Find out which cyber security job might be right for you based on your interests and personality!
So, you’re working your way up the skills ladder by playing CyberStart, keeping an eye on future tech trends and following all the industry leaders. But have you stopped to consider which cyber security path matches your passion and potential?
Just as no cyber attack is ever the same, the unique duties and traits required for each career in cyber security are also wildly different.
Despite their differences, each role promises to maximise your potential with exciting, fulfilling work in a stable and future-forward environment.
Read on to discover five cyber security jobs you may not have considered. Learn which role matches your current path and see if it’s right for you!
Take a sneak peek at the CyberStart challenges featured in this blog.
1. IT Security Manager
Who does IT security management suit?
- Can you see the bigger picture?
- Are you willing to keep up with new tech trends and leave the old ones in the past?
- Able to manage many projects at once and keep your cool when pressure is mounting?
- Good at investigating the cases in CyberStart?
Your personality may match the criteria needed for an IT Security Manager.
What does IT security management involve?
As an IT Security Manager, you’ll assess your company’s security measures, adapting and enhancing them to decrease the possibility of a cyber attack.
You’ll also protect and recover data to ensure disaster scenarios don’t threaten the organisation.
Simulated attacks are common in this role. Training employees to get up-to-speed with data protection and general security measures may also be part of your schedule.
Where will I work as an IT Security Manager?
As an IT Security Manager, you could work for a huge variety of industries.
Examples include investment banking companies like J.P. Morgan, big tech companies like Microsoft or aerospace companies like BAE Systems .
There’s also plenty of small and mid-level companies that require IT Security Managers, so you can start small and work your way up.
Where to focus your learning in CyberStart to become an IT Security Manager
HQ base is the perfect place to gain the knowledge and practical skills valued in IT Security Management.
HQ L02 C09 - ‘Fingerprints’ requires you to investigate a secret lock-up used by the Slootmaekers gang.
You’ll assess the security measures and see how easy they are to bypass - a common task for IT Security Managers.
To access the secret lock-up, you’ll need to get past an electronic keypad that requires a 4-digit PIN.
Physical security is just as important for an IT Security Manager to know as cyber security. Discover how easy it is to guess a PIN just from fingerprints!
Try out this challenge in HQ base when you upgrade your CyberStart account from a free licence.
2. Cryptanalyst
Who does cryptanalysis suit?
- Got a keen eye for detail?
- Like to do things precisely?
- Never take your eye off the ball?
Then this career will reward you and your focused character!
What does cryptanalysis involve?
As a Cryptanalyst or Cryptographer, you’ll likely be tasked with encrypting a company’s data.
You’ll secure computer and IT systems by choosing and implementing the most suitable cryptography.
You’ll analyse existing encryption systems to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
You may also develop and test theories and techniques to create new or enhanced solutions.
Where will I work as a Cryptanalyst?
As a Cryptanalysts, you could work for the government, securing high-profile data.
Cryptanalysts also work for healthcare organisations, securing national data of records and personal health information.
Discover the security flaw that exposed millions of health records in our hacks and attacks blog post.
Or you might find the Cryptanalyst role of your dreams in the financial industry, where you’ll secure bank records and eCommerce activity.
Where to focus your learning in CyberStart to become a Cryptanalyst
Forensics base has tonnes of challenges to practice spotting and solving different ciphers. You can access Forensics base when you upgrade your licence from a free account.
If you want to try a free Cryptanalyst challenge, check out Intern base L01 C02 - ‘Mixed Messages’. This challenge is great for beginners, as you’ll decipher one of the easiest forms of cryptography to spot - a reverse cipher.
Sign up for your free CyberStart account to play this challenge in Intern base.
3. IT Security Architect
Who does IT security architecture suit?
- Do you possess good communication skills?
- Do you have strong analytical skills?
- Are you a firm decision maker?
- Are you keen to innovate to enhance the solutions that you design?
Your traits could be perfect for the role of an IT Security Architect.
What does IT security architecture involve?
Security Architects design and build secure systems.
