How to get a job in cybersecurity: 4 paths to follow How to break into the cybersecurity field Cybersecurity jobs market booms as pandemic ‘turns everything digital’ What is zero trust? A model for more effective security The 5 best cybersecurity tips for businesses in 2021 Show More .
Yet demand for those with the skills to secure systems has soared in 2025, there will be half a million job openings in the US for this field just 24 seeking software developers and fewer than one third software developers. With more and more organizations, and individuals, dependent on digital systems, security is increasingly important. Cyber-attacks are on the rise In 2023, the FBI received more than 880,000 complaints of internet crimes with a loss around 12.5 billion. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth for roles in information security from 2023 through 33, which is far faster than the national average. The U.S. These trends make now a great time to pursue careers in cybersecurity.
Key Cybersecurity Career Paths
Under some of the most popular paths the cybersecurity field offers a range of parts, each concentrating on different features of security.
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
They employ the same tactics as criminal hackers, including network scanning, password cracking, and social engineering testing but they work within the law and with authorization. According to Coursera, penetration testers carry out simulated cyberattacks against an organization’s computer systems and networks to uncover security weaknesses. A penetration tester, or pen tester, attempts to simulate a real-world cyber attack on an organization s computer and information systems in order to uncover potential targets that attackers could exploit. The pen tester will document all findings, issue reports on shortcomings, and suggest fixes. Must-have skills: Networking, Python programming, BASH, and legacy stuff Knowledge of at least a few security tools.These professionals might have an in-house position or work for a security consulting company such as CyberDefenseAssoicates.com — there s also always the possibility to become independent. Pen testers often begin as entry level IT or security employees and later specialize in offensive testing. Kali Linux, Nmap, Burp Suite.
Security Analyst
Tech A security analyst is a front-line defender, and acts as an independent information-security (IS) and physical security consultant to the organization. They watch systems, respond to alerts and look for potential breaches. Role of a security analyst The Security analyst is an indispensable staff, who basically keeps the company’s secret and sensitive information secure, checks for weaknesses in the company’s security systems and designs best practices that organizations need. Lots of people start in help desk or network admin roles and move on to jobs like security engineer or consultant. They also create reports and assist in developing security polices.In practice, analysts configure and review firewalls and intrusion detection systems, perform vulnerability scans, and respond to incidents when alerts occur.
Security Engineer
Security engineers concentration on designing, structure, and preserving the security systems that protect an organization. As Coursera notes, a security engineer is responsible for ensuring a company s security features stay up and running from applying new security tools and architecture to testing incident response plans. On a day to day basis, security engineers might conduct code audits, develop new security features, automate defense, and coordinate responses to any breaches .This role requires strong networking and system administration skills often in cloud environments plus a deep understanding of security controls. Security engineers typically start as analysts or network engineers and then focus on securing those systems as they gain experience.
SOC Analyst
They are essentially the first responders to cyber incidents. Exabeam says that SOC analysts contribute by informing us about the threats and making necessary changes to keep an organization safe. They are the first line of defense against cybersecurity incidents. A Security Operations Center analyst works on a dedicated security team with a continuous overview of the organization’s network in order to find possible threats. They spend their days sifting through alerts from tools like SIEMs, checking suspicious activity and helping to contain and remediate threats. This is a good entry level job because an individual gets broad exposure to security tools and incidents, while large problems are handled by senior engineers. They spend their days sifting through alerts from tools like SIEMs, investigating suspicious activity, and assisting in the containment and remediation of threats. Larger teams also delineate SOC analysts into levels of experience Level 1 does triaging; Level 2 performs deeper analysis ; and Level 3 handles the most complex incidents .
Cybersecurity Consultant
They conduct risk assessments and implement security strategies. Primarily, a cybersecurity consultant is supposed to analyze an organization’s system and network for vulnerabilities and propose remedies. A cybersecurity consultant provides invaluable services to organizations in finding and reducing security risks. Cybersecurity consultants may work with numerous clients or within large corporations to assess and enhance security. This normally entails security testing, development of security solutions like firewalls or encryption techniques, and assisting in the implementation of policies and procedures for incident response .Consultants often bring wide experiences in many areas and may be variously certified. They also instruct non-technical staff about best practices and may work with different teams during a security incident. This career fits people who like variety and advising others.
