The in-demand job that could earn you a six-figure salary

The Optus data breach has highlighted a jobs shortage, driving salaries above six figures – and you don’t need a degree.

The Optus data breach has forced companies to reconsider their cyber security and in doing so created a demand for experts in the field.

Almost 10 million Australians were impacted in the Optus hack last month, which exposed personal details such as their full name and address, as well as passports, drivers licence and Medicare numbers.

Now organisations across Australia are racing to up the ante in cyber protection.

“We are seeing some of Australia’s largest organisations’ data compromised and this is focusing the attention of C-suites, boards of directors and leadership groups across the country on the need for more investment in cyber security personnel,” Cyber Security and Risk Director at Synchro Partners, Jim Morris, said.

Mr Morris said recent breaches amplified an already short supply of cybersecurity experts.

The Optus data breach has forced companies to rethink their cyber security practices. Picture: AAP

WHAT DOES A CYBER SECURITY SPECIALIST DO?

While there are a variety of different cyber security roles, essentially, cyber security specialists implement security measures to protect organisations from malicious attacks on the network and systems.

“Some of the common threats to companies’ systems are ransomware, phishing attacks, data leaking, hacking and internal threats,” said Mr Morris.

WHY IS THERE A SHORTAGE?

“With the market being as competitive as it is, recruiting within cyber security has its challenges,” said Mr Morris.

“Prospective, available candidates are already in low supply, whether you are the local burger shop or a national cyber security firm.”

Mr Morris said employers were facing increased competition for talent, less overall supply and changes in candidate behaviour and expectations.

“Businesses need to assess their current recruitment process.

“Now is a critical time for employers to review their value proposition to potential recruits out in the marketplace.”

The current shortage of cyber security professionals is driving up wages and opportunities. Picture: Supplied

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BECOME A CYBER SECURITY PROFESSIONAL?

“It has never been so easy to get into cybersecurity either full-time or part-time,” said Mr Morris.

“The universities and TAFEs around Australia are a great pathway to build and train cyber security skills.”

However, not all cyber security roles require tertiary education.

“The mindset shift has been very visible,” said Mr Morris.

“The nature of cyber security and the need to think outside the box, means that candidates are coming from all different walks of life and some of those do not have a degree.”

WHAT PROFESSIONALS COULD MOVE INTO CYBER SECURITY?

“The beauty of a career in cyber security is that there are so many different skills that can be transferred into a cyber security role, meaning people from outside the industry can come in and build successful cyber security careers,” said Mr Morris.

Some of the key industries include, defence, healthcare, logistics, financial services, transport, infrastructure and many more.

Cyber security experts can earn up to $200,000. Picture: Supplied

WHAT ARE THE PATHWAYS TO A CAREER IN CYBER SECURITY?

“My advice would be to study the industry, attend organised industry association or group meet-ups and cyber conferences to truly identify what area of security you want to explore,” said Mr Morris.

“Make sure you are working with a specialist cyber security recruiter or industry mentor to identify the correct pathways for you.”

IS THERE A GENDER BARRIER?

While there are traditionally more males than females in the cyber security industry, Mr Morris said there had been significant progress in the diversity numbers across the security industry.

“We are also seeing more and more female leaders across the market, which is fantastic,” he said.

WHAT’S THE PAY LIKE?

As with any industry, the pay varies, with senior roles offering up to $200k.

“We have seen significant salary increases within certain niche areas of the market such as OT Security, Identity & Access Management and Governance, Risk & Compliance,” Mr Morris said.

Originally published as The in-demand job that could earn you a six-figure salary