What makes this job stressful: Web analytics developers often share their findings with fellow employees via presentations and reports. Job responsibilities may include: Standard intrusions may include monitoring unauthorized web pages on servers or responding to outbound transmission of compressed files. Many jobs in security list a bachelors degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field as a requirement. Salaries for remote roles in software development were higher than location-bound jobs in 2022, Hired finds. This article lists 10 signs you might not be cut out to be a cybersecurity specialist. To help you stress less, we've gathered information about how to identify and secure some of the least stressful jobs in tech. The security threats change week to week, day to day, and even hour to hour. Of course, not everything about the cybersecurity specialist job is negative. In this role, youre the companys point person for security, ensuring that data remains secure against unauthorized access and cyberattacks. Everything is relative, including an individuals perception of workplace stress. An (ISC) survey of 1,024 cybersecurity professionals in the US and Canada found that more than half felt that an education in cybersecurity is nice to have but not critical. About 20 percent of those surveyed with less than three years of experience had only an associate or technical degree [1]. 2023 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved. Most job descriptions will state whether remote work is an option. They do this by trying to anticipate and defend against cyber threats, and responding to security breaches when they do happen. This should be of concern to technologists, business executives and private citizens and continues to cause an existential threat to national security.. Cybersecurity professionals are in demand. Through our year-round schedule, you could earn your degree in just 2.5 years. Cybersecurity specialists cant thwart every attack, which means at some point an attack will be successful. These are just a few options for mid-level and advanced cybersecurity professionals. Due to the sensitive nature of their jobs, stress is a primary complaint for many professionals. As the name suggests, an incident response analyst is the first responder to a cyber attack. 2023 TechnologyAdvice. General progression is Helpdesk -> systems/network admin -> then possibly a soc analyst job etc. Ensure the development of Cyber engineers through training, conferences, best practice sharing, etc. Burnout is a hard conversation, but its necessary for CISOs to face workplace stress before it compromises productivity, talent retention or individual well-being. Analysis and insights from hundreds of the brightest minds in the cybersecurity industry to help you prove compliance, grow business and stop threats. Here are some popular careers based on experience level: Entry-level roles: systems engineer, systems administrator, web developer, IT technician, network engineer, security specialist Mid-level roles: security technician, security analyst, incident responder, IT auditor, cybersecurity consultant, penetration tester Any effort to find solutions to stress should start with the employees perspective. With so many agile project management software tools available, it can be overwhelming to find the best fit for you. The unfortunate reality of a work environment where employees and executives routinely circumvent your practical security procedures and protocols is that the cybersecurity specialist is always the one who gets blamed for a security breach. When executed, they begin scanning for and copying various directories that usually contain some sort of sensitive information or credentials including web and login data from Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Microsoft's latest Windows 11 allows enterprises to control some of these new features, which also include Notepad, iPhone and Android news. Security professionals in particular are: More than twice as likely to report poor work-life balance (44 percent vs. 20 percent), More than five times as likely to worry about job security (32 percent vs. 6 percent), More than three times as likely not to take full vacation days (89 percent vs. 28 percent). CISOs need to understand why cyber teams face so much pressure and create a response plan for a healthier workforce. Want to work in tech but hate high-pressure work environments? Ultimately, when making any major choice, it's essential to start with realistic expectations. Todays modern CISO must ensure they are always prepared for the next big trend and remain ahead of adversaries. Simply staying on pace with these trends is a significant part of the CISOs job. This is good news for qualified cybersecurity job seekers, as it means that getting a job in their chosen field might not be as difficult as it might be for someone facing a job market with fewer openings than qualified job seekers. Such a presentation requires a deft touch and diplomatic aplomb. As you gain experience in cybersecurity, several paths can open up for advancement into more specialized roles. