IT Security Roles and Responsibilities of Cyber Security Professionals

Technology has intertwined our personal and professional lives in ways that were inconceivable just a few decades ago. Cloud computing, mobility, and the sophisticated devices most of us carry in our pockets enable a culture of ease as well as the opportunity to collaborate and be more productive. While this convenience may make our lives easier, it also makes it easier for cybercriminals to access our sensitive personal information no matter where it resides or travels across the network. There is a huge market for the sale and exploitation of that data, so these bad actors have plenty of reason. Hackers and cybercriminals will eventually find a method to access your data, even if you have the greatest Cyber Security Professional on your side. That isn't to argue that everything is bleak. IT security professionals fight on the front lines of this war to keep up with the ever-changing threat landscape.

Important skills for Cyber security professionals

More than technical capabilities are required of successful IT security experts. To make real progress in the sector, these professionals should be able to:

• Learners - Technical proficiency is another essential skill. With the rapid pace of change in IT security, this necessitates continual study, training, and certification. To be able to tackle complicated security challenges, these specialists need to be constantly learning new advanced technology skills.
   
• Communicators - Effective coordination with teams and clients is ensured through management and communication abilities. Every employee in an organisation is affected by technology and security. By teaching and empowering people to assist secure systems, security professionals must interact in meaningful ways.
   
• Strategists - Professionals in cyber security should be able to proactively deploy security measures and controls within enterprises while assessing the implications of every action. Workflows, dependencies, finances, and resources must all be evaluated tactically and strategically in order to implement advanced security processes. Because new ways to hack information are appearing all the time, specialists must stay one step ahead of the game, learning how hackers get into networks and how to stop them.

Responsibilities of the cyber security professional 

New security risks emerge on a regular basis, and IT security experts must keep up with the current strategies used by hackers in the field. In addition to the high-level roles listed above, IT security teams also do the following tasks:

• Set up and use identity and access management systems, as well as user access controls.
• To detect and prevent abnormal activity, keep an eye on network and application performance.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure that security procedures are in compliance.
• To thwart malicious hacks, use endpoint detection and prevention solutions.
• Set up patch management systems to automatically update software.
• Implement comprehensive vulnerability management systems across all assets, including on-premises and in the cloud.
• And collaborate with IT operations to create a single disaster recovery/business continuity strategy.
• Educate staff on how to spot suspicious conduct in collaboration with HR and/or team leads.

Salary for cyber security professional

Cyber security professionals, for example, earn an average of $116,000 per year or $55.77 per hour, according to CIO, but PayScale estimates that the average wage for computer security specialists is around $74,000, with geography being a big role in pay structure.

Different roles in Cyber Security

Starting as a generalist and then specialising in an area of interest or strength might assist cyber security professionals. These are some of the possibilities:

1. Application Security
2. Data loss prevention
3. Forensics
4. Network Security
5. Security Architecture
6. Threat Intelligence
7. Incident response
8. Vulnerability management 

Job growth in Cyber Security

Professionals in cyber security work in practically every area and industry – public and private, for-profit and charity – and at both large and small enterprises and organisations, including:

• Government
• Finance and Banking
• Health Care
• Insurance
• Technology
• Government 
• Telecommunications
• Law enforcement 

What are Cyber Security people known as?

Cyber security specialists go by a variety of names, but their work titles or descriptions "usually" include the terms "information security," "cyber security," or "similar terms." Here are several examples:

• Cyber Security Specialists
• Penetration Testers
• Cyber Security or Security Administrators
• Cyber Security or Security Principals
• Cyber Security or Security Technicians
• Cyber Security Specialists
• Cyber Security Technical Architects
• Information Security, Cyber Security or Vulnerable Analysts 

Roles of Cyber Security Professionals

Cybersecurity experts are in charge of protecting IT infrastructure, edge devices, networks, and data at a high level. They are in charge of preventing data breaches as well as monitoring and responding to attacks. Many come from programming, systems or network administration, as well as math and statistics backgrounds. Those skills are unquestionably important in the role of an IT security expert, but equally important are the qualities that cannot be taught: critical thinking, curiosity, and a desire to learn and explore. Companies should not limit themselves to a small pool of candidates because those attributes exist in people from all walks of life. Hackers are also naturally creative. To outwit them, security professionals must be as well.

Common skills that are required in this field

Not sure if a career in cyber security is right for you? If the prospect of working as an information security analyst, penetration tester, or computer forensics investigator has piqued your interest, you may already have a few skills required for one of these positions.

A qualified information security practitioner will require the following skills:

• Ability to work in a challenging environment.
• Should be analytical.
• Should be logical.
• Should have a strong background in Information Security (IT).
• Should have proper knowledge of Networking, database and Systems.
• Should be aware of the developments in Cyber Security.
• Should have experience with Web Proxy Management and Antivirus Software.
• Should know about the UK Laws and Regulations which are applicable in relation to IT Security.
• Strong communication abilities, as well as the capacity to change communication techniques to meet the needs of various audiences.
• Strong analytical abilities and a keen eye for data trends are required.

What does it involve?

The primary purpose of IT security, as well as the primary job of an IT security expert, is to:

1. Create barriers to external access to computer systems to protect them.
2. Recognize faults within systems by looking for unusual activities.
3. Examine the present state of network security and conduct audits.
4. Implement enhancements where necessary, and keep users informed by submitting performance reports on a regular basis to communicate system security status.

An IT Security specialist's regular working hours will be 37 or 40 hours per week. However, you will very certainly be required to remain on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the event of a security breach. This is something you should be aware of.

Qualifications for Cyber Security Professionals 

If you believe you have some of the abilities listed above plus a strong interest in information security, you should consider pursuing a career in cyber security. If you're just starting out in your career, a suitable degree subject is one of the finest methods to break into the information security field.

