Analysing CyberSecurity Jobs

As a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, you would have the following responsibilities and characteristics:

1. Main Responsibilities: SOC analysts focus on monitoring and auditing company systems, including network activity, to identify suspicious activities. They work across various departments like human resources and sales to ensure system security. Key roles include network monitoring, vulnerability research and patching, threat detection, incident response, risk management, and compliance. They also monitor and report incidents from security information and event management (SIEM) systems, along with analyzing firewall, email, web, and DNS logs to identify and mitigate intrusion attempts​​​​​​​​​​.
2. Average Age Group: The typical age for information security analysts, a broader category that includes SOC analysts, is around 28 years old. This demographic data provides insight into the age trends within this profession​​.
3. Average Salary: The average annual salary for a SOC Analyst in the United States varies, with different sources reporting slightly different figures. It ranges from around $89,347 to $99,412, but can go as high as $117,143 depending on factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience​​​​​​.
4. Qualifications and Requirements: To become a SOC analyst, a bachelor’s degree in fields like cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, or related areas is often preferred. Some positions might require or desire formal university degrees and certifications like Security+, Network+, Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH), or Certified SOC Analyst (CSA). Additionally, practical experience, especially in information security, is valued, with an ideal candidate having at least 3 years of relevant experience​​​​​​​​​​.

In this role, you would be at the forefront of protecting an organization’s IT infrastructure from cyber threats, requiring a blend of technical skills, vigilance, and continuous learning to stay ahead of emerging security challenges.

As a Security Engineer, you would engage in the following activities and possess certain characteristics:

1. Main Responsibilities: Your primary duties would include developing, executing, and tracking security measures to protect information, network infrastructure, and computer systems. This involves designing a comprehensive cybersecurity architecture and conducting penetration tests on the organization’s infrastructure to identify security weaknesses. Additionally, you would be responsible for configuring and managing security tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and encryption mechanisms. Other important tasks include coordinating incident response, performing security assessments and code audits, researching new attack vectors, developing threat models, and automating security improvements​​​​​​​​​​.
2. Average Age Group: The average age of security engineers in the United States is around 31 years. This provides an insight into the general age demographic of professionals in this field​​.
3. Average Salary: In 2023, the average salary for Security Engineers in the United States varies, with different sources reporting different figures. PayScale indicates a median salary of around $100,000, with the range extending up to $146,000. Salary.com reports a slightly higher average of $148,203, with a range between $129,642 and $162,611. Built In mentions an average salary of $129,112, while Zippia suggests an average of $104,524. Indeed reports a lower average salary of $80,086. These figures can vary based on factors like location, education, experience, and specific role within the field​​​​​​​​​​.
4. Qualifications and Requirements: To pursue a career as a Security Engineer, most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as cybersecurity, computer science, software engineering, systems engineering, information systems, or computer programming. While 62% of security engineers hold a bachelor’s degree, 15% have sub-bachelor’s training (like an associate degree or certification), and 23% possess a graduate degree. Certifications can also improve employment prospects, especially for those without undergraduate degrees, by adding credibility and demonstrating specific skills and knowledge​​​​​​​​​​.

In this role, you would be essential in safeguarding an organization’s digital assets, requiring a strong combination of technical expertise, analytical skills, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks.

As a Security Researcher, your role would encompass several key responsibilities and requirements:

1. Main Responsibilities: Your primary duties would involve studying malicious programs like malware to understand how they exploit systems and using that insight to address and eliminate vulnerabilities. This includes reverse-engineering malware samples, producing documentation on malware behavior and detection strategies, and communicating research results to relevant parties. You would also be responsible for finding vulnerabilities in systems, analyzing malware to understand its development and targets, and performing source code reviews. Staying informed about current, new, and emerging technologies, proposed standards, and threat actors, and examining their functions to create proof-of-concept exploits are also part of the job. Additionally, you’d investigate potential vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications, stay updated on cybersecurity trends and technologies, conduct security assessments, and provide detailed reports with mitigation strategies​​​​​​​​​​.
2. Average Age Group: Although specific data for the average age of security researchers is not readily available, it can be inferred from the broader category of cyber security analysts, which has an average age of 34-37 years. This gives a general idea of the age demographics in related cybersecurity roles​​.
3. Average Salary: The salary for a Security Researcher varies. Glassdoor reports an estimated total pay of $171,728 per year, with an average salary of $136,980. Infosec-jobs.com lists a median salary of $147,750. Salary.com indicates an average salary of $139,969, with a range between $128,665 and $151,271. PayScale notes an average salary of $122,084 for a Senior Security Researcher in 2023​​​​​​​​​​.
4. Qualifications and Requirements: To start a career as a Security Researcher, a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or a related field is usually necessary. This is typically coupled with extensive experience in IT security and threat protection, as well as hands-on experience with detection tools and programs. Advanced analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities are essential. Additional training in research security, best practices, and international collaboration can also be beneficial​​​​​​​​.

