Interested in Cybersecurity? 5 Possible Career Paths to Take:

Cybersecurity is a major concern today for organizations in all industries, and the types of jobs available in the field span many different sectors, including the federal government, nonprofit organizations, private companies, and freelancing opportunities.

With technology becoming more and more and integral to life and business, the need for cybersecurity specialists will only increase in the coming years – and that's especially true when you consider that cybersecurity threats are growing more serious every day.

People and companies can no longer afford the damage caused by even the slightest breach. The small upshot of this is that there are plenty of great jobs available in the cybersecurity field. Here are five different roles you might be interested in pursuing:

1. Cybersecurity Software Developer

For many organizations, the primary source of protection against cyberthreats is the software they use to guard their networks. As a cybersecurity software developer, you may be responsible for managing or updating the software companies use to keep their computers and data safe. In some instances, you may even be given the opportunity to create your own software to serve this function.

While most cybersecurity software now automatically updates, scans for viruses, and monitors internet traffic, cybersecurity software developers are tasked with looking for problems and vulnerabilities and building solutions.

2. Cybersecurity Responder

While software developers try to prevent attacks, cybersecurity responders deal with the aftermath when attacks do happen. Usually, cybersecurity responders work in independent firms that companies contact when they've been attacked. Your job as a responder would be to run damage control on compromised systems and to return them to safe operating conditions.

3. Cyber Forensic Investigator

This unique cybersecurity position might suit your fancy if you enjoy playing the role of detective. Forensic investigators usually work in conjunction with police departments or other law enforcement offices to track down the hackers behind cyberattacks. Cyber forensic investigators may also work to identify weaknesses in online networks by looking into industry best practices and investigating other cyberattacks.

4. Government Jobs

Many cybersecurity roles are available at the local, state, and federal levels of government. Cybersecurity is of the utmost importance to governments these days, so there are plenty of roles in the field that need filling. As a cybersecurity worker for a government agency, your role may be one of the types outlined above, a combination of them, or something different altogether.

5. Freelance 'White Hat' Hacker

This one is a little different from the rest of the cybersecurity jobs covered in this article. So-called "white hat" hackers are ethical hackers hired by companies to break into their networks. Once a white hat hacker has found a vulnerability in a company's network, they document it, provide a detailed report to the client, and offer potential fixes. Many white hats are freelancers who make a pretty penny – and have a lot of fun – attempting to crack even the tightest of networks.

The cybersecurity field is a fast-growing market. Cybercrimes happen on a daily basis, and there are a lot of opportunities for work. If you enjoy working with computers, solving problems, and researching new technology, then a job in cybersecurity may be just the thing for you.

Carmelo Hannity is an independent business consultant specializing in social media trends, business, and entrepreneurship.