Morshed Cyberspace is quite large and as a world of its own, it is filled with good and bad. The good aspects of cyberspace get enormous threats from hackers and other evil that try as much as possible to take advantage of the free space. But do you know you can make money from protecting cyberspace just as security operatives do in the actual world? Let’s talk about the money-making opportunities in cyber security.
Cyber security means a series of rules or protocols that a company or groups of companies follow to ensure that information maintains its level of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The Cybersecurity niche has become famous in recent times because of the huge rise in data, use of computers, the attacks, and hacking the system has experienced.
But professionals that want to get into the cybersecurity niche are curious to know-how companies and individuals make money from this business. So, this guide aims at creating a clear money-making path for anyone that intends to go into the cyber security niche.
How do cyber security professionals make money?
Are you looking for money to build a dream house, or do you desire additional spending money on the weekends? If yes, your soft skills are urgently required around the world. You can make as much money as you need to fund your dreams from cyber security.
The companies or individuals who work to curb cybercrimes make money by rendering many services to those who request their services. Some of the services you can offer in cybersecurity include technical assistance, service management, analysis, consulting vulnerabilities, penetration testing, computer auditing, etc. Cyber security experts can specialize in one or a combination of these services.
However, it’s easier said than done to move out and fetch the salary bump in cyberspace. So, how can you maximize your income by working in cybersecurity?
Interestingly, the inadequacy of competent candidates in the career field indicates that today’s cyber security experts will make more money. Keep reading to find out 9 simple tips to flourish and make money in cyber security.
1. Obtain Cyber Security Certifications
Acquiring a standard certificate is the best way to increase your income. In truth, a newly obtained certification can increase your annual income from 10% to 50%. Remember that the certificate you have will play a vital and major role in your earning capacity. It increases public trust and ranks you higher than many competitors.
In addition, the amount you will earn from obtaining a certificate will make a large difference for cybersecurity pros at any level of your career. For example, information security analysts can boost the annual income up to $30,000 with a CISM.
2. Target in-Demand Cybersecurity Skills
Cybersecurity has many areas of specialization that you can choose your career opportunity. The majority of the skills include; threat intelligence, cloud security, web application security, information security managers, and auditing and security software development.
As a result, when you secure a job in any of these areas, you will make more money than an ordinary cybersecurity generalist. So, ensure you focus on a high-demand and specific niche when it is time to choose.
3. Select an in-Demand Sector
Cybersecurity professionals are required in all fields and sectors of the economy. Based on the available data sources, sectors that have witnessed the largest rise in demand for cyber security personnel include the finance and healthcare sectors.
Similarly, manufacturing, defense field, and professional services continue to demand a high cyber security talent. Therefore, choosing a job in any of these rapid-demand sectors will enable you to achieve a higher-paying position.
4. Choosing the Appropriate Cybersecurity Position for your Income Needs
Suppose you start your professional journey early enough. In that case, you will have a volume of time to plan and get ready for a role that suits your salary expectations. Cybersecurity is a large field and has different career options with their earning potential.
Besides, plotting your career graph is simple. You can know the average salary for each job and the new certification you will acquire. For example, an entry-level incident responder can displace a cybersecurity analyst or perhaps a penetration tester. However, a penetration tester can earn a salary of $108,000 while a cybersecurity analyst goes home with $97,000.
Furthermore, making money shouldn’t be the only reason for you to consider picking a job. Planning your career journey will enable you to meet all the financial targets long into the future. Some of the additional highest paying cybersecurity jobs include chief information security officer, network security engineer, senior security consultant, risk manager, security system engineer, etc.
5. Target Greater-Paying Companies
I don’t expect you to be surprised that some companies offer higher pay than others. You can do a similar job in another company and still make more money. Based on data collection, large organizations usually offer higher compensation than smaller companies.
Cybersecurity is competitive in the job market, and small businesses find it difficult to outsmart the highest bidder. However, working in a large corporation’s cybersecurity team may encounter some challenges and demands. Therefore, make thorough findings before jumping into the platform of any company.
6. Select Your Roots
The average salary differs according to location. Cybersecurity is common in the big cities, and hence, you will make more money. But, in rural areas, it is very scarce. Funnily enough, you should know that the majority of the cities with the biggest salary advantage also possess higher living costs. However, if your everyday dream is to get into the cities, this is an option for you.
Still, all cybersecurity professionals could gain when they choose to adore their skill set with new certifications. If you could follow some of the strategic tips we discussed above, you’re on your way to wonderful financial freedom.
7. Diversify Your Skillset
You can occupy many positions within a cyber security team. Hence, you are not supposed to hold on to one role, which can hinder you from introducing new skills. Therefore, if you concentrate on skill diversification, you will make money and improve your different careers.
8. Take Part in Bug Bounties
Bug bounties are fun means to access your skills while you are learning and making money simultaneously. Many companies, especially the small ones, use these bug hunters since they can’t hire cybersecurity experts to test their security for their cybersecurity jobs.
Also, bug hunters have been useful to big technology companies who intend to augment their security efforts. Some big companies pay hugely to bug hunters to assist them in finding errors in their software.
9. Become a Freelance Security Personnel
Large business owners are not the only ones concerned about cybersecurity; small business owners are also at risk. Business owners of little investment have once witnessed a data breach; only a small business may not have adequate funds to get the required security measures. That’s where you will come in as a cybersecurity expert to showcase your leadership skills.
Mostly, you will work remotely; being a cybersecurity professional, you will occupy the driver’s seat, having the opportunity to learn more bargain your pay for the jobs.
In addition, create an account with a platform such as Upwork, where you can display your certifications and skills online for the world to see and make yourself stand out. You will be contacted when a company, many government agencies, or clients come online looking for an expert to answer or provide solutions to their recurrent information systems vulnerabilities.
Major Types of Cybersecurity Services
Suppose you are preparing to invest in a cybersecurity career course. In that case, you need to acquaint yourself with different types of cybersecurity services and what they offer to know what to give when you establish your own company. These services include;
1. IT and Management Service
In the corporate environment today, the most famous service network that companies render is IT support. This service gives non-technical organizations the chance to offload their technical duties, and costs offered in-house to a middle provider, in this case, the cybersecurity organization.
2. Penetration Testing
Penetration testing means when a company calls upon a cybersecurity organization or individual to test their security concerning their computer systems. Also, the client company that demands penetration will number the aspects of the systems and the processes that need to be tested.
3. System Auditing
System auditing is another means you can earn. Auditing means when a client demands to check their security measures to confirm if they are implementing a security policy or complying with their company’s requirements. Auditing is carried out by mere comparison between the security measures of the company and security compliance standards.
Wrapping UP
Make Way for a Bigger Pay!
Hopefully, the above guide has thoroughly shown that there are many ways in which cyber security can be a source of income for you. However, these ways increase as cybersecurity keeps evolving day by day. The good news for you as a professional is that cybersecurity companies provide a series of jobs with good pay and you can also freelance as an individual.