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. or any other. The COVID-19 pandemic forced IT pros to work remotely, and it even reinforced that many thrive in this type of work environment. Is Cybersecurity Stressful Yes, over half of cybersecurity professionals stay up at night because of job stress and work challenges. SEE: 10 tips for new cybersecurity pros (free PDF) (TechRepublic). Learn from industry experts, and earn a credential for your resume in less than six months. The National Security Agency (NSA) also offers Development Programs in Cybersecurity Operations and Cybersecurity Engineering. Encouraging employees of all backgrounds to find community and practice self care can create more inclusive experiences, especially when that encouragement comes with organizationwide efforts to address workplace bias. Colorado City - CO Colorado - USA , 80509. However, regularly reviewing and updating such components is an equally important responsibility. Computer Hardware Engineer The working environment as a computer hardware engineer is nowhere near stressful. What makes this job stressful: Should a problem with a website arise, web developers may need to work quickly to fix it. The largest skills shortages are now in the areas of cloud security (33%), application security (32%), and security analysis and investigations (30%). As hacks and data breaches continue to dominate headlines, it comes as no surprise that cyber security degree programs are so popular. People closest to the work are the best resource for understanding barriers to productivity. Time is Running Out, Motorola's handy Bluetooth device adds satellite messaging, Linux 6.2: The first mainstream Linux kernel for Apple M1 chips arrives, Sony's new headphones adopt WH-1000XM5 technology at a great price, The perfectly pointless $197 gadget that some people will love. They optimize data warehouse infrastructure and workflow, making adjustments as needed. When starting a new career path, it's helpful to network with industry professionals to learn more about the field and to create mutually beneficial relationships. Addressing long work hours isnt easy, especially if your talent is compensating for security skills shortages. Heres why, MSP best practices: PC deployment checklist, MSP best practices: Network switch and router maintenance checklist, Keeping up with the security needs of new IT initiatives (40%), Finding out about IT initiatives/projects that were started by other teams within my organization with no security oversight (39%), Trying to get end users to understand cybersecurity risks and change their behavior accordingly (38%), Trying to get the business to better understand cyber risks (37%), Constant emergencies and disruptions that take me away from my primary tasks (26%), The fear of getting something wrong (25%), Keeping up with internal and regulatory compliance audits (25%), Monitoring the security status of third parties my organization does business with (24%), Sorting through the myriad of security technologies used by my organization (17%). I dont have it in me to work in a warehouse 60 hrs a week anymore. If you cant afford to automate the SOC, its probably time to rethink resources and consider whether youre underfunding security ops. IT workers must keep up to date with the latest technology trends and evolutions, as well as developing soft skills like project management, presentation and persuasion, and general management. All rights reserved. 10 signs you may not be cut out for a cybersecurity job. You can check out our full list of top 11 remote IT jobs, and one particular cyber role made this list: cybersecurity analyst. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Working in the fast-paced and competitive tech industry often means managing tight deadlines and heavy workloads. With a lot of choices in the market, we have highlighted the top six HR and payroll software options for 2023. Business executives need to acknowledge that they have a key role to play in addressing this problem by investing in their peoplethe research shows in order to retain and grow cybersecurity professionals at all levels, business leaders need to get involved by building a culture of support for security and value the function.. Your responsibilities might include: Building and maintaining security networks and systems, Preparing budgets and overseeing security expenses, Coordinating security operations across IT and engineering departments, Improving systems in response to security incidents or vulnerabilities, Common certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), CSA Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK), Related job titles: Cybersecurity architect, information security architect, Managing Cybersecurity. Providing more internal opportunities for continuing education and skills training can help ensure that security pros stay close to a 40-hour workweek. DOD offers a wide range of Information Technology . Yet despite adding workers this past year, that gap continued to widen. This knowledge will be important for you Feeder role: Information security analyst, incident responder. Your responsibilities might include: Monitoring systems and running regular backups, Developing and documenting security procedures for the organization, Collaborating with security teams to respond to unwanted intrusions, Participating in company-wide security audits, Common certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Related job titles: Security administrator, cybersecurity administrator, information security officer. Look at workplace reviews on sites like Glassdoor to learn about company culture and expectations. What makes this job chill: Web analytics on an existing website is an ongoing project with few deadlines. That's not to say it's impossible though. Managed services providers often prioritize properly configuring and implementing client network switches and