Cybersecurity vs Software Engineering: Salary + Career Guide
You’ve concluded that your career path ought to be in software development. It is a general classification and you might observe that you want to limit your attention before choosing one of the numerous computer science programs accessible.
If you have trimmed the choice down to cybersecurity and software engineering, this post can assist you with picking the one that is appropriate for you.
What Is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity refers to the act of securing computer networks, information, and cell phones from being gotten to by unapproved individuals or associations. This is a strong undertaking, and its significance develops as a greater amount of our everyday exercises include associated networks.
It includes software development, entrance testing, the development of firewalls, and different securities from malware. It likewise incorporates the utilization of advanced legal sciences to decide when and how an assault occurred.
What Is Software Engineering?
Software engineering, otherwise called software design, includes investigating explicit necessities and making the devices needed to assemble the software to address those issues. This requires broad information on software design, and computer programming languages, like python and java, just as the working frameworks—like UNIX and Linux—they work with.
Unlike software designers who make the software from existing frameworks, software engineers should make the frameworks on which new software can be constructed.
Cybersecurity vs Software Engineering: Roles and Responsibilities
To completely comprehend the distinction between these two kinds of software development occupations, you want to know precisely what is generally anticipated from the people who work in both of them. Here is a concise summation of the jobs and obligations of each.
What Does a Cybersecurity Engineer Do?
Cybersecurity engineers, otherwise called cybersecurity analysts, are responsible for making and executing plans and security protocols to ensure the honesty of computer networks and cell phones from malware, hacking, or different interruptions. They are likewise liable for making the software and refreshing computer equipment to execute these plans.
Cyber security analysts should likewise continually screen the organization for weaknesses and indications of a security break. They are likewise entrusted with making an occurrence reaction plan that will quickly react to any cyberattack and assist with limiting the harm brought about by it.
While they may sure spend part of their workday as a security software designer, they should have the option to do substantially more than that. They must have the option to get into the brain of a programmer and become a moral programmer to have the option to keep them under control.
How Does a Software Engineer Respond?
Software engineering is a general classification, containing many related fields. Those that work in it are known by many names, including computer programmers and software engineers. While each business might have a somewhat unique interpretation of exactly what they need a software specialist to do, a few obligations are general.
Software engineers are liable for the structure, support, assessment, and testing of new software. They should have a profound comprehension of data frameworks, data innovation, programming languages, and the mathematics and calculations used to make usable software.
Cybersecurity vs. Software Engineering: Skills and Qualifications
There is some overlap in the skills and qualifications required for these two occupations, but the more specific your training and experience the better your chances of landing a job.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Cybersecurity Engineer?
In order to be qualified for this position, one must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as computer science, information technology, or a related field. The applicant should also be a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
In addition, it is required that the applicant has experience with cyber attack detection and response, digital forensics, and the ability to build and maintain firewalls.
Furthermore, the ideal candidate would be knowledgeable in the use of many computer programming languages including C++, Ruby, Python, and Java. He/she should also be well grounded in hacking techniques and technology, and be up to date on current trends in cyber security.
What are the Skills Needed to Become a Software Engineer?
- You must possess strong ability and ample experience in engineering, computer science, and mathematics.
- Be experienced in software development.
- Proven programming experience using several different programming languages
- Experience using tools and techniques of software development
- Be a team player with strong interpersonal skills
- Able to communicate difficult ideas and concepts clearly when speaking or writing
- Creative and adept at problem-solving
- A comprehensive understanding of concepts and ideas related to computer science
- Skilled and experienced with coding
Cybersecurity vs. Software Engineering: Career Path + Salaries
Most career paths start broad and get narrow as your skills become more specialized. There are many different niches to specialize in for both of these occupations. Here are some of the best choices for both.
Best Jobs for a Cybersecurity Engineer?
Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity engineers are answerable for keeping up with the security of IT frameworks and networks to guard the information contained in them from infections, hackers, and different types of cyberattacks. For the most part, paths are utilized by enormous organizations or by security firms that are employed by different organizations to ensure their networks. The average annual salary of a Cybersecurity engineer is $120,740
Cybersecurity Manager/Administrator
Cybersecurity managers are liable for protecting an organization through the management of staff. They should have inside and out information on the equipment and software that keep the organization secure and the capacity to lead the remainder of the IT group. This is a senior-level position and requires insight into network protection and grouping the board. The average salary of a cybersecurity manager in the United States is $138,510
Cybersecurity Consultant
Network protection consultants are habitually independent or re-appropriated positions. The title covers a wide assortment of occupations, contingent generally upon what their customer needs them to do. By and large, they give network security guidance, testing, examination, and updating. They are much of the time brought in after a cyberattack has ended up aiding fix the harm and keep it from happening once more. Cybersecurity consultant earns between $92,500 to as high as $161,000 in the United States.
Cyber Security Analyst
Cybersecurity analysts are entrusted with ceaselessly checking the organization for weaknesses or indications of interruption. They are liable for creating and executing security updates and conventions. They should likewise have the option to direct tests to observe a shortcoming in the framework and afterward foster strategies as well as software to reinforce them. The average salary of a Cybersecurity Analyst is $99,598 per annum.
What Are the Best Jobs for a Software Engineer?
System Engineer
System engineers are liable for the development of frameworks that meet a particular need. They should be capable of the wide range of disciplines, languages, working frameworks, and software that might be expected to carry a venture from origination to consummation. They should have the option to create, test, and keep up with all frameworks needed to finish the task. System Engineers make an average of $93,346 per annum.
Full Stack Engineer
Full-stack engineers assemble both the front, or client-side, and back of sites and applications. They are liable for the development of web applications and the software to run them. They should likewise have the option to test and refine their own, and others, work. Full stack engineers’ average annual salary is $117,101.
Software Engineer
Software engineers are liable for the structure and execution of software designed to meet a business or alternately customer’s particular requirements. They start the interaction by talking about what precisely the venture should achieve and afterward making a software framework to address that issue. Software engineers earn an average of $97,452 each year.
IT Security Specialist
IT security experts are liable for the security of an organization’s computer organization and frameworks. They should make and carry out plans and procedures to shield information from programmers or other cyber criminals. IT Security Specialists earn an average of $108,967 per year.
Cloud Engineer
Cloud engineers are answerable for the creation and execution of uses, conventions, and plans that will work with or inside the organization’s distributed storage. They are much of the time needed to make preparing conventions for the non-specialized groups who need to see how to securely store and recover information from the cloud. Cloud Engineers earn between $106,000 to $147,000 per annum.
Which Career Is Best for You?
It is difficult to anticipate precisely which career path is awesome before you get an opportunity to work in the field. In any case, it very well might be somewhat simple to sort out which careers are not appropriate for you dependent on your character and character attributes. Coming up next are unpleasant rules planned to give you some understanding of which sort of occupation best suits your character.
You Should Consider Cyber Security if…
- You intend to get a 4-year college degree or beyond
- You can handle high-anxiety workdays
- You can communicate clearly both verbally and orally
- You enjoy solving puzzles
- You can both uber-focus and multi-task
You Should Consider Software Engineering if…
- You like to learn things hands-on
- You have a genuine interest in computers and how they work
- You are a self-starter
- You can work as well in a team as you can by yourself
- You are creative and innovative
Recommended Cybersecurity Online Courses
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to make a switch to a more in-demand field, cybersecurity is a great option. With job-ready skills and no prior experience or degree required, you can launch your career in no time.
If you have decided to forge a career in Cybersecurity, here are some top online courses in cybersecurity that will help bring you up to speed.
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IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate (Coursera)
This 8-course Professional Certificate will give you the foundation you need to be successful in today’s security landscape. Instructional content and labs will introduce you to concepts including network security, endpoint protection, incident response, threat intelligence, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessment. By the end of this certificate, you will have the skills and confidence to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
Course Duration – 8 months
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Introduction to Cybersecurity Specialization (Coursera)
This course is designed to help individuals develop a deeper understanding of modern information and system protection technologies and methods. The goal of this learning experience is to foster a lifelong passion and appreciation for cyber security among students, developers, managers, engineers, and private citizens alike. In order to achieve this, the course includes specially customized interviews with industry partners that help connect cybersecurity concepts to real-world business experiences.
