In a May 2009 speech about how to protect the nation's digital infrastructure, President Obama made a bold and telling statement: "America's economic prosperity in the 21st century will depend on cybersecurity." He went on to declare that "this cyber threat is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation."
Critics accused him of fear mongering, while others applauded him for bringing an important issue to light. No matter what position you take, one thing is clear: It's a good time to work in cybersecurity.
These four careers could get you plugged in to this rapidly expanding and profitable industry. All data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
1) Computer forensic investigator
In 2005, more than 20 years after committing his first murder, the serial killer Dennis Rader was finally taken into custody. The police identified and located him by recovering deleted files from a floppy disk he'd sent to a local news station. Computer forensics brought the BTK serial killer to justice.
Computer forensics is the science of extracting and analyzing evidence from computers, networks, hard drives, disks and other digital storage media. Some computer forensic investigators work in police departments, while others are independent consultants or part of a private detective agency. In addition to recovering data, they prepare reports and testify in court about their methods and findings.
Offer: Search for Schools
A handful of colleges and universities offer associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in computer forensics. Otherwise, you can prepare with a bachelor's degree in computer science or even accounting, since computer-based investigations often involve fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and other illegal transactions. Many campus and online education programs offer certificates in computer forensics, which can be a convenient option for people with law enforcement or legal backgrounds who want to specialize in this growing field.
These days, companies, individuals and government agencies are becoming increasingly concerned with cybersecurity. Criminal activity on the Internet, including identity theft and illegal downloading, continues to proliferate. For these reasons, computer forensics investigators can look forward to excellent job prospects in the coming years. Plus, you get to hack into computers, take apart machines and bust bad guys.
In 2008, private detectives and investigators in the U.S. earned an average salary of $46,480. Those who specialize in computer forensics tend to make significantly more.
2) Computer security specialist
Kicking off National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October 2009, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano unveiled a plan to hire 1,000 cybersecurity experts over the next three years. The new recruits will be spread across the various agencies of the Department of Homeland Security, where they'll protect government Web sites and networks from viruses, espionage and other cyberattacks.
How can you score one of these spots or a similar position in the private sector? Most jobs require at least an associate degree in a computer-related field, while others insist on a bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems. You'll have to undergo a rigorous background check if you apply for a government position, so now might be a good time to bid your peer-to-peer network adieu.
Because technology is constantly evolving and new threats are always on the horizon, even the most seasoned computer security specialists should get up to speed periodically through continuing education. Many online education programs offer relevant courses.
Typical salaries for computer systems administrators ranged from $41,000 to $104,070 in 2008, and employment in this category is expected to increase by 27 percent between 2006 and 2016. Many of these new jobs will be in the information security field.
3) Software engineer
Remember ILOVEYOU and the Storm worm? If not, chances are you had a reliable anti-virus program standing guard when these scourges assailed the Internet. Whether it's available to consumers or custom-designed for a specific organization, security software protects data, creates firewalls and detects malicious code. Scared stiff of a devastating cyberattack or data breach, businesses and the government are pouring money into security software development. That's where software engineers come in.
To get into the field, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer information systems or a related discipline. If you know you want to specialize in security software, take courses on topics like systems design, information security, database systems, cryptography, intrusion detection and computer ethics. Employers like to see internships on job candidates' resumes, so take advantage of any placement programs your school may offer. Like all technology experts, software engineers are only as valuable as their knowledge is current, so continuing education is essential. Many online programs offer courses that spotlight new advances in computer and information security.
Software engineers made an average yearly salary of $94,520 in 2008, and employment is expected to grow by 29 percent between 2006 and 2016. That figure should be even higher for security software specialists, who are a hot commodity among software developers, government agencies and consulting firms.
4) Computer systems analyst
These days, the average office is packed to the gills with hardware, cables, routers and modems. Turn on any computer, and you may be greeted by completely unfamiliar system software, specially made for that particular organization. Everywhere around you, employees are communicating with coworkers at the other end of the cubicle and on the other side of the globe. How did all that infrastructure get there? There's a computer systems analyst in the house.
Computer systems analysts help businesses and other organizations use computer technology effectively and develop systems that meet their needs. Common responsibilities include choosing software and equipment, customizing applications, and configuring networks. Last but not least, it's often their job to protect their company's electronic information from threats such as viruses, spyware and unauthorized access. With cybersecurity becoming a key component of many organizations' technology strategy, systems analysts with information security training are currently in demand.
Take advantage of this trend by earning a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science or management information systems. Next, get a master's degree or a certificate in cybersecurity or information security. Once you've settled into your new career, it's important to stay on top of the latest technological advances. Private training institutions, hardware and software vendors, and both campus-based and online programs offer many opportunities for continuing education and career training.
In 2008, computer systems analysts earned an average annual salary of $78,830. Employment is expected to increase by 29 percent between 2006 and 2016; for analysts who are knowledgeable about cybersecurity, growth should be even more dramatic.
"Cybersecurity" may be something of a buzzword, but the field is here to stay. Get in on the ground floor with the right training, and you could enjoy an exciting and lucrative career for years to come.
