5 Cybersecurity Specialists You Should Hire to Boost Your IT Team

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, where cyberattacks impact businesses every 14 seconds, the need for cybersecurity specialists has never been more sought after. By hiring cybersecurity experts, your business can protect itself from the growing sophistication of cyber threats that can severely harm your brand from a financial and reputational standpoint.

But what cybersecurity jobs should you be looking to recruit for to keep your organization secure? Well, in this guide, we will show you as we explore 5 cybersecurity specialists you should hire to boost your IT team.

In this guide, we’ll explore the following cybersecurity jobs:

1. Cybersecurity Engineer
2. Compliance Analyst
3. Network Security Engineer
4. Security Architect
5. CISO - Chief Information Security Officer

Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity engineers are the first entry on our list of the 5 cybersecurity specialists you should hire to boost your IT team. The role of a cybersecurity engineer involves establishing IT security solutions to support the overall protection of your business’s IT infrastructure, including its networks and systems, from cyber threats.

These cybersecurity experts can play a vital role in ensuring your company remains secure against online attacks. Cybersecurity engineers will conduct assessments such as pen testing to determine the likelihood of a cyberattack harming your business. They will design and implement protocols to ensure your organization has the tools to defend itself from cyberattacks and mitigate risks.

A cybersecurity engineer will continuously monitor your network traffic and track the health of your IT systems for any suspicious activity. If an attack is successful, they will be on hand to respond to the threat and put disaster recovery measures in place to restore lost or damaged data. 

When searching for cybersecurity engineers to boost your IT team and bring IT security solutions into your business, you should look for professionals who are keen problem-solvers with an analytical mindset. You should also consider talent with computer science or tech-related degrees or experience in programming languages such as Java, C++, and Python.

Responsibilities of a cybersecurity engineer

Below are some of the primary responsibilities a cybersecurity engineer can support your business with:

• Carry out vulnerability risk assessments and pen tests to determine the potential of an attack harming your business
• Create and implement cybersecurity protocols to protect your organization’s IT infrastructure from cyberattacks
• Constantly monitor network and systems for any suspicious activity
• Respond to and mitigate any cyber threats and data breaches
• Implement disaster recovery measures to restore any IT infrastructure that is damaged in an attack

Skills to look out for in a cybersecurity engineer

Here are the key skills you should consider when selecting your next cybersecurity engineer:

• Excellent knowledge of programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++.
• Ability to analyze and problem-solve cybersecurity issues
• Deep understanding of cybersecurity best practices and protocols
• A degree in computer science or relevant cybersecurity experience and qualifications 
• Great interpersonal skills, with an ability to educate the wider business on cybersecurity threats and best practices

Average cybersecurity engineer salary

If you’re thinking about hiring a cybersecurity engineer, here is the average salary you should consider when taking your budget into account: 

Average cybersecurity engineer salary: US $97,000 - US $145,000

Compliance Analyst

If you’re looking to hire top talent and are serious about establishing a solid stance on cybersecurity and compliance within your business, another role you should consider recruiting for is a compliance analyst. 

Compliance analysts are cybersecurity experts responsible for ensuring an organization adheres to all the necessary laws, rules, regulations, and industry standards. They are vital in protecting companies from legal and financial risks by identifying and addressing potential compliance issues.

A compliance analyst will conduct audits and risk assessments to pinpoint any compliance issues within a business and implement protocols to ensure these issues are mitigated so the company maintains fully compliant. They also ensure employees understand the industry standards regarding compliance and are fully trained in the internal compliance protocols and policies they’ve laid out.

Regarding the considerations to take when hiring a compliance analyst, you should look for talent with deep knowledge of the applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards your business must comply with. You should also seek out cybersecurity specialists who pay excellent attention to detail in everything they do and have the ability to project manage IT-compliance-related assignments. Moreover, you should consider individuals with backgrounds in law and finance or related fields. 

