Protecting computer systems has become a paramount concern, and within this context, the cybersecurity engineer emerges as an indispensable figure. As guardians of IT security, they provide advanced data protection, ensuring its integrity around the clock.
They don’t perform stunts like Tom Cruise, nor do they have the looks of Batman or Spiderman. Yet, the cybersecurity engineer is a hero in their own right, a shadowy figure whose role is essential. This security expert tirelessly monitors the reliability of a company’s computer systems. What they protect include applications, data, and networks. In their own unique way, they prevent numerous disasters, sometimes avoiding the loss of millions of euros and mitigating the impacts on employment, employee morale, and overall company performance.
What are the missions of a cybersecurity engineer?
While the daily life of a company may not be as thrilling as some Avengers-like fiction, risky situations are very real and require preventive or corrective actions, sometimes of an acrobatic nature. In its 2023 report, IBM indicated that in 2023, a successful intrusion into a computer system had an average cost of 4.45 million dollars.
So who is this shadow fighter? They supervise a Security Operations Center and bear the title of cybersecurity engineer or expert in IT systems security.
Eliminating potential sources of attack
The primary task of a cybersecurity engineer is to conduct continuous audits of the system in place. They must ruthlessly hunt down any Achilles’ heel on internal and external networks. It is their responsibility to identify any potential sources of attack, to understand the mechanisms implemented by a given malware, and to ensure it is inoperative on the current system. This involves ongoing monitoring of new vulnerabilities and updating the knowledge base related to this field, including the procedures necessary to eliminate threats.
Collaboration with the IT department
The cybersecurity engineer also has the mission to inform IT teams so they integrate cybersecurity concepts into their various projects. They regularly meet with management and typically propose new protection tactics. Once validated, their recommendations are deployed under their supervision by the IT department. The cybersecurity engineer must, therefore, have team management and project leadership skills.
In case of an attack...
Despite the protection measures in place, it can happen that malware manages to infiltrate the system. Our cybersecurity expert must then implement a proven action plan to neutralize the effects of the malware and restore normal operational conditions as quickly as possible.
Documentation and awareness
That’s not all. It is expected of the cybersecurity engineer to carry out awareness work for the various departments within the company concerning IT security issues. This includes documentation work, notably the writing of training materials.
What skills are expected of a cybersecurity engineer?
While they must have advanced knowledge in information systems security, the cybersecurity engineer ideally should have development skills (Python, Perl, C, etc.). They must be prepared to adapt to new configurations and types of threats.
Proficiency in Windows or Linux is typically required, as well as knowledge of network protocol analysis tools.
A cybersecurity engineer must also know how to work effectively in a team and have the ability to simplify their knowledge so that it can be understood and utilized by everyone.
Who recruits cybersecurity engineers?
In the job market, the employability of cybersecurity engineers is very high. At the beginning of their careers, these experts can expect a salary of 3,000 euros per month. After a few years of proving their skills, their remuneration usually reaches 5,000 euros per month.
Cybersecurity experts are especially sought after by companies that require very high-level data protection measures: banking, defense, government, aerospace, insurance, etc.
What studies are needed to become a cybersecurity engineer?
This highly qualified professional attains their level of expertise through extensive training, typically at the Master’s degree level with a specialization in cybersecurity.
What are the future prospects?
Advancements such as artificial intelligence, IoT (Internet of Things), and 5G open new opportunities for cybersecurity engineers. They must prepare to counter increasingly diverse threats.
An essential pillar
Armed with sharp technical knowledge and unfailing vigilance, the cybersecurity engineer is much more than a technician: they are the guarantor of the company’s security. With skills ranging from system auditing to crisis management, they play a crucial role in protecting against cyber threats.
