The number of jobs available in cyber security increased as more and more people turned to the Internet for everything from checking their email to running a business. If you have a passion for computers, the ability to work long hours on your own and have experience handling different types of computers and software, you can search for cyber security jobs after graduation. These jobs are available through the federal government and its agencies, nonprofit organizations and large private companies.
Security Analyst
A security analyst is someone who works with a network of computers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for trained analysts will increase by 37 percent between 2012 and 2022, which indicates that the field will add more than 27,000 new jobs. As an analyst, you must keep a close eye over the network and look for signs of potential theft, including employees stealing company information or hackers gaining access to the system. Analysts also monitor the entire system and find solutions for problems that arise. Analysts often need an undergraduate college degree and some experience with different computer operating systems.
Cyber Forensics Expert
When some people think of jobs available in cyber security, they often think of forensic experts. A forensic expert will often accept a job working for a private client after a crime occurred. They might look through computer files and search networks to find evidence relating to that crime. You might spend hours sifting through accounting programs to determine how a worker stole money. Cyber forensics experts also work with police departments and law enforcement before or after a crime. The police department might use a forensics expert to locate child pornography hidden in files found on a computer.
Software Developer
Software development is a fast growing job market within the cyber security field. Software developers create programs that individuals and companies can use to prevent the risk of security threats. These men and women are the ones responsible for the new payment processing methods used online that reduce the risk of identity theft and keep customer information safe. Software developers also monitor the Internet for new viruses and programs that can wipe computer hard drive, steal the identities of different people and hack into networks. They introduce new programs and test the software to ensure that it works properly before releasing the software to the general public.
Government Jobs
Government jobs available in cyber security include jobs working for the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Department of Homeland Security. Some of the jobs available within DHS include cyber incident responders, intelligence and investigation experts and networks and systems engineers. Cyber incident responders work in the hours and days immediately following a crime. They work hard to determine what occurred, the location of the criminal and how the criminal committed the act. Government jobs often come with a long application process and require that potential workers go through a long background and criminal check.
Related Resource: Systems Analyst
With the rise in popularity of smartphones, tablets and laptop computers, people today are more vulnerable to cyber crimes than ever before. The jobs available in cyber security let you work closely to reduce the risk of those online crimes, and you’ll find that you can work in software development, as an analyst or forensics expert or for the federal government.