Responsibilities of a compliance analyst

Here are the main responsibilities a compliance analyst can support your business with:

• Carry out audits and risk assessments to determine any compliance issues in an organization
• Create protocols and procedures to ensure your business remains compliant
• Monitor and track any compliance issues
• Resolve any compliance issues that arise
• Train employees on internal compliance protocols and industry standards

Skills to look out for in a compliance analyst

Below are the primary skills you should seek out in your future compliance analyst hires:

• Excellent understanding of all laws, regulations, and industry standards applicable to your business
• Great attention to detail 
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to project manage
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills

Average compliance analyst salary

If you’re considering hiring a compliance analyst, here is the average salary you should consider within your budget: 

Average compliance analyst salary: US $61,000 - US $96,000

Network Security Engineer

Network security engineers are another of the top cybersecurity specialists you should hire to boost your IT team. A network security engineer can help protect your organization's computer networks from the exploitation of unauthorized access, where a hacker could disrupt, modify, misuse, and even destroy aspects of your network.

They will dedicate their time to identifying and mitigating network security risks whilst implementing security controls to counter and respond to security incidents that could negatively impact your business. Whether it's malware, viruses, or other hacking attempts, a network security engineer will provide IT security solutions that keep you free from network-related cybersecurity threats.

As part of the role, a network security engineer will continuously monitor your network for potential security breaches and conduct pen testing and other attack simulations to discover vulnerabilities. Factoring in this information, they will develop protocols and strategies to combat these network security issues and prevent them from damaging your IT infrastructure.

Organizations looking to hire these types of cybersecurity specialists should consider talent with qualifications and experience in computer science, cybersecurity, or other related fields. They should also be equipped with extensive knowledge of networks and security best practices whilst being able to problem-solve and troubleshoot network-related issues. 

Responsibilities of a network security engineer

Here are the primary responsibilities of a network security engineer:

• Conduct security audits and pen tests to identify vulnerabilities within a network
• Design, implement, and maintain internal network security protocols
• Monitor and track network traffic for any suspicious activity
• Respond to network security incidents and investigate security breaches
• Keep updated on the latest cyber threats and vulnerabilities whilst educating the wider business on internal network security protocols

Skills to look out for in a network security engineer

These are the key skills to consider when sourcing your next network security engineer:

• Strong understanding of network security protocols and security best practices
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• A degree or relevant experience in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field 
• Certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Average network security engineer salary

Below is the average salary of a network security engineer you should consider in your cybersecurity recruitment budget: 

Average network security engineer salary: US $64,000 - US $120,000

Security Architect

Next on our list of the cybersecurity specialists you should hire to boost your IT team is the role of a security architect. A security architect can support your cybersecurity team by helping maintain your tech infrastructure by implementing IT security solutions.

Security architects can come into your organization to review your existing security procedures and conduct tests to identify any vulnerabilities and areas of improvement. They can then support your business in designing and putting in place protocols and recommending strategies to help you steer clear of security breaches and digital threats.

As well as developing your IT security strategy, cybersecurity experts such as security architects will oversee security aspects, including budgeting new security hardware and software and project managing other cybersecurity team members. They’ll also perform regular audits and tests on the protocols they implement, ensuring everything they do complies with all the applicable laws and industry regulations.

If you’re on the lookout for the market’s top security architects, you should consider people who have deep knowledge of security policies and technical skills relating to network security, software development, and cloud security. They’ll also have workplace skills such as problem-solving, project management, and team collaboration skills. Additionally, security architects will typically have a degree in computer science, IT, or a related field and any certifications relevant to IT security. 

Responsibilities of a security architect

Below are the key responsibilities a security architect can be accountable for as part of your IT team:

• Design and implement internal IT security solutions 
• Conduct risk assessments to identify any vulnerabilities within an IT infrastructure 
• Carry out audits and tests to ensure the security protocols protect IT infrastructure effectively
• Ensure the security protocols adhere to the necessary laws and regulations
• Map out training programs to ensure employees within the business know the various cyber threats and how to work securely in the digital landscape

Skills to look out for in a security architect

Here are the primary skills you should consider when hiring your next security architect:

• Deep expertise in IT security solutions, protocols, and best practices
• A degree in IT, computer science, or a related field
• Qualifications in IT security certifications 
• Solid understanding of software programs and IT operating systems
• Ability to problem-solve and work collaboratively in a team

Average security architect salary 

Taking your budget into account, here is the average salary of a security architect: 

Average security architect salary: US $135,000 - US $195,000

Of course, we appreciate not every organization has the resources or the budget to make permanent hires for any of the roles highlighted in this guide. Thankfully, there is an alternative option - outsourcing. Learn more about this solution by reading our guide: When Should Your Business Consider Outsourcing IT Roles?