In this role, you would be key in identifying and mitigating cybersecurity threats, requiring a deep understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of cybersecurity. Continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field are critical for success.

As a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), you would be entrusted with a broad range of responsibilities and characteristics:

1. Main Responsibilities: The CISO plays a critical role in an organization, responsible for the overall security of information systems. This includes developing and implementing security policies and procedures, managing security staff, conducting employee security awareness training, developing secure business and communication practices, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Additionally, you’d be involved in identifying security objectives and metrics, selecting security products from vendors, and managing risks related to cybersecurity. Your role would also require you to oversee incident response, disaster recovery planning, and data confidentiality, integrity, and availability management​​​​​​​​​​.
2. Average Age Group: The average age for chief information officers, which is a related executive role, is 51 years old, while chief security officers, another comparable position, average around 47 years old. These figures provide a general idea of the age demographics at the senior executive level in information security roles​​​​.
3. Average Salary: In 2023, the salary for a CISO in the United States ranges significantly. Salary.com reports an average salary of $240,553, with a range typically between $214,133 and $272,313. Another source from Salary.com lists the average as $240,539, with a similar range. KnowledgeHut reports a median salary of $584,000 for CISOs in the US, highlighting the significant earning potential in this executive role​​​​​​​​.
4. Qualifications and Requirements: To become a CISO, the foundational step is obtaining a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related discipline, often coupled with a postgraduate qualification like a Master of Science in Cybersecurity. Substantial digital security background, ideally with a diverse knowledge of different platforms and solutions and a broad understanding of cyber threats, is essential. At least five years of hands-on experience in digital security is typically required. Given that a CISO is a leadership role, exceptional management experience, often a minimum of seven years, is crucial. Additionally, obtaining up-to-date qualifications specific to a CISO role, like the Certified Chief Information Officer (C|CISO) certification, can be beneficial. Developing a strategic vision for leading the company into the future is also a key aspect of being a CISO​​​​​​​​​​.

In this role, you would be at the helm of an organization’s cybersecurity efforts, requiring a blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the latest cybersecurity trends and challenges.

As a Malware Analyst, your role would encompass the following:

1. Main Responsibilities: Malware analysts are tasked with examining, identifying, and understanding cyber-threats such as viruses, worms, bots, rootkits, and Trojan horses. Their work involves analyzing and reverse engineering malware samples to understand how these malicious programs function, their effects when infecting a system, and methods for detection and prevention. Additionally, they monitor systems and code, often using AI technology, to detect malicious code and assess it. Their job is crucial in the realm of digital forensics, security engineering, and programming, especially after a cyberattack has occurred. The core of their work revolves around examining malicious software and reverse-engineering compiled executables to comprehend how the program interacts with its environment​​​​​​​​​​.
2. Average Age Group: While specific data for the average age of malware analysts is not readily available, it can be inferred from the broader category of cyber security analysts, which has an average age of 31 years old. This provides a general idea of the age demographics in this cybersecurity specialization​​.
3. Average Salary: The average annual salary for a Malware Analyst in the United States varies, with reports indicating a range from around $88,000 to $91,000, and it can vary widely depending on factors like education, experience, and location. Some sources report average salaries as high as $99,664, and in certain cases, salaries may range from as low as $64,000 to as high as $201,000 per year​​​​​​​​.
4. Qualifications and Requirements: To become a Malware Analyst, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as cybersecurity or computer science is typically required. Experience in information security and/or programming is also essential. While certifications are not always mandatory, they can enhance an applicant’s profile and help them stand out in the job market​​.

