15 Cybersecurity Job Titles to Explore in Your Job Search

Cybercrime is on the rise, with a 125% increase in incidents being reported year-over-year. Common targets include supply chains and cyber-physical IoT systems that are essential to commerce and manufacturing. But cyber attacks have also affected industries from finance to healthcare. Rapid digital transformation has left many organizations vulnerable to data breaches and increasingly sophisticated attack vectors. 

The average data breach costs $4.24 million. As the cost of cybercrime mounts, and data security regulations proliferate, organizations are rushing to secure their digital infrastructures. The cybersecurity industry is projected to be valued at $372.04 billion by 2028—up from $179.96 billion in 2021—and demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing accordingly. The volume of unfilled cybersecurity positions increased 350% from 2013 to 2021. Currently, demand for cybersecurity workers outpaces supply. 

Today’s cybersecurity job market favors applicants. Let’s take a look at different cybersecurity job titles you’ll encounter during your job search. 

Cybersecurity Job Titles and Roles

Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for protecting an organization’s data and digital infrastructure. Although some are generalists, others specialize in specific areas of cybersecurity. For example, incident response analysts focus on cyber attack preparedness, while security compliance analysts ensure that an organization’s security program meets internal and external standards of compliance. 

All cybersecurity professionals share common skillsets, but apply their skills in different contexts. Let’s explore 15 cybersecurity roles according to pay, seniority, job description, and common credentials. 

Information Security Analyst

Type: Entry-level

Salary: $103,590 (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Information security analysts protect an organization’s data by doing risk assessments, network monitoring, and security planning. They test security controls to identify system vulnerabilities and assist with vulnerability remediation plans. Information security analysts also maintain information security documentation and support security compliance audits. Daily tasks include:

• Leveraging adversarial tactics to assess security risks 
• Analyzing vulnerability assessment results and developing mitigation plans
• Monitoring systems for anomalies and suspicious activity 

As part of an organization’s greater data governance strategy, information security analysts also ensure that data is accessible to authorized users. 

Common certifications: CompTIA Security+

Security Specialist

Type: Entry-level

Salary: $99,652 (CyberSeek)

Security specialists conduct security audits to evaluate system performance. They investigate and report vulnerabilities, and provide emergency response assistance in the event of a security breach. Security specialists also help members of an organization adapt to new security software and operational procedures. Daily tasks include:

• Leading end-user trainings about new tech and security practices 
• Implementing security program evaluation systems 
• Analyzing and documenting evaluation results
• Drafting recommendations for internal and external security compliance 

Common certifications: CompTIA Security+, Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)

Cybersecurity Analyst

Type: Mid-level

Salary: $100,603 (CyberSeek)

Cybersecurity analysts prevent security breaches and play a vital role in a cyber threat defense. Using simulated attacks and other diagnostic tests, cybersecurity analysts assess the architectural vulnerabilities of a system in order to develop and implement new security initiatives. Daily tasks include:

• Collecting and interpreting diagnostic data
• Installing firewalls, data encryption programs, and other security software
• Helping users adhere to safety protocols that address current threat trends

Cybersecurity analysts monitor systems for intrusions and intervene in the event of a cyberattack. They also conduct forensic reviews to determine the cause of a security breach and devise security solutions. 

Common certifications: CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Application Security Engineer

Type: Mid-level

Salary: $111,938 (Glassdoor)

Application security engineers collaborate with developers and product managers to ensure that software applications are secure. During application development, they draft design requirements, create security control measures, and test application security. 

• Reviewing and adjusting source code 
• Implementing security features like authorization, authentication, and logging systems 
• Penetration testing and threat modeling

Application security engineers also maintain application security after deployment by installing patches and shielding tools on existing apps. 

Common certifications: Certified Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) 

Network Security Engineer

Type: Mid-level 

Salary: $113,918 (Indeed)

Network security engineers configure, administer and test hardware and software systems to protect network infrastructures. They monitor networks for security breaches, simulate attacks to assess network vulnerabilities and develop protocols to mitigate potential threats. Daily tasks include:

• Administering firewalls, routers, virtual private networks (VPNs), and authentication systems
• Server, LAN, and WAN architecture maintenance 
• Testing, resolving, and documenting network security vulnerabilities 

Network security engineers also ensure that an organization’s network infrastructure complies with internal security policies and external regulations. 