CISO - Chief Information Security Officer

Our final entry to our list of cybersecurity specialists you should hire to boost your IT team is the role of a chief information security officer (CISO). A CISO is a senior-level executive who can enter your business to oversee your IT security program. 

A CISO is primarily responsible for protecting an organization's data and ensuring IT infrastructure is not compromised by unauthorized access by cyber hackers. These senior-level cybersecurity experts can come into your organization and implement an effective security strategy aligned with the necessary regulations to keep your systems clear of cyberattacks. 

Liaising with and reporting to various business leaders within a company, a CISO will evaluate an organization's risk of being vulnerable to cyber threats and remain up-to-date with the latest cyberspace developments to support a brand's defenses. With this knowledge, they will justify the investment in the latest cybersecurity measures to ensure a business is futureproofed with the best IT security solutions and disaster recovery protocols. 

As you embark on sourcing your future CISO, you should focus your attention on experienced executives who have an extensive background in the IT security space. They should come equipped with a tech-related degree, such as computer science, and deep expertise in programming languages like C++, Java, and . NET. Additionally, they should possess knowledge of industry laws and regulations, experience in handling department budgets, and exceptional leadership skills.    

Responsibilities of a CISO - chief information security officer

These are the key responsibilities you can expect your future chief information security officer to do:

• Planning and implementing IT security solutions and cybersecurity framework 
• Overseeing the cybersecurity risks a company is vulnerable to 
• Managing the organization's incident response and disaster recovery protocol
• Educating and training employees on internal cybersecurity protocols
• Ensuring the organization is compliant with relevant laws and regulations
• Liaising with the board of directors on the company’s stance and future strategy relating to IT security

Skills to look out for in a CISO

Here are the main skills to look out for when considering hiring a chief information security officer:

• Excellent leadership and project management skills
• Exceptional understanding of industry laws and regulations 
• Extensive knowledge of programming languages such as C++, .NET, and Java
• A degree in computer science or tech-related field
• Remain updated with the latest cybersecurity threats and trends

Average chief information security officer salary

Considering your budget, here is the average salary of a CISO:

Average chief information security officer salary: US $210,000 - US $270,000

Learn more about what your business's IT infrastructure should include by reading our guide: What Should Your Business's IT Infrastructure Include?

The final word on the 5 cybersecurity specialists you should hire

Ultimately, the incorporation of the 5 cybersecurity specialists, including a cybersecurity engineer, compliance analyst, network security engineer, security architect, and CISO, can significantly enhance your cybersecurity team's capabilities and fortify your organization against evolving cyber threats. These cybersecurity experts bring diverse skills, from designing and implementing robust security protocols to ensuring regulatory compliance and leading incident response efforts. 

So, whether considering permanent hires or exploring outsourcing options, investing in these cybersecurity jobs is crucial for safeguarding your business in today's digital landscape. By assembling a team with expertise ranging from technical skills to strategic leadership, you can proactively address cybersecurity challenges and foster a secure and resilient IT infrastructure.

Learn more about the other aspects of an IT team your business should be equipped with by reading our guide: How to Build a Successful IT Department Structure.

Specialists in cybersecurity recruitment

If you're seeking to secure the top cybersecurity specialists to ensure your IT infrastructure remains protected, we can help. Our cybersecurity recruitment experts have access to roles discussed in this guide. They can connect you with the best candidates on the market who can implement IT security solutions into your business.

Discover what it means to partner with us by contacting us today to discuss your cybersecurity recruitment needs.