Cybersecurity Career Paths and Skills

Cybercrimes are increasing every year. The FBI’s Internet Crime Report found that cyberattacks reported in 2023 increased by 10%, and the resulting losses soared by 22% from the previous year.¹ Experts project that the losses will exceed $10 trillion per year by 2025—a 300% increase from 2015.²

That tells you cybersecurity professionals are in demand as organizations strive to minimize the risks and damages of security breaches. According to ISC2—a prominent certification organization for cyber professionals—the global cybersecurity workforce increased by 8.7% in 2023. There is still, however, a significant shortage of cybersecurity experts in the industry.³

If you are interested in starting or advancing a career in cybersecurity, your future is likely to be bright because of high employment prospects. But what are your options when pursuing a specific profession in this industry? Read on to learn about popular careers in cybersecurity and the necessary qualifications for them.

With multiple cybersecurity career options available, choosing the most suitable one can be difficult. Consider these possibilities:

Information security analysts plan and implement cybersecurity measures in a business. Their responsibilities typically include:⁴

• Keeping an eye on a company’s computer networks for security breaches and investigating cyber incidents
• Preparing reports after a cyberattack and recommending how a firm can boost its network security
• Identifying vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks
• Using technologies, such as data encryption tools and intrusion detection systems, to protect confidential information from security threats
• Creating internal cybersecurity best practices
• Developing a disaster recovery plan

The typical minimum education requirement for this position is a bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology. A degree in a related field, however. such as math or engineering, can help you qualify. It’s also likely that employers will want to hire candidates who have earned information security certification.⁴

In addition to relevant education, information security analysts need to have strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills.⁴ These skills will help you study an organization’s computer network, assess risks and evaluate appropriate cybersecurity enhancements, simplify technical cybersecurity subjects to non-technical audiences, such as decision-makers in the firm, and identify and fix issues in computer networks and systems.⁴

Most job openings require a minimum of five years of work experience in information security or a related occupation.

A person in this role is an ethical—or ‘white-hat’—hacker who conducts simulated cyberattacks. The goal of ethical hacking is to act as a ‘bad guy’ by penetrating the security defenses of an organization’s network, web application or mobile app.⁵ Penetration testers can also use social engineering techniques, such as scam emails, to manipulate employees to reveal their login credentials. This helps them find and recognize human-factor vulnerabilities in a firm.⁶

A penetration tester’s responsibilities include:^5,6

• Auditing security systems to identify vulnerabilities
• Using known cybercrime techniques, such as ransomware attacks, to attempt to exploit device or network weaknesses
• Writing reports about penetration tests and how to fix security loopholes
• Building security solutions to protect against common cyber threats

Many penetration testing jobs require at least an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity, information technology (IT), computer science or a related field. Additionally, most employers look for penetration testers with at least two years of experience.⁷

Cybersecurity professionals in this job require advanced knowledge of how networks and operating systems work. They are also proficient programmers who can develop custom computer scripts and tools for deploying penetration tests. Another essential proficiency in ethical hacking involves using penetration testing tools, such as network scanners, vulnerability software and password crackers.⁶

Cybersecurity consultants determine a company’s unique security needs and identify tailored solutions to protect IT systems. They also help businesses comply with applicable cybersecurity laws.⁸ Their primary duties may include:⁹

• Evaluating the data privacy and protection practices of an organization
• Designing and implementing cybersecurity frameworks based on a client’s objectives, vision, mission and operational plans
• Creating internal cybersecurity policies, procedures and standards
• Assisting clients to comply with national and international cybersecurity laws, such as the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) in this country and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union
• Supporting the client’s staff by acting as an interim team member

Qualifying for this position requires a bachelor’s degree in information systems, computer science, computer engineering or a related field. Cybersecurity certification from renowned organizations like ISC2 and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) is an extra advantage.⁹

In addition, the required experience in cybersecurity might be at least three years, depending on the prospective employer. Important skills a cybersecurity professional in this niche should strive to possess include:⁹

• Deep knowledge of data security and protection regulations—such as CISA and GDPR—to ensure security compliance
• Proven analytical, decision-making and presentation skills
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team

This individual is a senior-level executive who supervises a firm’s information, technology and cybersecurity. A CISO’s other executive-level responsibilities include:¹⁰

• Educating business leaders and employees about cybersecurity risks
• Building and deploying secure processes in the security operations center to prevent, identify, mitigate and recover from security breaches
• Streamlining data access management 
• Investigating security incidents and reporting to senior leaders like the CEO and board of directors

Most organizations want a chief information security officer with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, business or information technology. They also seek someone with about seven years of work experience, including time supervising others.¹¹

The skills a CISO should have vary by organization, but the most important ones include:¹⁰

• Familiarity with popular security standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• Strong communication, leadership and management skills
• Ability to ensure cybersecurity at all levels: people, process and technology (PPT)

A career in cybersecurity can be a great choice. That’s because, as cybercrimes soar, demand for security professionals increases considerably. One way to stand out from other candidates and impress employers into making better job offers is by obtaining an online Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Yeshiva University.

Learn from industry experts. You’ll graduate with advanced knowledge that gives you what it takes to handle sophisticated attacks and make the business world safer. Because the curriculum is administered online, you can learn on your own time and keep your job while completing your degree. You also get the same networking opportunities as on-campus students do, enabling you to expand your professional circle.

Take the next step in your cybersecurity career path. Start by scheduling a call with an admissions outreach advisor today.