Cyber security has become an integral part of the modern economy, as more and more businesses rely on digital platforms to conduct operations. With the proliferation of data breaches, it’s clear that businesses must equip themselves with the necessary tools to protect their data. Cyber security specialists are in high demand, as they are the ones who are best suited to find and fix vulnerabilities, and ensure the integrity of their clients’ data. From large corporations to small startups, companies are constantly on the lookout for experienced cyber security professionals to join their teams. Here, you can find some of the best companies offering cyber security positions as well as the skills you will need to land one of these jobs.
What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security is the protection of information systems from theft or damage to the hardware, software, networks and the information they hold. Cyber security specialists are responsible for the creation and implementation of policies that protect data and systems from cyber attacks. They also test the security of systems and networks to identify vulnerabilities. Most people think of cyber security as protecting computers, computer networks, and data from internet hackers. While that is a critical part of the overall cyber security picture, it’s actually just one small part of a much larger picture. Let’s look at the big picture. The other areas of cyber security protection include protecting computers and data from accidental damage, hardware failure, theft, malicious viruses, malicious software (malware), natural disasters, and even humans.
The Growing Demand for Cyber Security Professionals
The growing reliance on computers, smartphones and other connected devices has increased the demand for cyber security professionals. According to some projections, the global cyber security market is expected to grow from $82 billion in 2017 to $106 billion in 2021. With more businesses moving to the cloud, a growing number of companies are seeking to hire cyber security specialists. The increased spending on information technology, combined with a shortage of workers with the right skills, is expected to drive demand for cyber security professionals.
What makes a great Cyber Security Professional?
In order to be successful in the field of cyber security, you must have an analytical mind, an ability to communicate well with diverse groups of people and an aptitude for mathematics. You should be able to find patterns in large amounts of data and be able to understand how the pieces fit together. Excellent critical thinking skills are also crucial, as you will be responsible for analyzing threats to information systems and devising appropriate solutions to minimize the risks. Excellent communication skills are needed, as you will likely have to work with clients and other stakeholders to implement new measures.
The Best Companies Seeking Cyber Security Specialists
1. Accenture – This company was ranked 4th on Forbes’s list of “America’s Best Employers for 2019”, and it has a strong track record of growth. Accenture has a presence in almost every country in the world, and it is currently looking to recruit top cyber security specialists. Job Description – Cyber security specialists at Accenture will be responsible for protecting their clients’ networks and data from online threats. They will conduct security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities, design and implement network security solutions, and provide ongoing network monitoring to ensure maximum protection. Average salary – $95,000
2. Avast – This is one of the most recognized anti-virus software providers in the world. Avast has been growing rapidly in recent years, and it is now seeking cyber security specialists to join their team. Job Description – The responsibilities of Avast’s cyber security specialists include securing their clients’ networks and data from cyber threats, conducting security audits, and designing and implementing secure networks. They will also provide ongoing network monitoring to ensure maximum protection. Average salary – $96,000
3. Booz Allen Hamilton – This is one of the oldest and largest management consulting firms in the world. It was founded in 1914, and it currently employs more than 35,000 people across the globe. It is currently looking to hire cyber security specialists. Job Description – Booz Allen Hamilton’s cyber security specialists will provide their clients with risk assessments, threat identification and mitigation strategies, implementation of security solutions, and ongoing network monitoring. They will also provide advice on topics such as data privacy and risk management. Average salary – $86,000
4. C3 – C3 is a cybersecurity company that specializes in threat detection, incident response, and digital forensics. It has received great reviews from clients, and it is currently looking to hire cyber security specialists to join its team. Job Description – C3’s cyber security specialists will be responsible for detecting and responding to cyber attacks. They will also be required to conduct digital investigations to collect evidence related to cyber attacks.
Average salary – $90,000
5. General Dynamics – This is one of the largest defense contractors in the world. It employs over 100,000 people, and it is currently looking to hire cyber security specialists. Job Description – General Dynamics’s cyber security specialists will be responsible for protecting their clients’ networks and data from online threats. They will conduct security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities, design and implement network security solutions, and provide ongoing network monitoring to ensure maximum protection. Average salary – $92,000
6. Hewlett Packard Enterprise – This is one of the largest information technology companies in the world. It was founded in 1939 as an audio manufacturer, but it has evolved into a leading provider of IT services, analytics, and software. HPE is currently looking to hire cyber security specialists. Job Description – HPE’s cyber security specialists will be responsible for protecting their clients’ networks and data from cyber threats. They will conduct security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities, design and implement network security solutions, and provide ongoing network monitoring to ensure maximum protection. Average salary – $81,000
7. IBM – This is one of the world’s leading IT companies. It has been around since 1911, and it currently employs more than 380,000 people across the globe. IBM is currently looking to hire cyber security specialists. Job Description – IBM’s cyber security specialists will be responsible for protecting their clients’ networks and data from cyber threats. They will conduct security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities, design and implement network security solutions, and provide ongoing network monitoring to ensure maximum protection. Average salary – $101,000
8. Intel – This is one of the largest semiconductor manufacturers in the world. It produces integrated circuits and other electronic components and has been growing strongly in recent years. Intel is currently looking to hire cyber security specialists. Job Description – Intel’s cyber security specialists will be responsible for protecting their clients’ networks and data from cyber threats. They will conduct security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities, design and implement network security solutions, and provide ongoing network monitoring to ensure maximum protection. Average salary – $105,000
9. Juniper Networks – This is one of the largest providers of communications equipment. It was founded in 1996, and it currently employs over 12,000 people across the globe. Juniper Networks is currently looking to hire cyber security specialists. Job Description – Juniper Networks’ cyber security specialists will be responsible for protecting their clients’ networks and data from cyber threats. They will conduct security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities, design and implement network security solutions, and provide ongoing network monitoring to ensure maximum protection. Average salary – $95,000
10. Raytheon – This is one of the largest providers of defense and civil government services. It was founded in 1922, and it currently employs over 65,000 people across the globe. Raytheon is currently looking to hire cyber security specialists. Job Description – Raytheon’s cyber security specialists will be responsible for protecting their clients’ networks and data from cyber threats. They will conduct security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities, design and implement network security solutions, and provide ongoing network monitoring to ensure maximum protection.
Average salary – $91,000
11. Symantec – This is one of the largest providers of cyber security solutions. It was founded in 1982 as a software company, but it has shifted its focus to protecting enterprises against online threats. Symantec is currently looking to hire cyber security specialists. Job Description – Symantec’s cyber security specialists will be responsible for protecting their clients’ networks and data from cyber threats. They will conduct security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities, design and implement network security solutions, and provide ongoing network monitoring to ensure maximum protection.
Average salary – $98,000