Course Duration – 4 months
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Essentials of Cybersecurity (Edx)
This professional certificate program will provide you with an introduction to the field of cybersecurity, including its landscape, various sectors and roles, competencies, and career pathways. You will learn about the role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and study the policies, procedures, practices, and technologies used to mitigate organizational and systems vulnerabilities to cyberattacks.
This program will help you understand the cybersecurity field and the different types of skill sets required for various positions. In addition, you will be able to take a self-assessment to see which area of cybersecurity would be the best fit for your abilities.
Course Duration – 6 months (2-5hrs per week)
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SANS Cyber Aces Online
SANS Cyber Aces Online offers a comprehensive and free online course on the core concepts needed to assess and protect information security systems. It is self-paced and easy to use, with a combination of tutorials and videos that will leave learners with a strong foundation for building a career in cybersecurity or just strengthening their own home network. The course content is updated regularly to keep pace with changes in technology and the threat landscape, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in cybersecurity.
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Cybrary Introduction to IT & Cybersecurity
This course is designed for individuals who are interested in exploring a career in the IT or cybersecurity field. It covers basic topics such as system administration, network engineering, incident response and forensics, and offensive security and penetration testing. This course will provide students with an overview of IT and security fundamentals, so they can better decide which area of IT they would like to pursue a career in.
This course is 1 hour and 41 minutes in duration. A Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon successful completion of the training.
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StationX Cyber Security School
StationX is a cyber security company and subscribing to its yearly membership plan ($149) gives you unlimited access to a wide variety of cyber security courses, including ethical hacking, penetration testing, and more. It is tailored to cater to all levels and provides great value for money. You will also be able to speak with their top-level experts, take their courses, and benefit from a customized training roadmap and career guide. This will help you focus on the areas that are most relevant to you, regardless of your level of experience.
Recommended Courses in Software Engineering
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Cloud Engineer Professional Certificate (Coursera)
This program provides the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in cloud architecture and earn the industry-recognized Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer certification. Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and labs, you’ll explore and deploy solution elements, including infrastructure components such as networks, systems, and applications services; and you’ll gain real-world experience through a number of hands-on Qwiklabs projects that you can share with potential employers.
This program will also provide the opportunity to practice key job skills, including setting up a cloud environment and deploying a solution in the cloud. For learners looking to get certified, this program will also provide sample questions similar to those on the exam, including solutions and practice exam quizzes to give you a feel of what to expect in the real world.
If you complete this program, you’ll be rewarded with a completion certificate to show your professional network and potential employers. And if you’re interested in receiving your Google Cloud certification, you’ll be required to sign up for and pass the certification exam.
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Full Stack Web Developer Masters Program Course (Edureka)
Edureka is an online training institution that offers a wide range of courses and its Full Stack Development Course comes fully packed with all the necessary tools and resources needed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to become a full stack developer.
This extensive 8 hours course program features 200+ hours of interactive learning which covers a wide range of topics, including web development, jQuery UI development, Angular certification, React JS, Node.js, and many more. It also includes a project that allows students to put their skills to the test.
The course is self-paced, so you can work through it at your own speed. This course is fully available online, and you can access it from anywhere in the world.
If you’re interested in becoming a full-stack developer, then Edureka’s Full Stack Developer Masters Program Course is a great option. It’s comprehensive, well-designed, and taught by experienced instructors.
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Introduction to Systems Engineering (Coursera)
This course provides a comprehensive and structured approach to the successful development of complex systems. You will gain an understanding of how the different components of a system interact and how each contributes to the success of a project. This knowledge will enable you to effectively manage system development projects from start to finish.
The language of this discipline can often be confusing for those new to the field. However, this course will present the material in an easy-to-understand way. Lectures will be given on a weekly basis to introduce and review key concepts. There will also be quizzes and practical exercises to help gauge your understanding of the material.
This course is open to anyone who wishes to learn about developing and implementing complex systems. It is especially relevant for those in project management, engineering, QA, logistics support, operations, management, maintenance, and other similar fields.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity and software engineering are both great career paths you can take in software development. Whichever career path you choose to take will largely depend on you.
Your skills and qualifications are two important factors that should guide you on what career path you should take. And do not forget other important factors such as the salaries earned, roles and responsibilities of both career paths.
And lastly, there are a lot of job opportunities from both career paths. You can decide to go for any job and be successful. We hope you find this article helpful in making your career decision.