As our daily use of technology grows exponentially and contributes to the increased vulnerability of our nation’s IT infrastructure, the types of cyber security jobs in homeland security are becoming more in-demand. Not only are cyber security professionals needed to gather foreign intelligence, but they are also required to complete the hefty mission of defending the federal government’s information systems from sophisticated cyber attacks. Now that America’s national security depends on technology more than ever before, many students receiving a bachelor’s or master’s degree in cyber security are taking their talents to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Read on to learn about four of the most popular cyber security job opportunities that are in high demand for dealing with cyber theft, hackers, and data breaches.
Cyber Security Analyst
In the growing field of homeland security, cyber security analysts are given the responsibility of analyzing vulnerabilities found in the software, hardware, and computer networks of both private corporations and the federal government. Analysts are often involved with investigating tools to remedy detected vulnerabilities, offering advice on innovative solutions to counteract cyber threats, evaluating damage to a computer infrastructure when security incidents occur, examining the best recovery processes, and testing for compliance with security policies. Many cyber security analysts also will play a prominent role in creating, implementing, and managing the security precautions in place to prevent cyber attacks in the first place.
Intrusion Detection Specialist
Since even the smallest of Internet threats could completely derail our nation’s way of life, it is essential that intrusion detection specialists are employed to look for indicators of a breach before the threat becomes too dire. Intrusion detection specialists work within the field of homeland security to monitor networks, computers, and applications in government agencies to remain on the lookout for intrusions. These specialists will use their training to quickly assess the damage caused by intrusions, identify how it occurred, and implement safeguards that will prevent the threat from growing or spreading into a major national security concern. Intrusion detection specialists can find plentiful job opportunities in recognizing the symptoms of cyber attacks to protect the networks for the Pentagon, NATO, and even the White House.
Vulnerability Assessor
It is becoming increasingly important for organizations to stay a step ahead of cyber enemies as the number of attacks grows worldwide, so there will continue to be a high demand for vulnerability assessors. Within this cyber security job, professionals will work diligently to scan for, identify, and evaluate all vulnerabilities that are found within IT systems. In many cases, vulnerability assessors will also conduct penetration testing to offer solid evidence that these vulnerabilities needed to be addressed immediately. After the problem is identified, vulnerability assessors may also be called in to assist in designing and developing software that will correct them for building a more stable computer infrastructure.
Related Resource: Computer Science Jobs in Homeland Security
Graduates with a degree in cyber security will enter a hungry market with a wide range of security job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. In fact, according to the Wall Street Journal, the demand for cyber security experts is growing 3.5 times faster than the overall IT job market and 12 times the overall market for all fields. Now that you know some of the types of cyber security jobs in homeland security available, you can get started on a bright career in protecting our nation’s cyberspace from being compromised.
