Working as a Cyber Security Professional in New York

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New York is home to some of the most exciting tech brands in the world, boasting the likes of Facebook, Google, Apple, Sony, Microsoft and Amazon. Manhattan has defined itself as a hub for technology with its plethora of industries and start-ups. The city is rife with tech opportunity and growth for those aspiring for a career in cyber security. 

As one of the top five major metros for tech in the United States, together with Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia and Chicago, New York can offer experienced cyber security engineers excellent salaries. The average annual salaries will hit the mark of around $135,000. However, if you are looking to chase after more than this, you will need to look towards the more niche areas and so-called “hot” markets. Healthcare for instance, an industry which has become the subject of cyber-attacks far more frequently than any other, is offering salaries in the higher end of the range. So, if you are a cyber security engineers and have a background in a niche sector, will find that you are able to command a higher than average salary.  

Healthcare organisations aren’t the only place to look for cyber security jobs in New York, financial and global manufacturing firms are in desperate need for professionals armed with cyber security expertise too. Often seen as a haven for audit professionals, the big four, Deloitte and EY especially, offer a lucrative platform for cyber security specialists. 

In recent years, the demand for cyber security professionals has grown dramatically. As the internet makes its way into even more corners of our existence, the result is a need for businesses and organisations to pay more attention to protecting their data. However, if we turn our attention to the present and coming months, a need for cyber and information security skills will become ever more pronounced as we prepare for the arrival of the EU GDPR in 2018, which will only serve to heighten the need for strict regulation. 

It will come as no surprise that in the last year, the growth of security jobs in the IT profession has risen considerably. At its core, Security Analyst jobs are one of the most in-demand in the industry, with average salaries rising each year. In 2017, a Security Analyst in New York will be looking at an average salary of $120,000 to $140,000; this is up from $86,170 in 2012 and $90,120 in 2015.  

If you are considering applying for a security role, you will need strong communication skills. Companies are looking for individuals who have the confidence to provide effective security guidance to fellow employees across all departments and levels of the organisation, as well as key stakeholders. You will also need a degree of flexibility when it comes to working hours which are likely to bleed into weekends and holidays. Employers in New York expect their cyber security team to be able to work and attend meetings both in New York City itself as well as in other key regional areas and at vendor sites. 

The most prominent job titles on the market in New York are security analyst and security manager. Therefore, jobseekers should aim to demonstrate their tech-specific skills, as well as their soft skills when applying for security analyst and manager roles. You will need to show your strong analytical skills, as well as your research skills to get high on the list for employers looking to build up their cyber defence army. Having a keen attention to detail, the ability to handle complex or difficult scenarios, the ability to both self-motivate and work well within a team, as well as excellent organisational skills and a mind for multi-tasking will all help towards making the grade.  

For those of you looking to start out as a cyber security professionals in New York, you will want to look at what qualifications and experience are expected in the industry. In New York, businesses primarily look for degrees in Computer Science or Information Technology with between one or more years of related industry experience. Experience can come by way of relevant assignments, projects or prior work experience in the cyber security space. As far as certificates are concerned, employers are looking for CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CISA or similar industry qualifications. With many choosing to hire from within the US and thus expect their candidates to be eligible to work in the USA. 

 

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