Learn about cybersecurity engineer jobs and what do employers look for in a candidate?

Cybersecurity is a fascinating and relentlessly evolving industry. In the last few years, the industry has witnessed exponential growth with the rapid emergence of cyber-related threats. To ease such threats and risks, companies are actively looking for advanced cybersecurity solutions and professionals with germane knowledge and skills who can operate those solutions to ensure better protection. Cybersecurity engineer is one of the most demanding tech professions in the cybersecurity job market that is soaring unprecedently.

Cybersecurity engineers typically design information security solutions and make security strategies to defend against persistent threats. As every organization these days rely on a well-built IT infrastructure, it is cybersecurity engineers' responsibility to safeguard it from cyberattacks.

What Does a Cybersecurity Engineer Do?

• Planning and executing security measures.

• Assessing security needs and carrying out best practices and standards accordingly.

• Checking for susceptibility, inspecting and detecting security risks, and creating the best security system.

• Responding to all security breaches of the network and associated systems.

• Conducting testing and scans regularly to identify vulnerabilities in the network and system.

• Taking an active role in the change management process.

What Skills a Cybersecurity Engineer Should Possess?

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or related STEM subject.

• Knowledge of programming languages such as Java, C++, Ruby, Python, Node, Go and Power Shell.

• Knowledge of firewall and intrusion detection/prevention protocols.

• Familiarity with Windows, UNIX and Linux operating systems.

• Expertise in virtualization technologies, and MySQL/MSSQL database platforms.

• Knowledge of the latest trends and awareness of current hacking techniques and cybercrime.

• Problem-solving skills, with technical aptitude and business acumen.

What Education and Certifications a Cybersecurity Engineer Should Have?

To become a successful cybersecurity engineer, an aspirant must have a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science from any recognized university. They also must carry knowledge in a related field. Apart from this, there is a myriad of certifications available that a candidate must learn. Some top certifications are:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

This certification program is ideal for experienced security practitioners, managers and executives who are interested in proving their knowledge across a wide array of security practices and principles. With CISSP, an aspirant will be able to effectively design, implement and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program. He/she can even validate their expertise and become an (ISC)² member, unlocking a broad range of exclusive resources, educational tools, and peer-to-peer networking opportunities.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

CEH is an ultimate ethical hacking certification issued by EC-Council. This certification is achieved through the CEH examination by attending training at an Accredited Training Center (ATC) and completed through EC-Council's learning portal, iClass. The current version of the CEH is v11, which will teach learners the latest commercial-grade hacking tools, techniques, and methodologies used by hackers and information security professionals to lawfully hack an organization.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

This certification course offers expertise in the acquisition, development, testing, and implementation of information systems and teaches the guidelines, standards, and best practices of protecting them. It helps learners with the skills required to govern and control enterprise IT and perform an effective security audit.

Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)

GAIC certifications develop and administer premier, professional cybersecurity certifications. GIAC Certifications provide the highest and most rigorous assurance of cybersecurity knowledge and skill available to industry, government, and military clients globally. GIAC offers over 30 cybersecurity certifications in security administration, management, legal, audit, forensics and software security. Each certification represents a certified individual's mastery of a particular set of knowledge and skills.

Conclusion

There is no wonder that cybersecurity risks in the last couple of years have snowballed significantly. Companies are taking every step to safeguard susceptible information, customer data and other business assets from cybercriminals. This is increasingly soaring the demand for cybersecurity engineers and will continue to surge as organizations more rely on digital technologies.