cyber security expert.

Your specific responsibilities depend on the industry and company you work for, but typically they include:

• providing security during software development: as a cyber security expert, you detect vulnerabilities in software or hardware systems. During the development stages, you identify potential threats to the system and build and integrate firewalls to defend it from cyber attack.
• monitoring systems for suspicious activity: when you are a cyber security expert, you design various defensive systems that notify you of breaches or intruders. For instance, you can create an authorisation protocol to ensure that only authorised personnel can access sensitive data. If an unauthorised person attempts to access it, you receive a notification and act immediately.
• reporting security incidents: when monitoring security systems, you report any incidents and recommend strategies to mitigate future risks. It is also important to document updates to security systems and introduce new defensive measures and protocols for easy tracking.
• auditing security systems: cybercriminals are continually devising new ways to breach computer systems. They are also becoming harder to track; therefore, you conduct regular security audits. You run a diagnostic on any system changes to check for undetected breaches and develop ways to strengthen security. You also check the effectiveness of defensive systems and generate reports and recommendations based on your findings.
• creating and implementing security policies: once you identify security gaps in a computer system, you create security policies to mitigate them. It is also your job to create awareness of the security policies and supervise the implementation of security measures.

As a cyber security expert, you can get a job in different industry sectors that rely on technology. You can work in-house for a specific company and handle all their cyber security issues, or work for an IT consultancy firm. Regardless of where you work, your duties are primarily office-based, and you spend most of the time analysing computer systems and identifying ways to improve security. When you work for an IT consultancy, you may conduct your duties in a client's office. However, it is possible to solve problems in your client's network without leaving your company’s premises.

Regardless of your industry, your colleagues are likely to be programmers, backend developers, front-end developers, web developers, IT technicians and cyber security administrators. You may also work in close proximity with systems developers, information security managers and other specialists like cloud security consultants, software developers, security operations centre (SOC) analysts and cyber security engineers.

A cyber security expert career is not a typical 9 to 5 job. Data breaches that require your intervention can occur at any time. Most of your technical and administrative duties comprise a schedule of around 40 hours a week. However, when there is an active threat, you work overtime, including evenings, weekends and public holidays. Most cyber security experts work in full-time positions, but part-time jobs are available. You can also work remotely or become a freelancer. Usually, cyber security roles involve minimal travelling unless you work for a consultancy firm and visit your clients.

The increasing reliance on online services makes cyber security experts highly sought after to protect the security of computer systems and prevent data breaches. As a cyber security expert, you can focus on a general role or specialise and enhance your job prospects. From a cyber security expert role, gain additional certifications and become an information security manager or a senior cyber security risk analyst. Other areas of specialisation include compliance officer, cloud security analyst and penetration tester. Alternatively, you can become self-employed, but you need an impressive cyber security track record to be successful.

Finding your cyber security expert job through Randstad provides important advantages, such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid on a monthly basis
• temporary and permanent contracts

Looking for a permanent role? A temporary job as a cyber security expert is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers, thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad.

As a cyber security expert, you monitor computer systems and digital environments for data breaches and external attacks. You also evaluate systems and check for vulnerabilities.

The average salary of a cyber security expert is ₹9,40,000 per year. However, entry-level workers earn around ₹4,20,000 while senior-level experts earn an average of ₹24,40,000.

If you have impressive computing skills, formal education isn't compulsory. However, most people join the role through a degree in computer science or advanced IT courses

The best cyber security expert has exceptional problem-solving skills and technical aptitude. You also understand how hacking works to enable you to protect systems from data breaches.

Cyber security can be challenging if you don't have the technical skills necessary for success. Passion for your role is also necessary for you to excel as a cyber security expert.

Applying for a cyber security expert job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!