Common certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Security Architect

Type: Senior-level

Salary: $146,144 (CyberSeek)

Security architects oversee the design and implementation of an organization’s overarching security plan. They map out an organization’s cybersecurity strategy with complex architectural blueprints based on network and system infrastructures. They coordinate security operations, develop cybersecurity policies, and communicate security priorities and budget requirements to company leadership. Daily tasks include: 

• Drafting and implementing organizational cyber security policies 
• Reviewing security assessments to identify gaps in security architecture 
• Identifying pressing security needs and planning strategic responses 

Common certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional – Architecture (CISSP-ISSAP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Digital Forensic Investigator

Type: Entry-level

Salary: $77,488 (Salary.com)

Digital forensic investigators analyze cyber incident artifacts to determine the source and scope of a security breach. In the wake of a cyberattack, they retrieve evidence from devices and networks to identify potential perpetrators and their techniques used to execute the attack. Digital forensic investigators cooperate with law enforcement and testify in court proceedings if necessary. Daily tasks include: 

• Designing and documenting a data recovery processes
• Retrieving digital evidence from devices and network traffic logs 
• Analyzing, preserving, and presenting digital evidence

Common certifications: CompTIA Security+, Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) 

System Operation Center (SOC) Analyst

Type: Entry-level and mid-level

Salary: $81,074 (Indeed)

Entry-level SOC analysts monitor security frameworks for unusual activity. In the event of a cyberattack, they identify affected systems and collect data for incident analysis. Mid-level SOC analysts hunt for cyber threats, conduct penetration tests, respond to security breaches, and analyze cyberattack data. Daily tasks include:

• Monitoring systems for anomalies and suspicious activity
• Intrusion detection 
• Evaluating and triaging emergent threats 
• Penetration testing and threat modeling 

SOC analysts manage network activity and communication logs, using this data to define thresholds for abnormal network activity. 

Common certifications: CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) 

Data Recovery Professional (DRP)

Type: Entry-level

Salary: $48,233 (ZipRecruiter)

Data recovery professionals retrieve data from compromised devices and systems. They do this by isolating critical data and creating dedicated data recovery environments. Data recovery professionals retrieve data from hard disks, portable storage devices, and enterprise storage systems. Daily tasks include: 

• Identifying locating, and retrieving lost or compromised data

• Troubleshooting hardware and software
• Documenting data retrieval processes 

Common certifications: CompTIA Security+

IT Auditor

Type: Entry-level

Salary: $83,500 (Salary.com)

Also known as security auditors, IT auditors evaluate technological infrastructure to ensure that an organization’s IT systems and processes adhere to internal and external standards of accuracy, efficiency, and security. Based on audit results, they determine an organization’s risk profile and suggest solutions to remedy security issues. Responsibilities include: 

• Developing, testing, and implementing audit procedures 
• Auditing systems, networks, applications, and enterprise architectures 
• Documenting and reporting audit results
• Formulating security and compliance recommendations 

Common certifications: CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Security Systems Administrator

Type: Mid-level 

Salary: $81,230 (ZipRecruiter)

Security systems administrators manage the day-to-day operations of an organization’s security infrastructure. They administer security updates and collect data to evaluate system performance. Security systems administrators also test for system vulnerabilities and respond to cyber incidents. Responsibilities include:

• Designing, implementing, and documenting security protocols
• Managing network permissions and user accounts 
• Monitoring and updating security infrastructure

Common certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Penetration Tester

Type: Mid-level 

Salary: $101,231 (CyberSeek) 

Penetration testers perform simulated offensive attacks on elements of an organization’s security infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities. They use ethical hacking methodologies to evaluate weaknesses in an organization’s security posture from an adversarial perspective. Unlike Red Teams, which launch full-scale, multi-layered simulated attacks, penetration testers limit the scope of each attack to a specific, predetermined target. Responsibilities include:

• Designing and executing simulated attacks 
• Reverse engineering malicious software and other security threats
• Documenting results and recommending vulnerability remediation measures 

Common certifications: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) 

Cryptographer

Type: Senior-level

Salary: $145,356 (ZipRecruiter) 

Cryptographers secure data using encryption algorithms called ciphers, which obscure the content and value of sensitive information. They create, implement, and optimize encryption algorithms and identify vulnerabilities in extant cryptographic systems. Cryptographers also build and maintain cryptographic libraries to secure digital communications. Responsibilities include: 

• Designing, testing, and implementing features for encryption 
• Developing cryptographic algorithms for cloud-scale usage 
• Bringing cryptographic libraries into alignment with regulatory compliance

Common certifications: EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Cybersecurity Manager

Type: Senior-level

Salary: $101,802 (CyberSeek) 

Cybersecurity managers lead cybersecurity teams and direct the allocation of human and technological resources. They source cybersecurity tools, oversee security audits, and ensure compliance with internal and external security standards. Cybersecurity managers also supervise the development and implementation of risk mitigation strategies. Responsibilities include:

• Researching changes in regulatory requirements 
• Drafting compliance solutions 
• Updating cybersecurity tools, procedures, and protocols
• Supervising responses to security audits and vulnerability assessments 
• Project management

Common certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Type: Senior-level 

Salary: $173,705 (Glassdoor) 

CISOs are senior executives who define an organization’s security posture and oversee all IT infrastructures. They establish an enterprise vision for their company’s security program and direct the implementation of cybersecurity operations. CISOs collaborate with fellow executives to facilitate secure, responsible growth. Responsibilities include:

• Establishing security-specific metrics of success
• Supervising development of compliant security controls and management strategies
• Developing cybersecurity procedures and policies that comply with regulatory standards

Common certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

How to Get a Job in Cybersecurity

Ready to launch your cybersecurity career? Competitive applicants have a combination of educational credentials, technical skills, industry certifications, and relevant experience. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need to get hired.

