Cybersecurity Engineer - Job Description

Threats to the business world from cybercriminals and security leaks have been on the increase for some years now, and as a result the need to hire skilled, experienced Cybersecurity Engineers has become ever more important. Those who work in this role can expect to be involved in all aspects of the protection of a company’s computer networks, systems, websites, and applications.

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Duties and responsibilities - What does a Cybersecurity Engineer do?

A number of highly important responsibilities will fall to a Cybersecurity Engineer, including:

Develop, build, maintain and test security systems and monitor their effectiveness
Constantly strive to find vulnerabilities in hardware, software, and applications
Plan and develop security plans for the company’s IT infrastructure
Introduce upgrades and replacements as and when needed by the business
Appropriately respond to security breaches and investigate how they occurred
Work alongside associated stakeholders to ensure optimum security levels at all times
Report to members of senior management on potential threats, proposed improvements, and ongoing security issues

Qualities needed for a successful Cybersecurity Engineer

The most successful Cybersecurity Engineers will clearly be trustworthy, reliable, and conscientious. They will need to have a strong understanding of the tactics that cybercriminals use and how best to combat them. A great deal of technical knowledge is a must-have, as is the need to remain calm and focused even the pressure levels are at their highest.

Problem-solving skills will undoubtedly be required, allied to attention to detail and, even for experienced candidates, the need to continue learning about a subject that is constantly evolving. The ability to remain methodical and unflustered in high pressure scenarios is also an important attribute.

It is important for Cybersecurity Engineers to know how potential criminals think, in effect to get inside their minds. They need to know how and why attacks are created, and they often work alongside ethical hackers to find out more about how such activities are conducted.

Qualifications and technical skills - How to become a Cybersecurity Engineer?

There are several technical skills required for this role, including an understanding of various applications. They include Python, JavaScript, Wireshark, Metasploit, John the Ripper, Nmap, Burp Suite and Ncat. Network security monitoring and encryption tools will be crucial, as will the use of penetration testing, vulnerability scanning and intrusion detection.

Generally, Cybersecurity Engineers will have a university degree in a relevant subject akin to computer science, information technology, systems engineering or computer programming. Working experience in a similar role will often be required as well. There will also be a need to display an affinity with computer languages such as Python, Ruby, Node or Power Shell.

Career development - What is the next step after Cybersecurity Engineer?

Many Cybersecurity Engineers will have worked previously as Systems Administrators, Cybersecurity Analysts, Web Developers and Junior Cybersecurity Engineers. Later, there could be opportunities to become Senior Cybersecurity Consultants, Lead Security Architects, or IT Directors.