In this role, you would be crucial in defending against and mitigating the effects of malicious software, requiring a blend of technical skills, analytical capabilities, and a thorough understanding of various forms of malware and cybersecurity threats.

As a Security Compliance Analyst, your role would encompass the following:

1. Main Responsibilities: Your primary duties involve assessing and monitoring companies’ processes, activities, and systems to ensure they comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. This includes conducting audits, training employees, advising team members, writing reports, and reviewing changes to regulations and standards. Direct interface with audit teams, overseeing the development, documentation, and maintenance of control frameworks, and providing guidance on security controls such as change management, system access, network, and encryption are also part of the job. Additionally, you will work with IT support staff for vulnerability assessments and develop mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with security standards​​​​​​​​.
2. Average Age Group: The average age for compliance analysts, including those in security compliance, is 46 years old. This figure provides an insight into the general age demographic of professionals in this field​​​​.
3. Average Salary: The average salary for a Security Compliance Analyst in the United States varies. Salary.com reports an average salary of $111,003, with a range typically between $91,637 and $136,431. PayScale suggests a slightly lower average of $90,000, with a total pay range between $40,000 and $155,000​​​​​​.
4. Qualifications and Requirements: To become a Security Compliance Analyst, employers typically prefer candidates to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fields like Computer Science, Information Technology, Business, or Information Security. Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISA, CISM, ISO, CRISC, ITIL, PCI, CGFM, CPA, or CIA are highly valued. Desired skills include experience with NIST SP 800-53, ISO, PCI, encryption technologies, and firewalls. Proficiency in multiple programming languages, operating systems, system services, communications protocols, and network configuration is required. A minimum of 2 years of experience in Information Security or Information Technology is preferred, and understanding of company policies, procedures, guidelines, and management practices is essential for the role​​​​.

In this role, you would be essential in ensuring that an organization’s information security practices adhere to required standards and regulations, requiring a mix of technical knowledge, analytical skills, and a detailed understanding of compliance frameworks and regulations.

Main Responsibilities:

• Security Design and Analysis: Design secure blockchain systems, smart contracts, and related applications. This involves assessing potential security vulnerabilities and implementing measures to mitigate risks.
• Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing: Conduct thorough assessments to identify vulnerabilities within blockchain systems and applications. Perform penetration testing to evaluate the effectiveness of security measures.
• Smart Contract Auditing: Review and audit smart contracts for security flaws and vulnerabilities. This includes ensuring that contracts are designed to handle exceptions safely and do not contain potential exploits.
• Security Framework Development: Develop and implement security frameworks and best practices for blockchain application development and deployment. This includes encryption techniques, access control, and secure key management strategies.
• Incident Response and Forensics: Respond to security incidents and conduct forensic analysis to understand the breach’s nature, impact, and root cause within blockchain systems.
• Collaboration and Training: Work closely with development teams to integrate security into the blockchain development lifecycle. Provide security training and awareness to ensure that all stakeholders understand the importance of security in blockchain systems.

Average Salary:

The average salary for a Blockchain Security Engineer in the United States is around $132,036 per year, according to Glassdoor​​. This role involves a significant amount of responsibility, including designing secure blockchain systems, auditing smart contracts, and developing security protocols to mitigate risks associated with blockchain technology. Given the specialized nature of the work and the high demand for professionals skilled in blockchain security, the salary reflects both the expertise required and the value these professionals bring to organizations.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Educational Background: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, or a related field is typically required. Specialized courses or training in blockchain technology are highly beneficial.
• Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethereum Developer (CED), Certified Blockchain Security Professional (CBSP), or other relevant blockchain security certifications.
• Technical Skills: Deep understanding of blockchain technology, consensus algorithms, smart contract development, and cryptographic security measures. Experience with blockchain platforms like Ethereum, Hyperledger, or others is essential. Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in blockchain development, such as Solidity, Python, or Go.
• Experience: At least 2-3 years of experience in information security or cybersecurity, with a significant focus on blockchain technology and smart contract security. Experience with security tools and practices specific to blockchain, such as static and dynamic analysis tools for smart contracts.
• Knowledge of Regulations and Standards: Familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements affecting blockchain applications, including data privacy, financial regulations, and cross-border considerations.