Education Requirements

Although many cybersecurity professionals hold a BA in computer science or information technology, a degree is not required to launch a career in cybersecurity. If you don’t have a degree, enroll in a cybersecurity bootcamp program to master key technical skills and earn an in-demand cybersecurity certification. 

Certifications

Cybersecurity certifications verify hands-on experience and can set you apart from similarly qualified competitors. Some certifications are designed for entry-level job seekers, while others are intended for seasoned professionals. 

CompTIA Security+

CompTIA Security+ is a foundational cybersecurity certification that validates core technical skills in risk assessment and management, incident response, forensics, enterprise networks, hybrid/cloud operations, and security controls. This certification is common amongst job seekers looking to land an entry-level role. According to CyberSeek, CompTIA Security+ is the second most in-demand cybersecurity certification after Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). 

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

CISSP is an advanced certification that requires four to five years of experience in the cybersecurity field. To obtain CISSP certification, candidates must pass the CISSP exam, obtain a peer endorsement, and complete a continuing professional education program over the span of three years. 

Certified Information Systems Security Professional – Architecture (CISSP-ISSAP)

This specialized credential builds on the original CISSP certificate and verifies expertise in designing security architecture and providing risk-based guidance to senior management officials. CISSP-ISSAP candidates must hold a CISSP certification and have two years of work experience in the field of security architecture. 

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

CISM is an advanced cybersecurity certification that validates expertise in information security governance, program development, and vulnerability management. Candidates must pass an exam and demonstrate relevant work experience. 

EC-Council Certified Encryption Specialist (ECES)

The ECES certification validates knowledge of asymmetric, symmetric, and key cryptography. After taking a three-day cryptography course, candidates must pass a multiple choice exam that verifies proficiency with cryptographic algorithms, steganography, and cryptanalysis. 

EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 

The CEH certification verifies proficiency with current commercial-grade attack simulation tools and hacking techniques used to lawfully hack into an organization. Candidates must pass an exam that evaluates knowledge related to attack vectors, attack detection, and attack prevention, hacking methodologies, and more. 

Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) 

GIAC certifications are now organized by focus areas that match evolving industry trends and needs. Exam-based GIAC certifications validate key skills in offensive operations, digital forensics, incident response, cyber defense, and more. 

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

CISA is designed for entry-level to mid-level career professionals who wish to validate their ability to audit and assess an organization’s IT and business systems. CISA, which is an exam-based certification, requires candidates to apply risk-based approaches to planning, executing, and reporting on audit engagements. 

Skills 

To land an entry-level cybersecurity job, you’ll need to show employers that you can conduct security assessments, recommend remediation activities, and create audit test plans. You’ll also need to show that you can manage user identities and access to enterprise resources and data. And, you’ll need to build and share a custom cybersecurity range, formalize incident response procedures, and craft and deploy malware. 

Soft skills are like communication and critical thinking skills are also highly valued in the cybersecurity industry. 

Feeder Roles

Feeder roles are jobs outside of the cybersecurity sector that can serve as a pathway into the field. These positions cultivate key skills and knowledge that are transferable to cybersecurity. Common feeder roles include: 

• Network engineer. Like many cybersecurity professionals, network engineers monitor, maintain, and administer network systems. They also anticipate, identify, and mitigate network vulnerabilities. 
• Software engineer. These professionals design, test, and deploy software applications. This common feeder role equips cybersecurity professionals with testing and programming skills. 
• Financial risk analyst. This feeder role builds risk analysis and risk mediation skills. Like cybersecurity professionals, financial risk analysts use data to predict risks and recommend solutions. 
• IT support. These professionals maintain, diagnose, and repair hardware and software systems—all foundational cybersecurity skills. 

Cybersecurity Job FAQs

Want to know more about how to launch your cybersecurity job search? We’ve got answers to some of your top questions.

Is It Hard To Get a Cybersecurity Job?

As the cybersecurity talent gap continues to grow, unfilled positions abound. A study conducted by the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) and industry analyst firm Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG) found that 95% of surveyed cybersecurity workers felt that the cybersecurity skills shortage has not improved. Incident investigation and cloud security skills are in particularly high demand. With the right experience, credentials, and career support, applicants should be able to land a cybersecurity role with ease. 

Can I Get a Cybersecurity Job With No Experience?

Skills cultivated in other technical fields can help you land a cybersecurity job without professional cybersecurity experience. You can also develop the necessary applied skills, and earn a CompTIA Security+ certification, through a cybersecurity bootcamp program. 

What Are the Best Entry-Level Cybersecurity Roles?

Based average salary data, the best entry-level cybersecurity roles include:

• Information security analyst
• Security specialist
• IT auditor

These roles require similar foundational skills and offer ample opportunities for career advancement. 

What Industries Hire Cybersecurity Professionals?

Tech companies and financial institutions that manage sensitive data are natural targets for cybercrime. But IT and finance aren’t the only industries hiring cybersecurity professionals. Demand for cybersecurity skills is high in healthcare, manufacturing, e-commerce, and the public sector too.

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