Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a cyber security specialist? Generally, these specialists protect the computer systems from attacks. Besides, they have many other tasks to deal with.
Today, I will share everything about a day in the life of a cybersecurity specialist. Then, you can imagine their roles clearly. So let’s see right now!
Overview
Cybersecurity specialists protect digital data from hackers. They make sure that the sensitive information of an organization can remain safe.
To do this, the specialists examine defense systems. Sometimes, they run tests to ensure those systems are secure.
Cybersecurity specialists have a high degree of knowledge. From what they have learned, they can train others about the best practices for cybersecurity.
I’m a full-time cybersecurity specialist. Although working at this position is busy, I still have some free time after work to relax.
At Work
All my tasks are about protecting computer systems against cybersecurity risks. Let’s see what keeps me busy every day!
Ethical Hacking
You may have heard the word “hacker” before. Most people think of it as someone who does bad things, like sneaking into computers. But guess what? You still have good hackers, and they are “ethical hackers“.
Ethical hacking is a part of my job. I pretend to be the bad guy to see if hackers can sneak in. Then, I tell my manager where to find the weak spots.
Do you know what’s cool about it? I also collect information about how to make the systems safer. The more I know how the hackers break in, the better I can protect the system against them.
Incident Response
A cyber attack can cause a lot of damage to the computer system. So, my job is to act fast and smart to minimize its impact.
I also work closely with my team to analyze the attack. We need to understand how the bad guys got in and find out what they did.
After the attack, I have to adjust security controls to strengthen the system. This task is about adding extra layers of protection.
During the incident response, communication among my team is critical. All the members should be on the same page to stop the attack.
But my job doesn’t end there! Instead, I have to monitor the system to ensure everything is running smoothly continuously.
Manage Access
I deal with hackers every day. One of the most important ways to keep them away from the systems is to control who can access them.
Imagine the system is a big building with many rooms. Each room has valuable data. And my job is to ensure only the right people can enter the rooms.
Controlling access may sound simple, but it’s pretty tricky. I have to divide access in many ways, such as based on responsibilities or security levels.
Moreover, this role requires me to stay updated on the latest threats. And based on that, I will adjust access controls.
Prevent Intrusion
It’s also crucial to keep intruders out of the computer systems. That’s why a big part of my job involves setting up security systems.
I discuss with the company leaders first to understand their cybersecurity concerns. Then, I help create a plan to safeguard sensitive information.
To do this, I analyze my company’s assets. They are the company’s most valuable things, and my job is to determine how to protect them.
Once I have all the information, I design the controls and procedures to improve my company’s security. Then, hackers will find it hard to get through.
Here comes the exciting part – running the security systems. During its operation, I keep an eye on it to ensure it’s doing its job well.
Cybersecurity is not a one-time job. Thus, I have to review and update the system regularly. No one knows when the hackers attack, so I’m always ready to fight against them.
I also make sure all the members of my company follow the security measures correctly. There are several ways to do it, but I often send them reports via email to keep them informed.
Sometimes, my team has a training session when setting up an important system. We all have to stay safe and keep the system secure.
After Work
After a busy day, I relax and enjoy my free time. I like to play video games and read books about new cybersecurity tricks.
Before going to bed, I usually think about all the good things I did that day. It feels great knowing that I can help something safe.
Essential Skills
I need many skills to protect the digital system. Both soft and hard skills are essential.
Let’s talk about hard skills first! I have expertise in information security to ensure the data can remain safe from theft.
Furthermore, I’m proficient in programming languages like C, C#, C++, and more. Then, I can choose the best one for specific purposes.
Plus, thinking like a hacker allows me to anticipate their strategies. In this manner, I know how to deal with their attacks and safeguard the systems.
Another important hard skill is network security. My knowledge of this field enables me to keep the systems running smoothly. I can also detect potential threats quickly.
My job requires soft skills, too. For example, I need communication skills when working with others. They help me explain complex cybersecurity concepts in a simple way, too.
Problem-solving is another key. I have to find the best solutions to protect the computer systems from threats. Sometimes, I combine it with critical thinking to stay one step ahead of cyber attackers.
Conclusion
As I look back on my day as a cybersecurity specialist, I feel proud of my important work. The numerous tasks make me busy, but I find it rewarding.
I have shared everything about my job. If you want to pursue this career path, then start your journey today! With passion and dedication, you will excel in this role, too!