Cyber Security Salary in Nigeria (2023)

Cyber security is a fast-rising profession in our modern world of technology. The field is handy due to the increase in cyber-attacks, cyber-crime, and cyber-theft. Many organizations employ cyber security personnel to help safeguard their cyberspace from being hacked into.

From what we found out, the cyber security salary in Nigeria begins from 100,000 Naira (lowest salary) and can rise as high as 500,000 Naira (maximum salary).

And because of their importance in modern-day activities which has led to the high demand for cyber securities, it is important to take a look at the salary scale of cybers per month in Nigeria.

What is Cyber Security Salary in Nigeria?

Level Salary (Naira)
Entry Level 100,000
Experienced 500,000

Since the increase in the use of the internet and other technological processes in organizations, there has been a massive increase in cybercrimes, attacks, and thefts which has led to the recruitment of cyber securities.

The job of these professionals is to apply technologies, processes, and controls to protect systems, networks, programs, devices, and data from cyber-attacks to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and protect against the unauthorized exploitation of systems, networks, and technologies.

Becoming cyber security is not just by wishing or dreaming, it requires a lot of hard work and skill to succeed in the field. Importantly, the required skills in this profession are technical.

Truth be told, cybersecurity is an amazing career to venture into. It is an untapped profession in Nigeria and as you read on, you will find out the various types of jobs you can do and the organizations you fit into.

Now that we are clear about cyber security and a peek into what they do, it is time to discuss the important discourse which is about the salary of cyber securities in Nigeria.

Salaries

Knowing how much cyber security earns in Nigeria is a motivating factor to pursue this course. As you know, it is not enough to study a course because of its viability but also because it is profitable.

Talking about salary, as you may already know, it is considered the monthly payment an employee earns on monthly basis being paid by an employer.

From what we found out, the cyber security salary in Nigeria begins from 100,000 Naira (lowest salary) and can rise as high as 500,000 Naira (maximum salary).

You can see that the salary is quite a figure and the income is quite impressive compared to other professions.

We will like to add that the salary of these professionals differs based on several factors which are:

  • Years of work experience
  • Job levels
  • The location of the organization you are employed
  • The type of organization you work for
  • Academic qualification.

So, the variation in the salary of cyber securities paid in Nigeria varies because of the factors above. However, the most important factor that brings about differences in cyber security salary is the year of experience.

The reason is attributed to the fact that cyber securities who have gathered higher work experience over the years of their career earn more than those who are just beginning their career or with less work experience.

Average Salary

Talking the average salary paid per month to cyber security personnel, the amount is 180,000 Naira.

I bet this amount catches your attention. The amount is the average salary paid per month to cyber security. However, most entry-level employees earn less than the stated amount and have their salary rise to and above the average salary as their years of work experience increase.

Also, senior-level employees earn a time higher monthly salary than the average salary.

In addition, included in the average salary stated above are the bonuses, housing allowance, transport, and other benefits entitled to the employee.

Entry Level Salary

The entry-level salary paid every month to cyber security personnel in Nigeria begins from as 100,000 Naira. The entry-level salary of this personnel is high because of the nature of their work and their relevance in the organization.

However, considering the stated factors above, the entry-level salary is bound to differ, it can be higher or can be slightly lower.

Senior Level Salary

If you have gathered a work experience that’s 10-years and above, you can consider yourself a senior-level employee and your salary is more than that of an entry-level employee.

Also, the senior-level salary is very much higher than the average salary as well as the entry-level salary which is better if that is what you aim to earn.

With that being said, the senior-level salary of cyber security in Nigeria begins from 280,000 Naira and above.

Likewise, considering also the above-listed differing factors, the senior-level salary can be affected by the tendency of the salary to be higher or slightly lower than the stated.

Where can they Work?

Now that you are aware of the cyber security salary in Nigeria per month, you must be interested to know where you can work.

Truth be told, no field does not require the service of cyber security as much as the organizations are using technology in their everyday activities.

So, you will find out soon that there are many career fields in cyber securities. Below are the different career options where you can work as a computer scientist:

  • Business firms
  • Financial service
  • Banks
  • Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission
  • National Youth Service
  • Intelligence Company
  • Information and Communication Company
  • Health industry
  • Military and Para-military Agencies
  • Ministry of Defense
  • Non-governmental organizations

These are some of the organizations where you can practice cyber security. Interestingly, most of the organizations in these sectors pay well. The fact remains, you can fit and work in any organization where computer, internet, online services, and every other digital activity is carried out.

Types of Jobs available for Cyber Security

In cyber security, there are tons of jobs available among which you can choose and specialize. Below are some of the types of jobs available for cyber security:

  • Cryptanalyst
  • Cryptographer
  • Database Security
  • Information Security Analyst
  • IT Technician
  • Junior Penetration Tester
  • Network Engineer
  • Security Administrator
  • Security Analyst
  • Security Architect
  • Security Consultant
  • Security Engineer
  • Security Software Developer
  • Systems Administrator

These are the major job specializations for cyber security professionals. All you need do is to choose from one of the above and specialize or better still you can be a jack of all.

Roles / Duties of Cyber Security

Every profession has its roles and duty, and so does cyber security professionals. They have become a formidable part of corporate organizations because of the high use f the computer and the internet.

So, in modern-day endeavours, cyber security personnel are an integral component of the organization’s team. The role/duty of cyber security include:

  • Preventing data breaches
  • The use of endpoint detection and prevention solutions to prevent harmful hacks.
  • Monitoring and reacting to attacks.
  • Set up patch management systems to automatically update software.
  • Systems or network administrators
  • Configure and implement user access controls, and at the same time identity and access management systems.
  • Conduct regular audits to ensure that security practices comply.

These are just to mention a few of the crucial roles of cyber security as the roles played by these professionals are many.

How to become a Cyber Security

The simple answer to becoming cyber security is education. Enrol for formal education in a certified university or any tertiary institution where a cyber security course is offered.

The essence of education is to train and equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to become sound cyber security personnel. Also, you will get to graduate with the necessary qualifications (BSc., MSc., etc.) that you need to become certified in cyber security.

Required Skill to become a Cyber Security

A lot of hard work goes into the art of cyber security. Dedication and consistency including your passion and zeal to excel in the profession matter.

Getting a formal education is one aspect, another is to acquire the skill that can help you land a variety of job prospects.

You must demonstrate your talents and abilities to have an edge over other candidates, especially during a job interview. So, you may ask yourself, what are the skills required of a computer scientist.

The important cyber security skills that you are expected to acquire include but are not limited to the following:

  • Computer and technology skills
  • Data analysis skill
  • Programming skill
  • Critical thinking
  • Strategist
  • Creative and analytic
  • Communication skills
  • Ability to pay attention to details
  • Teamwork ability
  • Time management skill
  • Training and teaching skills

Cyber security personnel must possess these skills and more. The reason why you need to up your game is the fact hackers are creative by nature and it takes skilled cyber security to outsmart them.

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Closing

Knowing fully well that we are in a digital era where the use of computers and the internet is great, and no organization is immune to cybercrime, highly skilled cyber security professionals are in high demand. And because of their high demand, they are been paid a motivating salary that motivates them to give their best.