firewalls. A culture of secure digital transformation can address this stress source and lower innovation risks and costs. Poor executive support for security is guaranteed to trickle down and result in a struggling security culture and bare-minimum efforts to conduct security awareness training. Responsibilities for security specialists vary from organization to organization but may include: Testing and maintaining firewalls and antivirus software, Suggesting improvements for security weaknesses, Common certifications: CompTIA Security+, Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), Related job titles: Cybersecurity specialist, information security specialist. For more, check out Infographic: How to solve the cybersecurity talent gap in your organization on TechRepublic. One major employer of cybersecurity specialists is the government. In fact, some executives are plain apathetic about securityat least, until there is a security breach, where suddenly security is the absolute most important thing. In this cybersecurity leadership position, youre responsible for overseeing the security infrastructure at your organization. Deployment of backdoors was the number one action on objective taken by threat actors last year, according to the 2023 IBM Security X-Force Threat Intelligence Index a comprehensive analysis of our research data collected throughout the year. While the cyber skills shortage isnt a simple conversation, CISOs need to measure and respond to internal skill gaps and stress impacts. Feeder role: Systems administrator, information security analyst. 71 percent of security employees report theyre on call 24/7/365, per Ponemon. Web developers offer their services throughout the public and private sectors. Nearly 12,000 participants in that study felt that additional staff would have a hugely positive impact on their ability to perform their duties. To prepare for a cybersecurity role, start building your technical and workplace skills through online courses, boot camps, or self-study. This almost-great Raspberry Pi alternative is missing one key feature, This $75 dock turns your Mac Mini into a Mac Studio (sort of), Samsung's Galaxy S23 Plus is the Goldilocks of Smartphones, How the New Space Race Will Drive Innovation, How the metaverse will change the future of work and society, Digital transformation: Trends and insights for success, Software development: Emerging trends and changing roles. Having a bachelors or masters degree can often create more job opportunities, make you a more competitive candidate in the cybersecurity job market, or help you advance in your career. 2023 TechnologyAdvice. You can also consider a professional certificate, such as the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate, available on Coursera, designed to help learners become job-ready.. There is no respite from the stress of knowing your systems. The cybersecurity specialist cant escape from the knowledge that most of their worst days on the job will be caused by co-workers who carelessly circumvent security protocols for the sake of convenience. While security is a 24/7 business, every team needs to create a fair approach to on-call scheduling and compensation. In this role, you design the systems to keep a companys computers, networks, and data safe from cyber attacks to natural disasters. This includes briefings on what security policies, protocols, and procedures are in place before a breach occurs. Additional stressors include security issues, potential deadlines, and interacting with clients and colleagues. Youll receive primers on hot tech topics that will help you stay ahead of the game. A security stress strategy should begin with surveying and active listening. Here are the 10 most stressful aspects of the cybersecurity job: Perhaps due to these stressors, 47% of cybersecurity professionals report that they are only somewhat satisfied with their current job compared to 39% who say they are very satisfied, 10% who are not very satisfied, and 4% who are not at all satisfied, the report found. The report surveyed 267 cybersecurity professionals worldwide, and respondents reported that they believe the skills gap to be a primary cause for the rise in cybersecurity incidents. In some cases, those executives are going to be the worst offenders. Security teams need to direct resources toward protecting their most critical vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity might be worth considering if youre already in the world of information technology (IT) or looking to make a career switch. With so many cybersecurity positions to fill, having the right skills can go a long way toward securing you a job. Cultural battles directly contribute to security job stress. An effective cybersecurity specialist must be able to give a totally accurate account of events even if that explanation will embarrass certain individualsconsider the CEO keylogger example we mentioned earlier. Interested in working in cyber security? Security or database function issues may lead to stressful situations. Just did 6 years in the Army infantry, made 400k in crypto, left the military and lost it all. Avg. Most cybersecurity professionals enter the field after gaining experience in an entry-level IT role. Personally identifiable information (PII) is trivial to manage. You will fail to prevent unauthorized access, you will fail to protect enterprise data, you will fail to find all security vulnerabilities before they can be exploitedat some point, youll just fail. ": "There's a lot of different groups that you can join, whether it's meeting other students or joining special interest groups that get you into this field. 