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Top 5 High-Demand Cybersecurity Niches to Boost Your Career
As a cybersecurity expert at WispComply, I once faced the situation where I have to choose my career path from cybersecurity niches. If you are facing the same situation, let me guide you through this complex process.
Cybersecurity is gaining more and more popularity as the number of users in the digital world increases, making cyberattacks more common day by day. But it is the vast field and it’s hard to choose from security risk manager to penetration tester roles. You should focus on starting your career.
In this blog,I will share the top five high-demand cybersecurity niches to boost your career that pay you a handsome amount of salary.
Top Five High-Demand Cybersecurity Niches You Can Choose From
Here are the five most high-paying cybersecurity niches to explore as you map out your cybersecurity career path:
1. Security Risk Manager (Governance, Risk and Compliance)
Security risk managers are individuals who ensure cybersecurity measures align with business goals. They assess risks to the organization’s digital assets and develop strategies to mitigate these risks without compromising business creation.
Certifications and Specialization Required
- Get certifications in risk management and information security.
- Develop skills in developing and implementing security frameworks.
- Oversee projects or teams to showcase your expertise and leadership in cybersecurity.
Security Risk Manager Salary
The average security risk manager in the USA makes around $120,838 annually.
2. Application Security Engineer
The application security engineer is in high demand in cybersecurity niches due to the rise in developing new applications, particularly cloud based apps, which are developed constantly. These professionals focus on developing more secure apps, running penetration tests, testing code, and threat modeling.
Certifications and Specialization Required
- Develop expertise in multiple programming languages, especially C and C++.
- Enroll in application security testing projects in the current role.
- Participate in Bug Bounty Programs (BBP) offered by tech giants like Microsoft and Google.
Application Security Engineer Salary
The average application security engineer in the United States of America makes $84,062 annually.
3. Cloud Security Engineer
With an important shift of mission oriented applications to the cloud, Cloud Security Engineers are important for managing the innate security risks. Cloud security engineers handle the secure migration of workloads to the cloud, which is a complicated tasks given the interconnected nature of enterprise applications.
Certifications and Specialization Required
- Develop experience with major cloud services like Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform.
- Gain skills in familiarizing and automating yourself with DevOps practices.
- Learn programming languages like Python, Java, and Angular JS.
Cloud Security Engineer Salary
The average cloud security engineer in the United States of America makes $84,129 annually.
4. Vulnerability Management Analyst
Vulnerability management analyst is my favorite in this list of high-demand cybersecurity niches. This role concentrates on identifying system weaknesses and allowing teams to fix them. It’s less high-stakes than happening reply and great for creating technical skills.
Certifications and Specialization Required
- Developing risk-based mitigation strategies for networks, operating systems, and applications.
- Gain certifications like CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA security+, and CompTIA PenTest+
Vulnerability Management Analyst Salary
The average vulnerability management analyst in the United States of America makes $86,611 annually.
5. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
Lastly, penetration tester or ethical hackers, are important for testing and securing existing systems. They simulate cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities, document these issues, and advise on how to rectify them.
Certifications and Specialization Required
- Perform different types of security tests including network, wireless, and social engineering tests.
- Learn the use of tools like Kali Linux, Metasploit, and Wireshark.
- Comprehend computer protocols and network communications entirely.
Penetration Tester Salary
The average penetration tester in the United States of America makes $107,168 annually.
Conclusion
Choosing from cybersecurity niches can greatly impact your career growth and earning possibility. With the increasing majority of cyber threats, specializing in areas such as security risk management, application security, cloud security, vulnerability management, or penetration testing can not only boost your skills but also provide greater opportunities and higher salaries. As you go on your cybersecurity career path, consider these high-demand domains to position yourself for victory in this ever-evolving industry.
FAQs
1: What qualifications do I need to pursue a career in cybersecurity?
A degree in computer science or a related field is beneficial, but certifications specific to your chosen cybersecurity niches—such as CompTIA, CISSP, or CEH—can enhance your qualifications.
2: Are there entry-level positions available in cybersecurity?
Yes, many organizations offer entry-level roles like security analyst or IT support, which can serve as stepping stones to more specialized positions in cybersecurity.
3: How can I gain experience in cybersecurity?
Participating in internships, enrolling in cybersecurity boot camps, joining cybersecurity clubs, and contributing to open-source projects can help you build practical experience.
4: What are the future job prospects in cybersecurity?
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to continue growing, as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of protecting their digital assets.
5: Can I switch careers to cybersecurity from a different field?
Absolutely! Many professionals successfully transition into cybersecurity from various backgrounds by leveraging their existing skills and acquiring relevant certifications.
6: Can I grow with transforming cybersecurity niches?
Yes, with the high-demanding cybersecurity niches you can grow in the field of cybersecurity career path.