Location matters for cyber security analysts, according to a US cyber firm’s 2019 survey of cybersecurity people. Those in North America get significantly higher salary than in EMEA and APAC, with more than 80 per cent earning between US $71K and $110K. In contrast, less than 35pc in EMEA and 21pc in APAC earn equivalent salaries, according to Cynet. Some 1,324 participants from diverse industries worldwide took part in the survey, over the fourth quarter of 2019.
The survey detailed salary profiles for five cyber positions: Security Analyst, Threat Intelligence Specialist, SecurityCloud Security Architect, Penetration Tester and Security DirectorManager.
Among the findings; a degree does not guarantee higher pay. All analysed positions feature similar salary range distribution for both employees with or without a degree in computer science or a related engineering field. Banking and finance provide the highest salaries in the industry, whether strategic management or tactical positions.
Quality beats experience, it appears; those quality professionals with little experience were at the top of the payment curve, while veterans were at the bottom. People that went from an IT occupation to a cybersecurity position earned more than their peers that started in cyber. With the exception of security analysts, all other positions included periodic bonuses with annual rates ranging between one and ten percent.
The survey pointed to a significant shortage of women in security positions. The highest percentage is in the 20-29 age group with 6pc in overall positions.
Eyal Gruner, Founder and CEO of Cynet said: “Whether under the title of CISO, Director of Security, or even CIO, one cannot protect their organization single-handedly. At the end of the day, a cybersecurity professional is part of a team which makes recruiting and retaining talent an imperative. The survey provides insights which can be useful for both cybersecurity professionals and employers and we expect those individuals leveraging this report to benefit from the intelligence.”
