Becoming an Incident Responder: Career Advice for Recent Graduates
As our reliance on technology continues to grow, so does the need for professionals who can effectively respond to and mitigate cyber incidents. One such role is that of an Incident Responder. In this article, we’ll provide career advice to recent graduates who may be interested in this exciting and challenging field.
Introduction to the Career
An Incident Responder is responsible for investigating and responding to incidents related to cybersecurity threats. They are responsible for identifying the scope of a breach, containing the damage, and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This role can be in-house or with a third-party firm, and may require working long hours, responding to incidents outside of regular business hours, and being on-call.
Career Values, Traits, and Skills
To excel in this field, incident responders need to possess certain values, traits, and skills. Values like a commitment to professionalism and a desire to help others are important in this role. Traits that will help you succeed as an Incident Responder include being detail-oriented, adaptable, and able to think critically under pressure. The following skills are also important:
- A deep understanding of cybersecurity technologies and tactics
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication skills
- The ability to work collaboratively across different teams and departments
Career Path
The career path for an Incident Responder can vary depending on the organization. Many professionals start in entry-level roles such as a Security Analyst or Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst. As they gain more experience, they may move on to roles such as a Threat Hunter or Incident Responder. Some may choose to pursue advanced certifications such as the Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) or the Certified Expert Incident Handler (GCEIH).
Salary Range
According to data from Payscale, the average salary for an Incident Responder in the United States is $84,759 per year. Entry-level positions may start at around $50,000 per year, while more experienced Incident Responders may earn upwards of $140,000 per year.
Tips for Success
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an Incident Responder, here are some tips for success:
- Focus on continuing education and obtaining certifications relevant to the field.
- Get involved with industry groups and attend conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and threats in cybersecurity.
- Develop strong communication skills to be able to explain complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
- Develop the ability to work under pressure and manage stress effectively.
- Be willing to work long hours, including weekends and evenings.
References
- "Incident Responder Salary," Payscale, accessed October 2021, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Incident_Responder/Salary
- "Incident Response," SANS Institute, accessed October 2021, https://www.sans.org/security-resources/incident-response/
- "How to Build a Career in Cybersecurity," Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), accessed October 2021, https://www.cisa.gov/how-to-build-a-career-in-cybersecurity