• IT
• Physics, Mathematics and other STEM subjects
• Forensic Computing
• Network Engineering
• Networks and Security
• Computer Science
• Cyber Security

Some Certification Courses for Cyber Security Professionals

If you're already employed in the cyber security field, you might want to pursue a few additional certifications to advance your career. With so many industry-related certifications available, it's critical that professionals only take modules that pertain to their area of expertise. 

There are a few other qualifications available for cyber security experts to consider:

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP) -
   The CISSP is the most widely held certification among information security professionals, and it is frequently required for advancement in this field. Individuals must have four or more years of experience and typically work as consultants or managers. Before ending in a six-hour exam, the qualification covers eight cyber security topics, including asset security, security engineering, and identity and access management. The certification is a worldwide recognised mark of quality and one of the requirements of the ISO/IEC Standard 17024.
    
2. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) -
   The CISM certification is an excellent approach to advance your career for people with at least five years of experience working in the sector. Before you may receive the certification, you must have completed the requisite five years of work experience, including at least three years in an information security management position. To be eligible for accreditation, you must have completed your work experience within the previous ten years before applying.
    
3. Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) -
   This accreditation, which only requires one year of experience and provides the ideal opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their technical abilities and security expertise, is ideal for professionals just starting out in cyber security. Individuals who want to get the SSCP must have a thorough understanding of all the skills and information needed to succeed in this sector, with modules covering topics like risk identification and cryptography. Finally, a three-hour exam will be used to evaluate individuals studying for the SSCP.

Importance of Cyber Security

Everyone benefits from improved cyberdefense strategies in today's linked society. A cybersecurity attack on an individual level can result in everything from identity theft to extortion attempts to the loss of crucial data such as family photos. Critical infrastructure, such as power plants, hospitals, and financial services organisations, is used by everyone. It is critical to keep these and other institutions secure in order for our society to function. Cyberthreat researchers, such as the team of 250 threat researchers at Talos, who analyse new and emerging dangers and cyber assault techniques, help everyone. They expose new vulnerabilities, raise public awareness about the need of cybersecurity, and improve open source tools. Their efforts help to make the Internet a safer place for everyone.

Cyber Security Threats

1. Mobile Security Threats -
   Businesses can benefit from mobile technology, but it also exposes them to the risk of cyber security breaches. According to the findings of a recent mobile security survey, one out of every five enterprises has experienced a mobile security breach. Malware and malicious Wifi were responsible for the majority of these attacks.
    
2. Outdated Hardware -
   Software isn't the only source of cyber security problems. The rapid distribution of software updates might make it difficult for hardware to keep up. As a result, there are exposures that can put a company's data at risk. Many antiquated devices will not allow updates with the most recent patches and security measures when hardware becomes obsolete. Devices that run on older software are more vulnerable to cyber attacks, posing a significant risk. It's critical to keep an eye on this and respond immediately if equipment becomes obsolete. You should keep your hardware up to date in the same way that you keep your software up to date.
    
3. Internet of things (IoT) -
   The Internet of Things (IoT) uses the internet to connect gadgets from all around the world. This enables for the creation of a network of data-storage, data-transmission, and data-receiving devices. Many individuals and businesses take advantage of it because of its convenience. However, the exact thing that makes them useful also exposes them to danger. Hackers can use internet connectivity as a point of entry to steal information. Many experts believe that as firms increasingly rely on IoT devices, this will be one of the most serious cyber dangers in the future years.
    
4. Third Party Exposure -
   Many retailers outsource services like payment processing to third parties. As a result, they frequently feel they are immune from culpability for a third-party breach. In actuality, enlisting the help of a third-party vendor does not absolve them of liability in the event of a data breach. Even if a corporation does not handle personal data directly, such as social security numbers or credit card numbers, a third party can compromise them. Hackers can steal data from third-party vendors via malware, as they did with the Target malware attack in 2013. Even if the assault was carried out by a third party, the company that hired the third party vendor is still liable and legally compelled to notify their clients and regulators if a data breach occurs. Fines and penalties can be substantial, ranging from tens of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars depending on the circumstances.
    
5. Social Engineering -
   Social engineering assaults take advantage of social interactions to get access to sensitive information. Deception is at the heart of all social engineering attacks. Cyber thieves use deception and manipulation to persuade their victims to take specific activities, such as circumventing security measures or releasing sensitive information. Because the target lets the hacker inside the system, even the strongest cyber security systems can't stop a social engineering attack. Social engineering attacks are on the rise, according to experts, which is why we've included it as a top danger.
    
6. Patch Management -
   Many cyber-attacks begin with out-of-date software. As a result, failing to keep up with software patches leaves businesses open to a variety of data security breaches. As soon as an attacker discovers a software flaw, they might use it to launch a cyber attack. This trend in cyber security is illustrated by two large-scale cyber attacks that began in May 2018. The attacks took advantage of Eternal Blue, a serious flaw in the Windows operating system. Microsoft had, crucially, provided a patch for the Eternal Blue flaw two months prior. Organizations who did not keep their software up to date were left vulnerable. Millions of dollars were wasted due to a simple software update failure.
    
7. BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policy -
   As part of their Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, several organisations encourage employees to use personal devices at work. This provides a number of advantages, including more flexibility and convenience. It's even been said that it boosts productivity and morale. While BYOD policies have many advantages, they can also expose businesses to major cyber security risks. Hacking personal devices is easier than hacking corporate devices, allowing attackers to infiltrate networks and expose data. To reduce the associated cyber risks, it's critical to review these policies and ensure that employees are properly trained.
    

Conclusion

Security specialists with advanced training are in high demand. Because no firm is immune to cybercrime, IT security must be a key priority for all. Finding the most qualified professionals to lead the way is the first step.
 

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