What Qualities do You Need to Land a Six-Figure Cybersecurity Job?

Qualities need to land a six-figure cybersecurity job for high-level positions, particular degrees

Qualities need to land a six-figure cybersecurity job for high-level positions, particular degrees, certificates, or other academic requirements are frequently required.

Cyber assaults are getting increasingly common; according to Accenture, the number of occurrences increased by 31% between 2020 and 2021. As the frequency of cyber-attacks grows, the sector is in critical need of experienced cybersecurity specialists. There is a major skill vacuum in the United States, with 715,000 cybersecurity jobs unfilled.

Although there are many open positions, there may not be enough qualified candidates to fill them. For high-level cybersecurity professions, companies may need certain qualifications, certificates, or other educational prerequisites. Top cybersecurity professionals, on the other hand, agree that there are numerous ways to break into the industry.

There are different archetypes of how people find their way into security, said Ryan LaSalle, the leader of Accenture Security's North America business, in a recent interview with Fortune. Some of those continuing education programs, certification programs, self-study programs, and even some master's degrees and online programs help those folks make that pivot with confidence.

Pursuing cybersecurity employment, regardless of the road you choose to get there, generally pays off. According to Mondo, a recruiting agency for digital and creative industries, many six figures cybersecurity jobs, with some specialists making $225,000 or more. We frequently see that cybersecurity skills carry a significant salary premium, in some cases on the order of $10,000, $15,000, or more above other technical professions, according to one analyst.

Qualities need to land a six-figure cybersecurity job

According to ISC2, an organization that specializes in cybersecurity training and certifications, 40% of cybersecurity employees will have a master's degree in the sector by 2021. What must be recognized is that ISC2 represents and assists very high-level experts who are frequently studying for the most desirable certifications in the sector.

Too many people turn away from our field because they hear associations saying you need a master's degree or other qualifications that aren't required for most positions in our field, says Steve Morgan, founder of Cybersecurity Ventures. While some cyber workers in highly technical or executive roles may have a master's degree, this is not true for the vast majority of people employed in our industry.

According to many estimates, roughly 15% of entry- and mid-level cybersecurity workers hold a master's degree in the subject. According to Morgan, the ISC2 estimates most likely pertain to senior-level roles at Fortune 500 organizations.

While a master's degree in cybersecurity isn't required to make six figures, several experts agree that attending graduate school can often help you earn a higher salary than a bachelor's degree or other certifications alone.