2020 cybersecurity conferences will focus on stress and mental health risks and provide an opportunity for community problem-solving. What makes this job chill: Computer hardware engineers require technical knowledge and skills, but work duties are often carried out independently and on your own timeline. Successful IT departments are defined not only by the technology they deploy and manage, but by the skills and capabilities of their people. Find out about what you can experience from our unique ECPI University online+ philosophy. $106,400 to $203,900 Yearly. Avg. Virtually all cyber teams are understaffed and overworked, and these resource shortages can make a serious impact. Theres a strong relationship between mental health effects and stress, especially when an individual has a pre-existing condition or increased risk factors. The adage youre only as good as your last performance certainly applies. If you cant keep calm, even if everyone else is in a panic, you may not be suited for life in cybersecurity. Full Time, Part Time, Remote/Work from Home position. An effective cybersecurity specialist must be able to see, adapt, and counteract these changes on the fly as they occur. Cryptography is an indispensable tool for protecting information in computer systems. Here are a few of the most common entry-level jobs within the bigger world of cybersecurity. Avg. Opening a workplace dialogue and teaching coping strategies can go a long way in aiding employees mental health, but sometimes people need professional treatment, Amanda Berlin, security expert and CEO of the nonprofit Mental Health Hackers, told me. Getting started as an IT support technician or network administrator allows you to establish yourself within an organization and build up your technical skills before taking on the added responsibilities of a security role.. 2023 ZDNET, A Red Ventures company. For more information, please see our Internal survey findings could create a strong use case to boost skills with simulation training or form partnerships with third-party vendors. The position not only requires technical proficiency, but also the unshakeable confidence and sense of conviction to overcome obstacles that many would find discouraging and disheartening. Due to the sensitive nature of their jobs, stress is a primary complaint for many professionals. It is usually a low-stress job except when some technological problems arise such as hardware and software glitches or internet outrage. There is no winning. If you can do that, perhaps cybersecurity specialist is your true calling. Putting pressure on yourself to perform further contributes to job-related stress. It's partly due to overwork. What they do: Web analytics developers design tools to assess online traffic, marketing, and business performance. For this purpose, we assume you have the technical skills to handle the rolethe pertinent question is do you have the necessary nontechnical skills? The coolest jobs on this planet. These are just a few options for mid-level and advanced cybersecurity professionals. If you cant accept this reality, you may not be cut out for a life as a cybersecurity specialist. 2 Reply For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya. Cybersecurity is a concern for any company that utilizes computer systems, so there are opportunities for cybersecurity professionals to find jobs across a wide range of industries. Old security vulnerabilities are closed or patched only to be replaced by new ones. According to a study by the cybersecurity professional organization (ISC), there are some 3.1 million unfilled positions worldwide [1]. SOC analyst frustrations about false positives or excessive manual work can be addressed with cognitive solutions to orchestrate and automate the SOC. Workers who pull long hours are less attentive on the job, which can add to security stress and performance risks. These security systems might include elements like firewalls and intrusion detection systems. National averages salary: $64,977 per year. Asset, Risk Management, Access Control, Security Software, Cloud Computing Security, Wireless Security, Incident Detection and Response. Job specializations: IT/Tech. Identifying which tech job fits requires some research. About 89 percent of cybersecurity jobs require a bachelors or graduate degree in addition to a few years of relevant experience. This includes coordinating and/or performing network penetration tests, risk assessments and security application administration. Outside of the government, cybersecurity professionals might look for jobs at technology companies such as Apple and Intel; software companies such as Cisco; banks such as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Capital One; and health centers such as Patient First; manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin and General Motors. Cybersecurity stress is an industrywide epidemic among security professionals. Numerous factors contribute to the stress level associated with a job, and not everyone finds the same factors stressful. What they do: Database architects create databases to store information alongside standards for database operations, programming, processes, and security. Still, the average job tenure of a CISO is just 18-24 months much shorter than the average 8.4-year tenure of CEOs. