Information Security Jobs in the US

 

President, Joe Biden underscored the threat that cybercrime poses to the nation: “The United States faces persistent and increasingly sophisticated malicious cyber campaigns that threaten the public sector, the private sector, and ultimately the American people’s security and privacy.”

While the Federal Government plays a central role in identifying, detecting, deterring, and protecting against these harmful actions and actors, it’s the private sector that’s on the front line of the fight. As businesses continue to expand their digital footprint – and their attack surface with it – safeguarding sensitive data and systems has become a top priority. This heightened concern for cybersecurity amid increasingly sophisticated and frequent threats has prompted a booming job market for information security professionals in the US.

Let’s explore the roles and career prospects in this dynamic field.
 

Information Security Roles

The multifaceted nature of information security means the sector comprises a variety of roles and specialisations – including:
 

Information Security Analyst

These professionals – also known as Cybersecurity Analysts or IT Security Analysts – are responsible for monitoring an organisation's networks and systems for security breaches, conducting regular security assessments, investigating incidents, preparing detailed incident reports for management and stakeholders, and implementing security measures.
 

Security Consultant

Security Consultants – also known as Cybersecurity Consultants – typically work for consulting firms or as independent contractors. They are hired by organisations to assess cybersecurity systems to identify vulnerable areas, provide preventative recommendations, implement solutions to prevent attacks on networks and systems and conduct disaster recovery planning in the event of a security breach.
 

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity Engineers develop robust security systems to protect networks and data – such as firewall configurations, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and encryption. They also harness security tools and technologies, such as antivirus software, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, and endpoint security solutions, to monitor and secure data – and troubleshoot any security issues that arise.
 

Network Security Architect

Network Security Architects are responsible for ensuring the resilience of an organisation's network security infrastructure. They design security systems and processes that align with business goals and compliance requirements – securing the organisation's network from threats like unauthorised access, data breaches and malware attacks. For example, they implement access control measures – such as role-based access control (RBAC) and two-factor authentication (2FA) – so only authorised personnel can access the network and its resources.
 

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

CISOs are C-suite members who are responsible for overseeing and driving an organisation's cybersecurity programme. They develop strategies, manage budgets, and provide a bridge between the board and the business to foster a holistic approach to information security. To achieve this, they augment the traditional technical approach to data protection with a contemporary business-focused, risk management mindset.

 

Career prospects

The career prospects for information security professionals in the US are enticing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment in the sector will grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Take the Information Security Analyst role for example: employment of these specialist is projected to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032, outstripping the overall average.

Information security professionals also benefit from competitive salaries. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for Information Security Analysts was $112,000 in May 2022, compared to the median annual salary in the US, which is $56,420.

The growing demand for skilled information security professionals, coupled with enticing compensation packages, makes this dynamic and evolving field extremely attractive for tech-savvy people. Moreover, safeguarding the digital landscape by ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital information and assets will be one of the most rewarding things you ever do.