The Coolest Cybersecurity Jobs: Skills, Tools, and Career Paths

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Introduction

Cybersecurity offers diverse career paths, each with unique challenges and rewards. From threat hunting to OT/ICS security, professionals can align their roles with personal interests and societal impact. This article explores key cybersecurity jobs, their technical demands, and actionable skills to excel in them.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the technical skills required for top cybersecurity roles.
  • Learn verified commands and tools used in penetration testing, incident response, and OT/ICS security.
  • Gain insights into career growth and specialization opportunities.

1. Penetration Testing: Exploiting Vulnerabilities Safely

Command: `nmap -sV -A `

What it does: Scans a target IP for open ports, services, and OS detection.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Install Nmap (sudo apt install nmap on Linux).
  2. Run the command to enumerate services and vulnerabilities.
  3. Analyze results for misconfigurations (e.g., outdated Apache versions).

Tool: Metasploit Framework (`msfconsole`) for exploitation.

2. Incident Response: Analyzing Malware

Command: `strings suspicious_file.exe | grep -i “http”`

What it does: Extracts human-readable strings from a binary, filtering for URLs.

Step-by-Step:

1. Use `strings` to inspect the file.

  1. Pipe output to `grep` to identify C2 servers.

3. Blocklisted domains in firewall rules.

Tool: Volatility (vol.py -f memory_dump.raw pslist) for memory forensics.

3. OT/ICS Security: Securing Industrial Systems

Command: `modbus_read_holding_registers -t 0 -a 1 -r 100 `
What it does: Reads holding registers from a Modbus PLC (common in industrial networks).

Step-by-Step:

1. Install `libmodbus` tools.

2. Verify PLC responsiveness.

  1. Monitor for unauthorized access (e.g., unexpected register writes).

Tool: Wireshark with ICS protocol dissectors (e.g., DNP3, Modbus).

4. Threat Hunting: Detecting Anomalies

Command: `Sigma converter` (YAML to SIEM rules)

What it does: Converts Sigma rules to Splunk/Elasticsearch queries.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Clone Sigma repo (git clone https://github.com/SigmaHQ/sigma`).
    <h2 style="color: yellow;">2. Use
    sigmac -t splunk -c tools/config/splunk.yml rules/apt_apt29.yml`.

3. Deploy to Splunk for live monitoring.

Tool: MITRE ATT&CK Navigator for mapping TTPs.

5. Cloud Security: Hardening AWS S3

Command: `aws s3api put-bucket-acl –bucket my-bucket –acl private`

What it does: Sets S3 bucket ACL to “private” to prevent public exposure.

Step-by-Step:

1. Install AWS CLI (`pip install awscli`).

2. Configure credentials (`aws configure`).

3. Audit buckets with `aws s3 ls`.

Tool: ScoutSuite for multi-cloud security assessments.

What Undercode Say

Key Takeaway 1: Specialization matters. OT/ICS roles require protocol knowledge (e.g., Modbus), while pentesters need exploit development skills.
Key Takeaway 2: Automation is critical. Tools like Sigma and Nmap streamline repetitive tasks.

Analysis: The “coolest” job depends on impact. OT/ICS roles protect critical infrastructure, while threat hunters combat advanced adversaries. As AI integrates into security (e.g., SIEM analytics), adaptability will define success.

Prediction

By 2030, OT/ICS and AI-driven security roles will dominate demand. Professionals with cross-domain skills (IT + OT) and automation expertise will lead the field.

Actionable Step: Start with a foundational cert (e.g., CompTIA Security+), then specialize via SANS or Offensive Security courses.

For further training, explore Mike Holcomb’s newsletter: https://lnkd.in/ePTx-Rfw.

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