They blend knowledge of security hardware and software, organisational needs, and cyber security risks with current industry policies and standards.
As a Security Architect, you’ll uncover vulnerabilities, understand an organisation’s security risks and realise your work’s legal and political implications.
Where will I work as an IT Security Architect?
Expect to find work in a wide range of industries if you become an IT Security Architect.
Major telecommunications companies, national banks and even the government require IT Security Architects to build secure systems to keep their data safe.
Working in-house is typical, but freelancing is also a great option if you want to boost experience in many workplaces.
Where to focus your learning in CyberStart to become an IT Security Architect
HQ base is ideal for learning many hands-on IT Security Architect skills.
In HQ L02 C11 - ‘Under Attack’, it’s up to you to stop a cyber heist!
A crucial IT Security Architect skill to know is how to choose strong password policies.
Do any of the settings look a little weak? You’ll need to change one of the server configuration settings to make the server login rules more secure.
Try out this challenge in HQ base when you upgrade your CyberStart account from a free licence.
4. Penetration Tester
Who does penetration testing suit?
- Do you have a curious mind?
- Do you have a desire to figure out how systems work?
- Are you persistent when it comes to tricky challenges?
- Do you have ethical hacking skills to think like an attacker and identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses?
A career as Penetration Tester could match well with your traits.
What does penetration testing involve?
As a Pen Tester, you’ll carry out authorised tests on computer and network security systems, identifying weaknesses and vulnerabilities that cyber criminals could exploit.
You’ll ethically hack into networks and report back with a list of flaws to resolve in order to protect and defend the business’s system
Plus, conduct security audits, analyse security policies and write security assessment reports to fix issues ASAP.
Where will I work as a Penetration Tester?
Often, Penetration Testers work for a company, consulting firm or on a freelance basis.
If you enjoy ever-changing projects and want to ethically hack for a wide range of companies, penetration testing offers you the option to do this.
Where to focus your learning in CyberStart to become a Penetration Tester
If you want to learn penetration testing skills like ethical hacking and persistence, HQ base is an excellent place to start.
In HQ L03 C02 - ‘Lucky Throw’, use your persistence to determine how the Choppers gang win a specific game.
Try out this challenge in HQ base when you upgrade your free CyberStart account.
5. Security Software Developer
Who does security software development suit?
- Can you combine the technical knowledge of writing software with an angle of security risk analysis?
- Do you possess the skills of a fluid communicator?
Then a career as a Security Software Developer would be a smart move.
What does security software development involve?
Become a Security Software Developer, and you’ll research, design, implement and manage software programs.
This role usually involves getting stuck into a software program’s entire lifecycle, including modifying an existing one.
You’ll write and implement efficient code, integrate security into software to minimise weaknesses, and protect exploits and violations from cyber criminals.
Where will I work as a Security Software Developer?
Choose the path of a Security Software Developer, and you’ll enjoy a wide range of roles. You may work in non-profit organisations, general businesses or government agencies.
The road to code awaits!
To find out more about Security Software Development, check out our day in the life blog post on this role.
Where to focus your learning in CyberStart to become a Security Software Developer
Moon base is the best place in CyberStart to practice Security Software Developer skills, as you’ll learn how to create your own programs.
You can play Moon base by upgrading your CyberStart licence or check out the Intern base challenge below for a free and job relevant puzzle.
Intern L02 C04 - ‘Start-Up Troubles’ requires you to carry out a security audit for a company that cyber criminals have breached.
This challenge shows how the logic in login systems can be unsecure. If you can bypass it, you’ll gain knowledge about login system vulnerabilities and some ethical hacking skills too.
Sign up for your free CyberStart account to play this challenge in Intern base right now.
We hope we’ve introduced you to a range of exciting roles and that you’re able to plan for a bright future.
Remember, this is just a snapshot of what’s available within the cyber security industry. There are countless other career paths and avenues open to you.
Play fun challenges that give you the hands-on skills you need for a cyber security career by signing up for your free account with CyberStart today!
