Cyber Security Engineer

Cyber Security Engineer

In today’s world where everything relies heavily on the Internet, the job of a cyber security engineer has become a crucial one. And it is a big job that includes safeguarding sensitive data such as confidential client information, trade secrets, and financial records against viruses and cyber criminals. The job also includes preventing loss of data and recovery from hard drive failures and power outages.

Experience and education will go a long way in this field. A basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, systems engineering, information systems or related fields. Once you have 5-10 years experience, you can move up to a senior security engineer position.

Although it is not a physically demanding occupation, the working hours for cyber security engineers may be long and irregular. It is a highly technical job, but engineers would still need soft skills, such as complex problem-solving abilities, a creative mind, communication skills, and the ability to deal with stress.

 

Abdulla Ahmad A. Al-Ali

Director, Information Technology Department

Ministry of Economy & Commerce, Qatar

“The field of Information technology, especially the cyber security aspect of it, is continuously changing. It is never boring. There are new hackers everyday, and cyber security tools and methodologies change daily, so there are new challenges everyday. For me, being in this field is an honor as I work with a team to protect our beloved country and we play a role in preventing any possible threat.

Since the blockade, we have had to review all of our security policies and to look for gaps in our cyber security defenses. Although we are in good shape now, we have to be wary about new hacking techniques and technologies that are constantly changing.

In the field of information technology, the sky is the limit when it comes to opportunities. Cyber Security is a highly needed expertise, now more than ever, due to the huge expansion and usage of technology worldwide.

A profession in this filed is for someone who has strong analytical skills, and the willingness to anticipate cyber-attacks, always thinking one step ahead of a cyber threat. He or she must be focused on the details of a security system, noting any minor changes, and foreseeing any potential problems, however small. Moreover, they have to constantly update their knowledge on the latest data-protection methods, cyber-security legislation, and practices and techniques.

A graduate degree, often in computer engineering or a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) qualification, is a mandatory requirement for someone interested in this field. Additionally, he or she needs to be up-to-date with developments in this field, and track all new techniques of preventing treats. There are many types of technical certificates for Network, Information and Cyber Security that can improve the expertise of a cyber security engineer.”

Read the book titled ‘Thinking Security’ by Steven Bellovin that highlights hacking strategies and how to think like hackers in order to stop them and stay one step ahead of them.”