What does it take to become a Cybersecurity Engineer?

Today’s world is becoming more and more dependent on the Internet and mobile computing. These technologies help accomplish everyday tasks easily and smoothly. With the increased use of the Internet, security risks have also increased. As a result of this, we are going to see a high demand for cybersecurity engineers. Cybersecurity is a compelling department of IT and is suitable for specialists who like to work with challenges. The field has huge potential and is rewarding as well. This field can be a great career choice for anyone. Let’s start by discussing some of the cybersecurity fundamentals.

What does it take to become a Cybersecurity Engineer?

Cyber Security Engineer: job overview

Cyber Security Engineer performs the tasks related to designing and implementing secure network solutions. These solutions defend the systems against hackers, cyber-attacks, and other threats. Sometimes, they perform testing and monitoring of those systems making their defense systems updated and work properly. Sometimes they are also referred to as data security engineers, IT security engineers, or Web security engineers. 

A Cyber Security engineer job responsibilities include:

  • Penetration testing periodically
  • Participating in change management processes
  • Involvement in security breach investigation processes
  • Troubleshooting network and security issues and incidents
  • Taking actions on the security breaches happening at the network and associated systems
  • Performing all the required security measures for the safety of the organization’s data and infrastructure
  • Completing the necessary actions required for the identification of vulnerabilities in the network and system
  • Reporting and keeping open lines of communication with the organization’s appropriate departments regularly
  • Evaluation of the organization’s security needs and establishment of best practices and standards based on the needs
  • Design, implementation, upkeep, inspection, and up-gradation of all safety features required for defensive agencies’ statistics, structures, and networks

Cyber Security engineer’s responsibilities are somewhat similar to a security analyst. A Cyber Security engineer is worried about designing and constructing structures, however, a safety analyst is running toward creating machine paintings properly. 

Qualifications needed for a cybersecurity engineer:

  • Adaptability to work in a fast-growing and changing environment
  • Degree in Computer Science, IT, Systems Engineering, or a similar domain
  • Updated with all the latest Cyber Security trends and hacker tactics knowledge and skills
  • Knowledge of programming languages such as C++, Java, Node, Python, Ruby, Go, or PowerShell
  • Two years of work experience in Cyber Security roles like incident detection and response, and forensics
  • Hands-on expertise to work with the functionality, operation, and maintenance of firewalls and other endpoint security

Salary benefits and increasing demand for cybersecurity engineer in the IT industry

The average annual salary offered to a Cyber Security engineer is about USD 74K. Senior-stage engineers acquire USD 96K yearly and novices can earn as much as USD 59K yearly. 

Demand for Cyber Security engineers will grow up to 12% between 2016 and 2026. This need will keep growing as businesses, governments, and different agencies are increasing numbers depending on virtual platforms. Reports have shown that there will be 3.5 million Cyber Security job opportunities by 2021. But the sad part is, there will be a wide skill gap between Cyber Security professionals. Not only the cybersecurity jobs but the cyber crimes will increase at a rapid rate too. This further will increase the demand for highly skilled cybersecurity professionals in the market.

Cybersecurity certifications that can play a key role:

The requirements for becoming a Cyber Security engineer are mentioned above along with the responsibilities given to them. So, it’s understood that a good amount of training and skills are required to become a successful cybersecurity engineer.

The fundamental requirement for this position is a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security fields like computer engineering, computer programming, information security, or software engineering, and more. Sometimes experience and certification outplay the requirement of a bachelor’s degree. You can also go for a master’s degree in the Cybersecurity domain. This degree can play a crucial role in becoming a Senior Cyber Security Engineer. The next move you can make is getting some hands-on experience in this field. Hands-on experience in this field can help you get attention and easy promotion at your workplace. 

The best and very effective way of establishing yourself in this field is getting a cybersecurity certification. Certification can help you get additional skills and knowledge that are required in the industry. It will be proof of your expertise and training that is required for the job.

