hand, is only the beginning. To be successful in the profession of cyber security engineering, one must possess a variety of complicated/analytical and soft talents.
Hard Skills for a Cybersecurity Engineer
According to the job description given above, “a cybersecurity engineer must demonstrate a good understanding of technology infrastructures using Firewalls, VPNs, Data Loss Prevention, IDS/IPS, Web-Proxy, and Security Audits” to be successful.
Additional hard skills for an IT security engineer may include the following, among others:
- This course covers secure coding techniques, ethical hacking, and threat modelling.
- IDS/IPS, penetration and vulnerability testing expertise in Python, C++, Java, Ruby, Node.js, Go, and Power Shell IDS/IPS, penetration and vulnerability testing expertise
- Protocols for firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems
- Operating systems such as Windows, UNIX, and Linux
- Technologies based on virtualization
- Platforms for MySQL and MSSQL databases
- The fundamentals of identity and access management
- Application security and encryption solutions are becoming increasingly popular.
Secure network architectures
Subnetting, domain name systems, encryption technologies and standards, virtual private networks, local area networks, voice over IP, and other network routing methods are all covered.
Experience with advanced persistent threats (APTs), phishing and social engineering, network access controllers (NACs), gateway anti-malware, and strengthened authentication is required.
Certifications in the field of cyber security
Further industry qualifications are required for advancement in a cyber-security job, even if skill expertise and certificates are sufficient to get one started. These credentials can assist you in developing new talents, learning new techniques and technologies, and reliably demonstrating your abilities.
The following is a list of the certifications that we believe are important:
Security+
The certificate, which is offered by CompTIA (one of the most respected technology certification bodies), demonstrates knowledge in the following areas:
- Attacks, threats, and vulnerabilities
- Architecture and design
- Implementation
- Operation and incident response
- Governance, risk, and compliance
- Governance, risk, and compliance
The certificate is widely accepted around the world.
The International Society for Information Systems Security (ISSS) awards the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification in the field of cyber security (ISC2). It is widely regarded as one of the most critical cyber security credentials available. It offers a wide range of certifications in various concentrations, all of which are recognized by the ISC2. In addition, their website provides information on which certifications are most appropriate for which individuals and how you can profit from them.
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+):Â
Another certification offered by CompTIA is the Advanced Security Practitioner. Risk Management, Enterprise Security Architecture & Operations, enterprise security integration, research, development, and cooperation are all topics that are covered to pass the certification examination.
A cyber security training package is available from the SysAdmin, Networking, and Security (SANS) Institute, which also offers certifications in partnership with the Global Information Assurance Certification Consortium (GIAC) (GIAC). In addition, more than 35 technical certifications, Master’s degrees, undergraduate and graduate certificate programmes are available.
The EC Council offers the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification
With this Certification, you can learn modern hackers’ commercial hacking tactics, tools, and procedures. In addition, the programme provides a plethora of hands-on hacking activities that might be eye-opening for participants. Therefore, this Certification is quite valuable for penetration testing and ethical hacking.
Programming abilities are required to work as a cyber-security engineer
As well as having the skills listed above, you should be familiar with and have expertise with a variety of programming languages, including but not limited to Java, Python, C, C++, Go, and so on, because each one serves a different purpose.
Python is essential to your career development since it can automate company processes and do malware research. Moreover, it can be used for scanning and penetration testing tasks. Compared to most other programming languages, Python is the most straightforward to learn.
The C programming language enables specialists to create antivirus applications that, in turn, aid the organization’s cyber-team in the identification of malware and other threats. In addition, it can be used to protect network solutions, such as firewalls.
Because most cyber attackers use Java to exploit system vulnerabilities and disable the security defenses of a company, you must be proficient in this language to prevent those attackers from hacking into the systems and networks you are responsible for. According to the manufacturer, it can also be used for penetration testing purposes.
Go is one of the most scalable and straightforward programming languages available, and it can aid in identifying malware.
Salary of a Cyber Security Engineer
Cyber Security is one of the most in-demand occupations in the information technology business, and Cyber Security Engineers are among the highest-paid experts in this field. The income of professionals in Cyber Security, on the other hand, might vary depending on a variety of criteria, including job location, job description, firm, experience, and so on.
Firstly, let’s talk about the pay of these Cyber Security specialists, which vary depending on the nations in which they work (source: PayScale).
Salary of a Cyber Security Engineer in the United States
The average annual salary of a qualified Cyber Security Engineer in the United States is US$96,980, with the potential to earn up to US$142,000 with experience.
India’s Cyber Security Engineer Salary is competitive.
According to Payscale.com, Cyber Security Engineers earn an average annual salary of 608,218 in India. However, it is possible to boost it to $200,000 with sufficient knowledge and skills.
Salary of a Cyber Security Engineer in the United Kingdom
Across the United Kingdom, Cyber Security Engineers earn an average pay of £39,047 per year. For those with a great deal of experience, this amount can rise to £82,000 per year or more.
In Australia, the average salary for a cyber security engineer is $120,000.
An entry-level pay for a Cyber Security Engineer in Australia is roughly AU$92,829 per annum, with the possibility of earning an increased compensation of up to AU$178,000 per annum if one has the appropriate skill set.
To work as a Cyber Security Engineer at a reputable firm and earn competitive pay, you must possess the relevant knowledge and abilities. Additionally, you must obtain one or more certifications in the domain that will authenticate your abilities and serve as a plus on your resume to be considered. Check out some of the certifications you may get to help yourself advance your career in the Cyber Security field.