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023 East Coast Polytechnic Institute All Rights Reserved. At the dawn of a new space age, Lockheed Martin Space is a pioneer, partner, innovator, and builder. Automation and incident response capabilities can further reduce on-call stresses by reducing false positive alerts and manual investigations. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals. Cyber Security, Tech, Computer Engineer, DevOps. Inevitably, one of the individuals in charge of implementing those mitigation protocols is the cybersecurity specialist. Some of your regular tasks might include: Documenting and presenting audit findings, Providing guidance on recommended and mandatory security measures, Designing plans to fix any security risks, Identifying opportunities for better efficiency, Common certifications: Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Related job titles: Internal IT auditor, security auditor. What they do: Data scientists use computers to assess datasets. A lot of landing a job is how well you sell yourself so you could really wow somebody in an interview and land a position. Youll find more than 300 different certifications, and the quality isnt always the same., If youre new to cybersecurity, consider starting with a more foundational certification, like the CompTIA Security+. Any input is appreciated. If the prospect of being blamed for the actions of someone else makes you a little crazy, dont try your hand at cybersecurity specialist. TechRepublic Premium content helps you solve your toughest IT issues and jump-start your career or next project. Cybercriminals and their orchestrated attacks on enterprise information technology infrastructure never rest, never take a day off. TechRepublic Premium content helps you solve your toughest IT issues and jump-start your career or next project. As the team leader, it's your responsibility to ensure the safety of your company's technological infrastructure. 5. What they do: Technical writers take technical information and condense it into operations and maintenance instructions. These jobs, listed alphabetically, include roles that may feature remote work and flexible headlines. Youll receive primers on hot tech topics that will help you stay ahead of the game. Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions face an increased risk of debilitating workplace stress. protecting their most critical vulnerabilities, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The least stressful jobs in tech provide flexibility, stability, and fulfillment and pay well, too. Our amazing people are on a mission to make a difference . Technical Responsibilities: Knowledge and proven experience as a Cyber Systems Security Engineer. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. With the allure of fighting on the front lines of cyber-warfare, the information security industry can seem nothing short of glamorous. SLAs involve identifying standards for availability and uptime, problem response/resolution times, service quality, performance metrics and other operational concepts. To help, well review the realities of jobs in Cyber Security: the good, the bad, and the ugly. All salary data represents average annual salaries in the US, according to Glassdoor (September 2022). The least stressful jobs for tech professionals exist across industries. annual salary: $98,860 (May 2020)Minimum education: Bachelor's degreeRequired experience: Several years. Day-to-day tasks might include: Collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence, Recovering data from erased or damaged hard drives, Documenting the data retrieval process and maintaining chain of custody, Assisting law enforcement in criminal investigations, Providing expert testimony in court proceedings, Common certifications: GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst, EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE), AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE), Related job titles: Computer forensic specialist, cyber forensic specialist, digital forensics analyst. Stressful workplaces are linked to employee turnover, productivity issues and absenteeism all of which can have a particularly nasty impact on understaffed cyber teams. Along with all the stressful pressures mentioned already, theres another stress-inducing factor that cybersecurity specialists must understand and embrace, despite how painful it may be: No matter how well you do your jobyou will fail! It may or may not be. Feeder role: Network or systems administrator. The adage youre only as good as your last performance certainly applies. The balance between the attackers and the cybersecurity specialist is in a constant state of flux, with battles going to the side with the better technical know-how. Start by setting aside 15 minutes each day to focus on cybersecurity. Avg. The least stressful jobs for tech professionals exist across industries. Cybersecurity professionals are dedicated to their craft: 42% of those surveyed have worked in the field for at least 10 years, the report found. As an IT auditor, youll assess your organizations technology for potential issues with security, efficiency, and compliance. 9. A vital part of the cybersecurity specialists job is to brief stakeholders. NSA research has found that security jobs measurably contribute to fatigue, frustration and other mental health concerns. Tension isnt unique to jobs in security or technology, but its difficult to assess just how the risks stack up. The pandemic led to many developers working from home, and many have experienced burnout.