There are many cybersecurity certifications that you can choose to showcase your knowledge and skills. Of course, you can get more than one certification; it will help you only. With the best certifications in your resume, you can enhance your chances of getting hired. Here are some of the most popular and relevant certifications that you can consider:

It must be a difficult decision to choose which cert you should choose and prepare for. CEH certification is a highly acknowledged and acclaimed cybersecurity certification. Don’t worry, uCertify will help you! Our CEH (v10) – Certified Ethical Hacking Course is a great way of preparing for the CEH exam. The course will provide skills required to work with the advanced step-by-step methodologies that hackers use. It also provides knowledge on writing virus codes and reverse engineering. With all this knowledge, you will be able to better protect your corporate infrastructure from data breaches. The course contains interactive chapters that cover the CEH exam objectives and provide knowledge in areas such as assessment, security, tools, systems, programs, procedures, and ethics. In this course, you will also gain skills in information security threats and attack vectors; attack detection and prevention, and more. You can take this course as it is an excellent resource for enhancing your knowledge and increasing your importance at your workplace. You can take this course even if you’re not going to take any cybersecurity certifications. Use this course and protect your organization!

Learn Cryptography and Network Security with uCertify Course & Lab

uCertify has recently introduced the Cryptography and Network Security course which provides expertise in the fundamental principles of security, encompassing both information and network security. The course first looks at a number of the elemental principles of security, encompassing both information security and network security. These include the concepts of security attacks, security services, and security mechanisms. Next, the course introduces the 2 areas of cryptography and network security. Finally, the concepts of trust and trustworthiness are examined.

Learn Cryptography and Network Security with uCertify Course & Lab

Cryptography is an important information security tool. It covers the four important services of data security −

Authentication − Cryptographic techniques like MAC and digital signatures can protect information against spoofing and forgeries.

Data Integrity − Cryptographic hash functions are playing an important role in ensuring users about data integrity.

Confidentiality − Encryption techniques can guard knowledge and communication from being accessed and revealed.

Non-repudiation − The digital signature provides the non-repudiation service to protect against the dispute which will arise thanks to denial of passing messages by the sender.

All these fundamental services offered by cryptography have enabled the conduct of business over the networks using the pc systems in a, particularly efficient and effective manner.

The uCertify Cryptography and Network Security course comes with interactive lessons, labs, and testprep. Lessons support 40+ interactive activities embedded throughout its course which include, smart chat, 3D animations, drag and drop, connect the idea, and more. Labs have real computer equipment, networked together, and conveniently accessible over the internet using virtualization and comes with autograding. TestPrep provides full-length practice tests that can be configured to closely follow the exam objectives and are designed to simulate real testing conditions.

 Upon course completion, you gain knowledge of:

  • Information and Network Security Concepts
  • Symmetric Ciphers
  • Asymmetric Ciphers
  • Cryptographic Data Integrity Algorithms
  • Cryptographic Key Management and Distribution
  • User Authentication

So, learn and gain expertise in Cryptography and Network Security with uCertify.

Check Out uCertify’s Latest Cybersecurity Essentials Course

The Cybersecurity Essentials course has been designed to provide cybersecurity professionals with a practical platform. The course covers topics such as critical infrastructure security systems and devices; security for local area network components and systems; security for local intelligent computing, how to control devices and systems; and cybersecurity for users and networks attached to the Internet. The course also offers LiveLab where students can experiment and configure hardware such as computers, servers, switches or routers in a risk-free environment. With the ease and convenience of the Internet, our LiveLab helps to develop professionals’ practical IT skills – which are crucial in today’s world of complex computer systems and technologies. The course comes with the scenario-based National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Security Challenges at the beginning of each chapter. This presents descriptions of a particular security setting related to the information that will be presented in the chapter. 

Check Out uCertify’s Latest Cybersecurity Essentials Course

Candidates can also refer to the Cybersecurity Essentials course if they are preparing for a career in IT, networking, or cybersecurity. Professionals who want to improve their network security skills and who need to understand the cybersecurity threats they face and basic options for confronting those threats can also use uCertify’s Cybersecurity Essentials course. If any candidate is also interested in certification for the CompTIA Security+ or Microsoft MTA 98-367 Security Fundamentals, this book can be a great resource for preparation.

Upon the course completion, candidates will learn to apply a systematic approach to securing IT networks and infrastructure. They will also be able to explore the tools and techniques used to protect their data when it leaves the protection of their network and passes through the unprotected territory of the Internet. Candidates will gain a solid understanding of cybersecurity challenges, tools, and techniques, as well as be able to develop the foundations of a professional cybersecurity skillset.

