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Cybercrime is costing Australians up to $1 billion in direct costs alone, according to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. As cyber-attacks continue to increase in number, there is more demand than ever for qualified Cybersecurity Professionals.  

Cybersecurity is a great career choice for people who are analytically minded, can think outside the box, love problem solving, and have an interest in technology.  

A career in Cybersecurity is one that can offer you a challenging, interesting work environment, and your career path could take you in a number of different directions. A job in Cybersecurity could also see you earning around $1932 a week, a figure that is higher than the national average. 

Currently, we are facing a skills shortage in the Cybersecurity industry, and employers are on the lookout for trained professionals with the right skill set.  

If you’re looking to launch a career in Cybersecurity, the time is now.  

What are the best jobs in Cybersecurity? 

Cybersecurity is a broad industry that is constantly growing. There are plenty of job opportunities out there for qualified professionals with the right kind of attitude. Here are what we think are some of the best jobs in the Cybersecurity industry right now.  

Cybersecurity Analyst 

As a Cybersecurity Analyst, you’re on the front lines, identifying and investigating potential threats and preventing cyber-attacks. It will be your job to develop and maintain a secure network, as well implement threat prevention protocols. You will be expected to be up to date with industry news and trends, so that you’re aware of new types of cyber-attacks to prepare against. You will also need to create contingency plans if an attack should be successful. How you are able to identify and resolve threats is just as important as being able to respond to a successful attack.  

Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester 

Have you heard the terms ‘black hat hacker’ and ‘white hat hacker’? A black hat hacker is, put simply, a cybercriminal. Black hat hackers use their knowledge and skills to break into secure networks, usually with the intent of stealing data, planting erroneous data, or corrupting data for personal or financial gain.  

A white hat hacker is also known as an ethical hacker. A white hat hacker will purposefully seek to infiltrate a secure network in order to seek out potential vulnerabilities. This is also called ‘penetration testing’. From there, they will be able to advise on how to strengthen these weak spots. A white hat hacker should be able to think like a black hat hacker in order to try and outsmart them, but will only use their powers for good, not evil.  

Cybersecurity Consultant 

A Cybersecurity Consultant’s job is to evaluate the potential risks posed to a particular company or organisation, and then advise on how to mitigate these risks.  

Cybersecurity Consultants usually work for firms, which means you will be consulting for a wide range of different companies, all with different needs. Potentially, you could also work as a freelancer.  

This is a role that would suit someone who is able to think creatively, and is able to use their experience and knowledge in the cybersecurity industry to assess a wide range of potential risks.  

Security Software Developer 

As a Security Software Developer, your job will be to design and develop security software tools and systems that will prevent cyber-attacks.  

You will be responsible for creating the software, and also testing it to make sure it is made as resilient as possible to resist cyber-attacks. As part of the software development process, you may also be called on to troubleshoot and debug any issues that arise.  

Computer Forensics Analyst 

If a cyber-attack is successful and a system has been compromised, it’s the job of a Computer Forensics Analyst to find the clues left behind to identify how the attack was made, and who is responsible. Sometimes, a breach could be an unintentional accident, and the Forensics Analyst will need to investigate how such an accident occurred, and how to ensure it won’t happen again.  

A Forensics Analyst may also work with police and other law enforcement agency after a cyber-attack has been made, and their findings may need to be presented in court.  

How do I get a job in Cybersecurity? 

While the industry is currently facing a skills shortage, that doesn’t mean that you are automatically guaranteed a job in Cybersecurity. There are a number of requirements or skills specific to Cybersecurity that employers will be on the lookout for. Most employers are looking for people with an industry-recognised qualification and some experience in IT. The right kind of attitude and personality can also help.  

Open Colleges has partnered with AIICT to bring you the Certified Cybersecurity Professional course. This online course will teach you the foundational skills and knowledge you need to enter the Cybersecurity industry, such as how to identify key threats and vulnerabilities, and real-world penetration testing skills. Upon passing your exams, you will also obtain three industry certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+. 

If you’re looking for a way to kickstart your Cybersecurity career and work your way towards a challenging and rewarding career in an ever-evolving industry, then the Certified Cybersecurity Professional course is the perfect place to start.