Important Cybersecurity Certifications
Earning recognized certifications can boost your credibility and job prospects . Three key certifications are
Certified Ethical Hacker CEH
Candidates learn to think like attackers while following legal and ethical guidelines . The CEH cert offered by EC Council validates knowledge of common hacking techniques and tools . To qualify for the CEH exam , you typically need 2 years of information security work experience or attend an official EC Council training course . The exam covers topics such as network scanning , vulnerability assessment , system hacking , social engineering , and cryptography .The CEH exam itself is 125 multiple choice questions in 4 hours. This credential is considered entry level in the sense that it is often the first hacking focused cert a professional earns. Note CEH must be renewed every 3 years via continuing education credits. . Earning CEH shows an employer you can legally use hacking skills to help strengthen security. It is greatest suited for those looking for roles in penetration testing or red teaming, or any position where understanding offensive tactics is valuable.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
It covers eight domains including risk management, security architecture, asset security, and more. The CISSP, offered by ISC, is a high level, broad security management certification. Unlike entry level certs, CISSP has strict experience requirements candidates must have 5 years of full time security work experience in at least two of the domains one year of experience can be waived with a related degree. Passing it demonstrates that you can design, implement, and manage a best practice security program. The CISSP exam is computer adaptive CAT with 100 150 questions in 3 hours. Consequently, CISSP is aimed at experienced security professionals and leaders. ISC notes that the CISSP is ideal for practitioners, managers, and executives such as security architects, consultants, managers, and CISOs. In short, CISSP is for seasoned security pros who need to show they understand security on a planned, enterprise wide level.
CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601)
The Security exam shelters a range of foundational topics threats attacks, network security, access management, risk management, and cryptography. CompTIA requires no formal prerequisites though they recommend 2 years of IT experience and Network beforehand. Security is a popular vendor neutral cert that establishes core security knowledge. It suits entry level professionals such as help desk techs or junior network admins who want to move into security. The test has up to 90 questions multiple choice and performance based to be completed in 90 minutes, and a passing score of 750 900. Because it covers broad basics, Security is often called the first security certification a beginner should earn. The cert is valid for three years and can be renewed with continuing education Earning Security can help you qualify for roles like Junior Security Analyst or SOC Analyst; it’s valued by many employers including US federal agencies.
Getting Started and Building Your Experience
Here are some actionable steps and resources for those new to cybersecurity, the field may seem daunting. However, many successful professionals began with little formal security background.
- Learn the Basics
Start by consolidation your general IT foundations recognize how networks, operating systems, and applications work. For example, Coursera offers Google s Cybersecurity Professional Diploma, which covers important skills Linux, Python, SQL, etc. in an accessible format. Free or low cost online courses can teach you these basics. Platforms like Cybrary provide free training labs and videos on security topics. Additionally, hands on learning sites e. g. Udemy and edX also have beginner friendly security courses. Engaging in community forums or watching tutorials on basic topics like firewalls, VPNs, or malware can build confidence. TryHackMe or Hack the Box let you practice real security challenges in a guided way. Even building a home lab old computers or Raspberry Pis for testing is valuable practice.
- Get Certified (or Prepare for It)
Studying for these exams will force you to cover key security areas systematically. There are many study materials available books, video courses, practice tests. As you learn, consider aiming for an entry level cert like CompTIA Security or the Certified Cybersecurity Analyst CySA. Passing a certification can jump start your resume? For example, the Coursera pentester guide suggests the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate for structured learning, which also includes hands on labs. Even if you don t take the actual exam yet , the learning path is useful
- Gain Practical Experience
If you’re coming from a non IT background, try to enter the field through related roles. Many people start in help desk or network support positions to gain technical experience. Even volunteering for IT tasks, or setting up and securing your own network at home, counts as experience. Participating in Capture the Flag races or security clubs can also bolster your skills and resume. Look for internships or junior roles that touch safety junior analyst, network technician, and junior sysadmin. Once in a job, volunteer to take on security related tasks monitor logs, update patches, write up incident reports. Every bit of hands on work helps you build a portfolio of skills
- Entry-Level Roles
Common first jobs include Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, Security Administrator, or IT Support with a security focus. As one career guide notes, typical entry level titles include associate cybersecurity analyst, SOC analyst, and risk analyst. These positions will typically require a bachelor s degree in IT or related field, plus some basic IT experience or certifications. In these roles you will learn by doing for example, monitoring alerts in a SOC or assisting with vulnerability scans and can gradually take on more complex tasks.
- Networking and Mentorship
Attending conferences or virtual events even as a student supports you hear from specialists and make networks Join cybersecurity groups forums, meetups, LinkedIn groups. Networking can lead to mentorship or job leads.
- Salaries and Expectations
Entry level salaries vary by site and role, but you can expect roughly 50,000 90,000 per year in the Leadership roles e.g. For example, Glassdoor reports a usual base of about 105,000 for cybersecurity analysts. For junior cybersecurity positions. As you gain knowledge and guarantees, salaries can rise quickly. Mid-career and particular roles often range from 75,000 to 150,000. By building solid fundamentals, earning key certifications, and gaining practical experience even in minor ways, you can break into the field. Remember that geographic region makes a big change big tech hubs or money centers typically pay more but also have higher living costs
Overall, cybersecurity careers prize continuous education and curiosity. CISO can command 150K 300K or extra. The growing demand means that motivated beginners even without a perfect background have a real chance to launch a long term, well-paying career defensive against cyber pressures