Women cyber-security professionals are preparing to safeguard databases from cyber-crimes and comply with GDPR rules

Our global economy has led to more Internet-based computing and connectivity the world over, organizations have grown ever more vulnerable to hacking and cyber-attacks. And just as a businesswoman cyber-security profession can help them even when there’s a local police force, so must a business hire cyber security staff. The organization ultimately must protect their proprietary data as well as any customer information they are privy to.

These women’s cyber-security professions are in short supply, however. Last year, NASSCOM reported that India alone would need 1 million cyber security professionals by 2020, while job portal Indeed reported a spike of 150 percent in cyber security roles between January 2017 and March 2018. Companies like KPMG have doubled the size of their cyber security teams in recent years.

What Does This Mean for IT Professionals?

Regardless of the reasons for the increase in demand, the pressing problem is a shortage of people trained and capable enough to fill the growing number of women cyber security profession roles. NASSCOM reports that despite having the largest IT talent pool in the world, India simply lacks skilled cyber security professionals. The need for experienced professionals is so high that companies are willing to pay a premium salary of over Rs 1.5 to 4 crore to top talent. This has increased the cyber security budget by 71% as observed by PwC in its 2016 report.

The jobs that are seeing this sharp increase in pay include the following five women cyber security profession in India:

1. Network Security Engineer 

The network security engineer is a critical position within every organization. This person ensures that security systems are implemented within the organization to counter and stop threats. Their main responsibilities include maintaining systems, identifying vulnerabilities, and improving automation. They also oversee the maintenance of firewalls, routers, switches, various network monitoring tools, and VPNs (virtual private networks).

2. Cyber Security Analyst

A cyber security analyst helps in planning, implementing, and upgrading security measures and controls. They continuously monitor security access and perform internal and external security audits to ensure there are no loopholes or evidence of security lapses. A cyber security analyst is also responsible for conducting vulnerability testing, risk analyses, and security assessments, and for managing the network. In addition to these tasks, the analyst trains fellow employees in security awareness and procedures, so they are aware of the best practices to be followed to avoid security breaches.

3. Security Architect 

A security architect plays a crucial role in designing the network and computer security architecture for their company. The security architect helps in planning, researching, and designing elements of security. Without a security architect, a company’s security system is vulnerable to attacks. The security architect first creates a design based on the needs of the company and then works together with the programming team to build the final structure. Besides building the architecture, they also develop company policies and procedures for how their company’s employees should use the security systems and decide on the punitive action in case of lapses.

4. Cyber Security Manager

Cyber security managers are responsible for the maintenance of security protocols throughout the organization. They create strategies to increase network and Internet security related to different projects and manage a team of IT professionals to ensure the highest standards of data security. A cyber security manager also frequently reviews the existing security policies and ensures the policies are currently based on new threats. They also perform regular checks on all servers, switches, routers, and other connected devices to make sure there are no loopholes in the security.

5. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

According to a report by PWC, over 80 percent of companies now have a CISO on the management team. This trend shows that companies have grown aware of the threats of cybercrimes and the potential damage such attacks can cause. The CISO is a senior-level executive within an organization that ensures that the cyber security plan is aligned with the business’s vision, operations, and technologies. 

The CISO works with the staff to identify, develop, implement, and maintain processes across the organization to ensure there are no security breaches. They respond to incidents and set up appropriate standards and controls to mitigate security risks without causing any interruption to the business. They are also responsible for overseeing the implementation of security policies and procedures within the organization.