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A job in information security (InfoSec) requires that you design and implement security systems to protect an organisation and its information against attacks and hacks. You could by employed in a number of sectors, including IT service providers, banking and financial services, government agencies, healthcare companies, and, of course, security consultancies.
Like other jobs under the larger ‘cyber security’ umbrella, job outlook is bright and demand is high because of increased cybercrime and data breaches.
There are quite literally hundreds of job titles within the larger ‘Information Security’ job category. But, some of the most common include:
The key terms you’re looking for when job hunting are ‘information’, ‘data’, ‘network’, ‘IT’, ‘application’, ‘cyber’, ‘enterprise’ and, of course, ‘security’. Your experience level will determine whether you’re looking for other keywords like ‘analyst’ ‘officer’ ‘associate’ or ‘director’.
While the exact description varies based on the particular role, all information security jobs require technical knowledge of various systems, the evaluation of relevant IT and cyber trends, the ability to recognise problems by identifying abnormalities, and the ability to implement security improvements.
Because there are so many different careers within the broad ‘Information Security’ job category, there are also hundreds of different career paths.
Of course, all of these paths have one thing in common: an interest in IT. From there, you could work towards an undergraduate or advanced degree or start out in an entry-level IT job and work your way towards a more specific Information Security job.
For those with (or working towards) a degree, all of the below lend themselves to Information Security:
For those currently working in IT, the following positions could act as a segway into a career in Information Security:
From there (either with a degree or with professional experience) you could pursue a mid-level role as a security analyst, engineer or auditor. After several years in the field and with advanced training and certifications, you could then move towards a consultant role.
Because there’s so much diversity in job titles, there’s also quite a range in salaries for those with an information security job. But, in general:
Please bear in mind that these figures are only estimates and many positions will come with a comprehensive benefits package. Please review our job board for current vacancies and their salaries.
Whether you’re moving from an entry-level IT position, have just graduated with a relevant degree, or want to focus on certain specialisations within the field, there are a number of courses and certifications that can help you succeed in landing a job in Information Security.
For those just starting out, we recommend:
For those with some background in Information Security, we recommend:
For those already in the field who are looking for advanced training, we recommend:
Acumin has been an international cyber security recruitment specialist for almost 20 years. Our recruitment services span permanent and contract recruitment and executive search across both the private and public sectors.
Our goal is to always find our clients and our candidates a perfect match. You can find our latest vacancies here.
How is Information Security different from Cyber Security?
While these terms of often used interchangeably, you should think of Information Security as a subset of Cyber Security. Whereas Cyber Security is focused on defending systems and networks (anything in the cyber realm) from cyber attacks, Information Security is focused on protecting information from unauthorised access or use.
Which job under the larger Information Security umbrella is right for me?
Unfortunately, we can’t determine the ‘right job’ for you. That depends on your personal interests, personal and professional experience, education, preference towards freelance or in-house work and remote or in-office work. The best way to find the right job is to explore all the jobs currently available. You can also sign up for Acumin Alerts for all our latest career opportunities.
How long does it take to advance from an entry-level position to a senior position?
There are a number of ways to get from point A to point B in your career. But, in general, our clients expect 5+ years experience for senior or director roles.
Which is better? A degree or certifications?
Relevant degrees and industry-recognised certifications are both desired for Information Security jobs. For more senior jobs, both might actually be required. But, as always, demonstrable experience is just as important. If you’re just starting out in the field, starting with a broad degree might give you more of an opportunity to explore other jobs under the larger Information and Cyber Security umbrellas. If, on the other hand, you’re a few years into your career and are looking for advanced, specialised training, a certification might be best.
Do most professionals in the field work from an office or remotely?
Whether you’re based in an office or at home depends on the sector you work in, the specific company you work for,and your job. But, there are certainly remote roles available in Information Security, especially in consultant roles.
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