The global economy suffers losses of over $400 billion each year from cybercrime. Owing to the recent spate of ransomware attacks, demand for cyber-security professionals has increased across all sectors. The healthcare industry is no different with alarm bells ringing, which has consequently led to increased demand for professionals.
Following the mandatory implementation of MACRA section 12, the surge in demand will continue into the coming years. While the transition into the healthcare industry may seem daunting, top-dollar offers make up the difference.
According to CIO, Chief Security Officer on average earns around $220, 000 annually, the bottom-up packages are not too bad themselves. Coupled with comprehensive healthcare coverage that usually comes along, it is an affluent sector to be a part of.
Below we discuss top cyber-security positions in the healthcare industry. Furthermore, a pathway into the field is also shared for individuals looking to prepare themselves for the listed roles.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analyst is responsible for implementing, managing, and upgrading various endpoint and network security controls, the Information Security Analyst are in high demand.
The said individual also has the added responsibility of managing any cyber-security attack as he diligently seeks active threats in the environment in his downtime.
Usually, the responsibility entails reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and the Chief Technical Officer (CTO).
Cyber Security Intelligence Analyst
Cyber Security Intelligence Analysts are personnel who are at the forefront of security and safeguard the success of an organization’s mission by ensuring IT security.
They manage risk in native solutions to counter threats by performing in-depth analysis of indicators, reviewing security data, contacting affected users, and implementing remediation actions.
Cyber Forensics Specialist
Cyber Forensics Specialist is a person who must have a thorough understanding of the OSI model and TCP/IP networking. In addition, they should demonstrate basic networking and host exploitation knowledge.
Such professionals are required to perform system and network analysis, along with audit reports of the native systems. Vulnerability assessments are another interesting part of their assigned activities, which helps in C&A compliance and security controls.
Information Security Compliance Specialist
Information Security Compliance Specialist is tasked to lead teams to conduct IT security assessments and vulnerability management.
Such individuals are required to have comprehensive knowledge of vulnerability valuation, USGCB standards and DISC/CIS hardening requirements, cloud computing, and cloud environments.
In addition, he develops vulnerability mitigation and is assigned maintenance of incident occurrences and responses.
How to land these jobs
Individuals who wish for a career in health-related cyber security must have a strong computer science background, especially network and database administration as well as security.
A bachelor’s degree in a computer-related course of study, such as computer programming, computer science, information technology, information systems, database administration, or network security is a good starting point.
Graduate degrees in a similar field along with professional certifications in security are great to bolster one’s competitive edge over peers. Those pursuing health-related cyber security careers need a solid computer science foundation, including network and database administration, ideally backed by a relevant bachelor’s degree, and can enhance their competitiveness with graduate degrees and certifications in Cyber Security Risk.
Intelligence delivers quality Healthcare IT professionals to payers and providers nationwide. If you are a Cyber-security consultant searching for your next opportunity, check out our Career Portal to see if we have an opening that matches your skillset, or send us your resume and we will get in touch with you as soon as we find a fit!