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July 11, 2023

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Top 7 In-demand Jobs In Cybersecurity

The wave of digitalization in the GCC has brought about a surge in cybersecurity, with Data Bridge projecting a CAGR of 7.6% between 2022-29. However, this digital transformation has also amplified the threat landscape, attracting hackers to exploit valuable corporate data. According to an IBM report, the average cost of a data breach in the GCC region stands at AED 27.4 million, substantially outpacing the global average of AED 15.98 million. This stark statistic underscores the burgeoning demand for cybersecurity professionals.

In this blog, we delve into the most sought-after roles in this fast-evolving field and provide insights into the key skills and career trajectories that can propel you towards these in-demand positions. Let’s embark on this exploration together.

1. Security Architect

The first on the list of in-demand cybersecurity jobs is the security architect, who deveops security architecture to prevent firms from malware attacks. They work with other security teams and conduct regular vulnerability tests to check the robustness of the security systems. A computer science or IT degree is always preferable for becoming a successful security architect.

AIQU can connect you with the top IT firms that are hiring security architects.

Here are some important skills that you must possess to be considered by the top firms:

Risk management experience
Network hardware configuration
Deep understanding of cryptography and security protocols
Problem-solving skills

The most important certifications for a security architect are:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional – Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (CISSP-ISSAP)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

2. Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity engineers are responsible for creating elaborate security measures to prevent cyber-attacks on firms. Therefore, they are crucial for protecting the network and data of an organization.

Usually, IT firms require 2 years of experience in the cybersecurity space for you to be eligible for this job.

Here are some skills that firms value in cybersecurity engineers:

Knowledge of architecture and management of operating systems.
Knowledge of C, C++, Python, and Java.
Strong communication, presentation, and networking.

The most common certifications among security engineers are;

Certified Information Systems Security Professional – Architecture (CISSP)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

3. Cyber Information Security Officer (CISO)

A cyber information security officer holds a senior position in a firm and ensures data safety across the organization. They’re responsible for maintaining information security and risk management protocols. CISOs also interact with other relevant organization members regarding information security concerns.

CISO is as much a managerial role as it is tech related. Therefore, it’s always preferable to have a management qualification, such as an MBA, alongside a computer science or IT degree.

After working with several IT firms, here are some important skills for a CISO we at AIQU have discovered so far:

Business and managerial expertise.
Supervisory skills and incident management.
Strong interpersonal skills.

The most popular CISO certifications today are:

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

4. Malware Analyst

The job of a malware analyst is to look out for any cyber threats, such as bots, viruses, worms, and trojans, to analyze them deeply and understand their structures. They develop tools to protect the firm from malicious malware and document methods to help avoid such threats in the future.

Here are some skills malware analysts should possess:

Knowledge of operating systems and networking.
Programming skills.
Know-how of reverse engineering any code.
Knowledge of high-level programming languages.

There are many certifications for becoming a malware analyst, but some of them stand out, such as:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional
Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM)

5. Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker

Like a hacker looking for a system’s vulnerabilities, an ethical hacker does the same, although with the opposite purpose. They design different tools to test the robustness of the security systems and document whatever they discover. One needs more than a year of experience in the information security realm to get a job at a quality organization.

Some of the most important skills an ethical hacker requires are:

Understanding of different operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, UNIX, etc.
Knowledge of multiple programming languages, such as Java, Python, Perl, C, and C++.
Strong communication, reporting, and networking skills.

Here are some certifications required to become a successful ethical hacker:

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Certified Expert Penetration Tester (CEPT)
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

6. Computer Forensic Analyst

Computer forensic analysts gather and analyze complex data on cyber-attacks and other illegal online activities. They have advanced data retrieval skills that apply to multiple areas, such as hacking, fraud, etc. Here are some of the hard and soft skills that qualified computer forensic analysts to possess:

Advanced knowledge of digital storage methods, operating systems, malware, and hacking.
Research the latest trends in cybersecurity threats and their potential solutions.
Understanding the legal aspects of their job to handle the retrieved data ethically.
Deep attention to detail as they deal with a lot of sensitive data.

Here are some of the most prominent certifications for a computer security analyst:

Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)

7. Application Security Engineer

An application security engineer’s job is to protect a company’s network and applications. An application security engineer usually heads the teams and provides regular guidance and technical leadership. Since they’re experts in technical analysis and design of application security systems, they’re a critical part of any firm.

Some tech skills required by this profession are:

A clear and detailed understanding of SLDC.
Working knowledge of web application security.

The most useful certifications for an application security engineer are:

Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE)
Certified Application Security Specialist (CASS)

Propel Your Cybersecurity Career With AIQU

As cybersecurity threats mount up, so does the need for professionals who can handle them. The cybersecurity job’s salary is amongst the best in the market, making it a lucrative profession for youngsters.

If you’re in the IT field and looking for lucrative job opportunities at some of the ‘Top 500 Fortune’ companies in the world, AIQU can ease the hassle for you. Today, we are the leading tech recruitment company for top IT companies, thanks to our 15+ years of dedication and commitment towards local and global recruitment excellence.

Our vision is to tangibly impact lives by offering the best work opportunities to those who deserve them. We pride ourselves as the top company, especially when connecting the right talent to the right companies.

Simply send us your CV here, and our tech recruitment experts will review it and keep you updated on possible openings.