Cyber security in the new era of work

2021-09-22T11:27:03Z

The last 6 months in 2020 have taught us, mostly because of the pandemic Covid – 19 crisis, that risks and risk management should be the main focus of most of the businesses.

Since the global context has shifted the labor market as we know it to the online world, the IT industry has been taking over most of the risk management tasks. In other words, as the online world and online technologies were growing and developing at a higher pace than usual, vulnerabilities and the number of cyber-attacks were also increasing, so it became mandatory for businesses to be dependable on cyber security experts.

2021 anticipates even a greater pool of opportunities and challenges for business leaders, especially from cyber security point of view. It is important to remember that embracing changes has an impact on adopting new technologies and trends that would guarantee your organization remains competitive in the market but especially, secure.

Why are cyber security professionals so in-demand right now?

The main trends in handling risks are now based on a higher performance at securing the remote workforce (especially because of the need to create secure infrastructures around the “smart” iOT devices used while working from home, exchanging and exposing data), simplifying and automating access controls (shifting to a DevSecurityOps role) or building a secure infrastructure (network infrastructure, VPN connections, Passwordless authentication, maintenance and improvements of online platforms that ensure communication between remote teams).

In the new model of work it is key to prioritize business enablement and reduce risk by innovating and creating a stronger response to threats, which is currently impacting and reshaping the IT Specialist profile in Cyber security.

Since the role has to embrace both technology and business approach, the cyber security specialist’s profile would have to combine ‘tech’ from ‘business’, ensuring the liaison between IT security and the business core.

What key skills does a cyber security professional need in this new era of work?

The set of skills or qualifications for Cyber security professionals gravitate around:

System administration
Skills in application security: (e.g. ISO 27000 series, NIST, OWASP, PCI DSS), Secure development and Secure software architecture
Network security
Problem solving
Information security policies
Firewall administration
Network protocols
Routers, hubs, and switches
Process improvement
Good programming skills: modern web application architecture, understanding of common design patterns and the ability to read and understand source code
Professional certificates in IT and Security from CISA or CISM
Very good communication and analytical skills

Hays Romania has been placing candidates in numerous roles related to cyber security, in technical positions across the Infrastructure area (eg: Network Security) and Penetration Testing roles, along with more analytical roles, especially in permanent markets.

Hybrid roles that combine both technical and analytical capabilities have proven popular –for industries where smart technologies and hybrid roles (iOT especially in automotive) have been adopted.

Sectors that have traditionally required high-level security systems, such as financial institutions and automotive companies – the pioneers in the iOT smart industries, remain popular employers for cyber security professionals, as do specific cyber security businesses in the Romanian Market. We expect this to replicate also for the e-commerce businesses, mainly because they work very closely to fintech corporations to process all payments securely.

We estimate that cyber security projects will increase by 2021 which will trigger higher needs for talent. So whether you’re a cyber security professional interested in a new challenge or are looking for talented cyber security personnel to support your organization, get in touch with us now.

5 hottest engineering roles this year

2021-09-22T11:20:19Z

These could be the 5 hottest engineering roles this year

Engineers in cloud infrastructure, AI, DevOps, machine learning and more will see plenty of job opportunities in 2021, writes Hays’ David Burke.

Throughout 2020, the technology sector once again proved itself to be robust and adaptable, contributing significantly to the Irish economy. It remains an amazing industry for any professional looking to take their career forward and, arguably, engineering is at the centre of it all.

Here are our predictions for the top five hottest tech engineering roles of 2021.

1. Software engineers

A career in software engineering can offer a professional a great deal of range in terms of the technology they work with, products they build and people they impact.

We continue to see high demand for software developers that outweighs the supply of talent available in this space. Software engineering has been at the heart of the growth of the technology industry in Ireland and remains key for the future. While we do have an abundance of hugely talented developers in Ireland, we could always do with more as the demand is, to put it simply, relentless.

There are still massive opportunities for developers with fluency in core languages like Java and .net, but we have also seen a continuation in demand for front-end/UI and UX, as well as in areas like Python, API, Scala, Kotlin, Go, Ruby, TypeScript and more.

2. DevOps and site reliability engineers

The broad DevOps and site reliability engineering field continues to see increased demand, maintaining a trend we have seen over the last few years.

However, as the wall continues to erode between development and operations, organisations are reaping the benefits of better efficiency, higher quality and faster, continuous releases. There is also the knock-on effect of improved engagement and innovation as teams become more connected.

Traditional systems and infrastructure opportunities are blended with a variety of automation, scripting and core software development to offer an interesting and varied career to people in this space.

3. Data and data science engineers

The demand for data engineers, including those with a development, science, analytics or visualisation remit, continues to grow. As the amount of data in the world continues to expand at exponential levels, smart businesses are working to unlock its power.

We’ve seen a corresponding rise in demand for data professionals wanted to sit within business units and departments and focus on understanding the business processes and providing real, actionable insights from the data to enhance performance in a meaningful way.

This field offers the chance for professionals to specialise in either deep technical expertise or blended roles that utilise the right tools and technology, coupled with deep business domain expertise.

4. Cloud infrastructure engineers

Cloud infrastructure, cloud database (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud and similar) and specialist cloud software (such as Dynamics 365, SharePoint and Salesforce) are all technologies and skills that have seen increased demand as companies push digital agendas forward.

These agendas are a mix of reactionary activities, as businesses moved to the cloud to reduce the impact of the pandemic, or more proactive, fundamental digital transformation projects as organisations take this opportunity to reset and realign for a post-pandemic world.

Cloud engineers are building the platforms for businesses to thrive in the ever-expanding digital world and so are one of the hottest engineering roles right now.

5. AI and machine learning engineers

What list of hottest engineering roles would be complete without the tech that Hollywood loves most? AI and machine learning technologies are having meaningful impacts on our everyday lives.

The applications are endless. AI and machine learning have the potential to distil and action repetitive, administrative tasks currently completed by humans. These include image processing, business process management and data analysis.

AI and machine learning engineers use machine learning algorithms to build models that allow deep learning neural networks to draw business insights. Generally, these engineers have a foundation in programming, software engineering and data science, blended with natural curiosity and problem solving to process data as well as develop and maintain AI systems.

This is an area that really shows growing demand and professionals here will see exciting new career opportunities for years to come.

Engineering salaries

With the wide variety of engineering careers available, professionals can be assured of job satisfaction and professional purpose. Balanced with that is a significant opportunity to secure a salary that will continue to grow and improve as you move through your career.

Otilia Pavel, IT & Telecom Division Team Leader of Hays Romania mentioned that:

“This year, tech engineers with up to one year of experience could expect to earn between RON 148.000 and RON 175.000 on average in a yearly basis, while those with one to three years could expect between RON 175.000 and RON 210,000, and those with more than 5 years between RON 300.000 and RON 400.000. Engineers with more than 11 years of experience could expect an average annual salary between RON 300.000 and more than RON 450.000.”

Of course, salaries are location, industry and skills-dependent, and so the above is a rough guide to the earning potential. For a more detailed picture about salaries for specific roles, check out the Hays Romania salary guide or salary checker tool.

Hays RO Technology