Cybersecurity Positions Without Coding
Knowledge of programming can be important for some mid- and senior-level cybersecurity positions. For example, a Chief Information Officer may code, but it may only be useful in exceptional situations, unlike IT staff who have to solve software issues daily. Let's look at the main positions in cybersecurity—with and without coding.
- Software Engineer
- IT Technician
- System Administrator
- Information Security Analyst
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- IT Director
- Computer Network Architect
- Cyber Threat Analyst
Software engineers create organizational software, webinar applications, games, etc. If you're wondering, "What code should I learn for cyber security as a software engineer?", the answer can be broad, as the more, the better. These specialists independently create systems for developing new products and updating them.
An IT technician installs, tests, and launches software, resolves compatibility issues between computers and software, fixes network-related issues, and tests firewalls and antivirus programs.
A system administrator maintains the company's network and computer systems, fixing network issues and configuring operating systems. The security administrator's duties include monitoring and protecting systems, installing security solutions, but not developing them, as this is done by programmers. Thus, whether cybersecurity requires coding depends on the specific role within the team.
The primary task of an information security analyst is to protect against hackers, malware, viruses, and other forms of cyberattacks. In case of data breaches or other emergencies, information security analysts implement data protection and proper backup plans. They also investigate new methods developed by cybercriminals and how to prevent these threats.
A cybersecurity analyst studies security risks and proposes preventive measures for secure programing. They assess the company's network connections and devices, develop protocols for employees, respond to potential data leaks, and evaluate damages. The scope of a security center analyst's activities includes researching, monitoring, documenting, and reporting on system vulnerabilities, threats, and attacks.
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for ensuring all the company's technological needs are met. Their duties include overseeing protection strategies and selecting software for this purpose. Senior specialists delegate cyber coding and other routine duties to subordinate IT staff, while they typically handle costs, data security, and protocol administration.
A computer network architect performs hardware and software upgrades, researches new technologies, documents processes, tests networks, and so on. For this, a deep understanding of cyber code is not necessary, but a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology is preferred.
Conclusions
Many specialties related to cybersecurity do not involve creating computer code. However, working in this field requires a general understanding of secure coding practices, high attention to detail, and the ability to solve problems creatively. A newcomer applying for a penetration tester position does not necessarily need to understand coding. However, to attain mid- and senior-level positions, it is worth learning Python, and optionally, C# or C++.