7 Companies That Hire Cybersecurity Professionals

There are several types of companies that hire cybersecurity professionals to maintain and protect their digital systems. Industries like finance, defense, healthcare, retail, and energy all need workers who know about IT security and are able to thwart hackers from stealing money and data from their businesses, employees, and customers. To work in cybersecurity, you need the technological savvy of an IT wizard and the attention to detail of detective. But if you’re good at your job, there are plenty of companies who might be hiring.

Financial Institutions Hire Cybersecurity Professionals

Now that people pay bills, track charges, and apply for loans online, banks, credit unions and financial companies are among the most likely organizations to be targeted with a cyberattack. In fact, financial institutions are 300 times more likely to be attacked by cybercriminals than other institutions. That’s why banks have dedicated cybersecurity departments and spend billions of dollars each year on security. These departments help protect customer data, monitor threats, manage incidents, and ensure compliance with federal regulations. Performing cybersecurity work in the financial sector, you might work at a banking institution, credit card company, or investment firm.

Cybersecurity Professionals Protect Healthcare Organizations

Medical facilities, pharmacies, and healthcare organizations that maintain patient records are required to keep that information confidential. Per HIPAA guidelines, patient medical histories—almost all on electronic health records (EHR) now—must be kept secure. As a cyber professional in the healthcare sector, you focus on the safety of patient information. You provide EHR access only to authorized personnel and train new employees on the proper way to enter and record information. You also deploy system updates and help ensure your organization remains in compliance with federal and state laws.

Cybersecurity at Retail Stores

Retailers that rely on credit card sales and stores selling online both rely on the security of their systems and their data. As a cybersecurity professional in the retail space, you might

• Protect customer payment data
• Monitor accounts for fraud and suspicious activity
• Implement and maintain systems to store, process, and transmit credit card information
• Maintain secure e-commerce websites
• Respond to and investigate data breaches
• Manage identity and access controls
• Detect and block phishing, ransomware, or malware targeting retail networks
• Oversee in-store devices like cash registers and scanners connected to the network
• Conduct employee training

Defense and Cybersecurity

Because the defense sector relies on intense security to protect classified information, weapons, and national security infrastructure, there is a critical need for cybersecurity professionals. From espionage, and sabotage to well-orchestrated cyberattacks, military networks, satellites, and communication systems are constant targets for hackers and hostile nations. As a cybersecurity professional in defense, you might monitor and defend government or contractor networks, analyze and respond to cyber threats, and secure critical systems that control logistics, intelligence, or weapons operations. Your job is to prevent breaches that might compromise missions, harm personnel, or jeopardize national defense capabilities. And whether you work for a defense contractor or with the Department of Defense, the demand for professionals with cybersecurity skills is expected to be strong.

Cyberthreats in Energy

What do you do when the power goes out? Now imagine if someone made the power go out on purpose. Regional and local electric companies that power counties, cities, and towns are now targets of cybercriminals. Because power grids, pipelines, and refineries are part of the national infrastructure, a single breach can disrupt electricity, fuel supplies, or water systems, and affect millions. To prevent cybercriminals from wreaking havoc, cybersecurity professionals in the energy industry work to protect these vital systems. If you work in energy security, you might monitor networks, look for intrusions, and patch vulnerabilities. You might also conduct risk assessments, implement response plans, and ensure compliance with regulations

Cybersecurity in Manufacturing

As the manufacturing industry incorporates cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), gaps between the new tech and outdated operations can open a pathway for hackers to attack. For example, an Internet-run machine that was installed a decade ago to increase production may not have been set up with cybersecurity in mind. That means today’s sophisticated attackers can easily hack the machinery and sabotage a company’s production line. In this field, your skills are needed to update outdated equipment and help the IT team implement proper security protocols. You also run risk assessments, search for weaknesses, and develop solutions to mitigate them.

Educational Institutions

Colleges and universities have student records, financial aid information, research and intellectual property, expense cards, and purchasing accounts that can be hacked. As a cyber professional, you could work for an educational institution and monitor this sensitive data. You would implement security protocols, monitor systems for threats, and investigate attacks. You might also assist with the design and implementation of web security workshops or online seminars to train the school community about the importance of cybersecurity.

Does a career in cybersecurity interest you? Charter College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity that can prepare you for an entry-level job in the field. The degree can be completed online, sharpening your computer savvy and offering convenience for your busy schedule. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.