Cyber threats are the most dangerous and potentially financially catastrophic to modern organizations. With the growth of the internet of things, the increasing sophistication of AI-based malware, and the myriad new ways we do business online, the opportunities for hacking and exploitation are virtually limitless.

Businesses now more than ever are having to think seriously about building a strong IT department that is up to the challenge. With that in mind, below are 7 IT roles every company needs to stay up to date. 

Cybersecurity Professional

With technology getting more complex, thieves’ talents frequently outstrip the ability of security specialists within corporations. The amount of successful attacks demonstrates this. Engineers that are qualified and well-trained are in high demand as the relevance of cyber security grows.

Organizations need individuals who have acquired the skills to secure networks and protect systems, computers, and data against assault, damage, and/or unlawful access. You can hire a cybersecurity professional outside your organization, or you can take someone with the desire and foundational skills currently in your IT group and put them on a cybersecurity career track. It is absolutely possible to train and create a cybersecurity pro from within your ranks through focused training and development.  

Help Desk Analyst/Support

The most prominent IT roles in a firm are help desk analysts. They are the face of IT support, answering questions, troubleshooting problems, and resolving difficulties to keep employees productive and customers satisfied.

Help desk analysts serve as gatekeepers, identifying and reporting any imminent problems or security hazards. They may also troubleshoot more complicated systems and applications, depending on your needs.

Technical support specialists, support engineers, and help desk technicians are other names for help desk analysts. Help desk analysts might operate alone, or as part of a team, depending on the size of your firm and, typically, they report to an IT manager.

Hardware Technicians

Servers and computers are repaired and managed by hardware technicians. They are in charge of a wide range of computer and network maintenance tasks, such as installation, updates, troubleshooting, security, and support, in order to keep high-quality networks and computer systems.

Although hardware technicians conduct routine duties such as system updates, they should not be overlooked. Many crippling attacks, such as Spectre and Meltdown, were caused by out-of-date fixes.

A hardware technician may also be referred to as a hardware engineer or an information technology professional. A small corporation may only require a single hardware technician, whereas a huge company with hundreds of devices may require several.

Business Analyst

Business analysts serve as the link between an organization’s business and IT teams. They use data, processes, and information to address business challenges and assure the seamless operation of IT initiatives.

While the particular deliverables vary based on the demands of your organization, business analysts are responsible for examining processes and procedures, identifying and documenting improvements, and effectively distributing them across an organization.

They may, for example, assist in the implementation of new IT solutions or the development of an IT framework to help your firm scale. They’ll also examine your present IT and business environments for new ways to improve productivity and cut costs.

Network Engineer

While both are concerned with networks, network administrators and engineers have slightly distinct responsibilities. Network engineers are responsible for building and constructing networks, while network administrators are in charge of maintaining them.

Network administrators and engineers are well-versed in your organization’s IT structure and network requirements. Not only do they manage and monitor networks, but they also design them to enable future expansion. Designing and implementing physical and wireless networks, as well as assuring performance and incorporating new technologies, are typical duties of your network engineers. 

Network administrators, network managers, and network architects are other terms for network professionals. Typically, network engineers and administrators report to a manager, and they should be hired with care. 

Systems Engineering Manager

IT systems are no longer self-sufficient. They are strong, difficult to administer, and more reliant on third-party vendors, applications, and cloud service providers. That is where a superb systems engineering manager can help.

Managers of systems engineering are in charge of IT systems and infrastructure. To meet department goals, they assess performance, provide recommendations, and collaborate with IT teams and project managers. They also oversee the design and architecture of development systems.

Systems analyst, technical designer, and solutions specialist are all job titles that are similar. The job of a systems engineering manager frequently includes leading a team of engineers and other technical specialists to address problems and build solutions that support corporate infrastructure. They collaborate with team members in project management, security, help desk support, and asset management.

IT Project Manager

Project managers carry out IT projects that add value to your company.

They are responsible for bridging the gap between vision and execution by breaking down high-level plans into tangible steps. IT project managers collaborate across departments to ensure that initiatives are aligned with business objectives. They are in charge of everything, from the budget and scope to job management.

IT project managers must grasp technical platforms and processes relevant to your firm in addition to project management skills and certifications.

IT project managers collaborate closely with development teams and business managers to complete project requirements from beginning to end. They are normally subordinate to a manager or director.

Conclusion 

The IT department is of increasing importance in today’s hyper-connected world of remote work. Cybercriminals are currently having a field day, and there is a serious dearth of IT and particularly cybersecurity professionals. The answer is a more robust and well-thought-out IT team comprising the above roles and skill sets to keep systems working optimally and company data safe.