So, start learning the essentials of cybersecurity today with uCertify! This course will help you keep your data secured, protect yourself from cybersecurity threats, and enhance your career prospects.

Read Julius Alcantara’s Review On Our CompTIA CySA+ Course

Julius Alcantara is an Information Security Analyst at DXC Technology. He has more than 13 years of work experience in this field. He is skilled in troubleshooting, technical support, virtualization, IT operations, incident management, cloud computing, mobile technology, and office administration. Julius has earned the following IT certifications:

  • CB Response Advanced Analyst
  • CB Defense Certified Associate Analyst
  • CB Response Certified Associate Consultant
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate Cyber Ops (CCNA Cyber Ops)

He has recently reviewed our CompTIA CySA+ course and provided his valuable feedback. Please read it here:

Read Julius Alcantara’s Review On Our CompTIA CySA+ Course

“The chapters and lessons are completely in line with the CompTIA CySA+ certification exam objectives. The quizzes at the end of the chapters also reinforce you to understand the materials and simulate the actual exam environment. 

The key elements provided in the lab give hands-on experience on the actual concepts that can be applied to real-world scenarios as a Cyber Security Analyst. I strongly recommend this course for all aspiring IT professionals.”

To read the complete post, please click here.

Thank you, Julius, we are glad to have your honest and valuable feedback on our course. 

To know more about Julius Alcantara, contact via his LinkedIn profile.

Are you Safe From The Cyber Threats?

Recently, the term “cyber threat” has become more relevant because of the danger it poses to most industries, however, most people don’t know much about cyber threats at all. Let’s go a bit further into the background of cybersecurity and cyber attacks. 

Are you Safe From The Cyber Threats?

What is a cyber threat?

A cyber threat is an act intended to steal data or cause some sort of digital harm. The term is exclusively used to describe information security matters nowadays.

A cyber attack is set up against digital devices using cyberspace. Cyberspace is a virtual space that is becoming a metaphor to help us understand the digital weaponry that intends to harm us. The intent of the attacker, as well as the potential impact, depends upon the severity of the attack. These attacks can be quite serious, potentially threatening lives.

What is the need to protect from cyber threats?

Cyber threats are a very serious issue these days. They can cause electrical blackouts, breaches of national security secrets, theft of valuable, sensitive data like medical records. They can damage phone and computer networks or paralyze systems to steal the data. These threats are getting more serious. The definition of cybersecurity states that cybersecurity risks are present in every organization and aren’t always under IT’s direct control. Organizational leaders are making technology-related choices every day. So we can say that the data security solutions are also increasing with the increased cyber risk.

Types of cybersecurity threats

Cybersecurity threats are mainly divided into three broad categories based on the gain that can be achieved by the attackers:

  • Financial gain
  • Disruption
  • Underground activities (including the theft of patents or state espionage)

Virtually every cyber threat falls into one of these three modes. 

6 common cyber threats

Malware: Software that performs a malicious task on a target device or network comes under the category of malware. Some typical examples are corrupting data or taking over a system.

Phishing: This type of attack involves tricking the email recipient into disclosing confidential information or downloading malware by clicking on a hyperlink in the message.

Data Breaches: A data breach is a theft of data by a malicious actor. Motives for data breaches include crime, defamation, and espionage.

Trojans: Trojan is a type of malware that enters a target system looking like one of them.

Ransomware: This involves encrypting data on the target system and demanding ransom in exchange for letting users have access to the data again. A recent example of this is locking down the entire city of Atlanta’s municipal government data in 2018.

Denial of Service attack or Distributed Denial of Service Attack (DDoS): Where an attacker takes over many(perhaps thousands) of devices and uses them to invoke the functions of a target system.

Now, let’s discuss the safety measures that an organization or individual should take.

As shown in previous paragraphs, cyber threats are one of the greatest dangers to any organization or business. Organizations are taking serious actions to make themselves safe and secure. One step they are taking is hiring highly skilled cybersecurity professionals as shown by recent surveys.

So, if you want to start your career in this field, you should really consider adding a cybersecurity certification to your resume. There are various cybersecurity certs available in the market, including CISSP, CySA+, CCSP, and more. 

uCertify offers various comprehensive courses to help you prepare for these certification exams. We are a leading provider of online courses and ensure the best learning resources for IT certification prep.