Navigating the Cybersecurity Field: Branches, Paths, and Trends

As a core part of the larger IT security field, cybersecurity is far from one job. Instead, it's an entire fabric of specialized roles protecting everything from your smartphone to national power grids. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center received 859,532 complaints in 2024, relating to losses exceeding $16.6 billion. This is a 33% increase from 2023.¹ The numbers show how critical this field is.

The many areas of cybersecurity offer diverse career paths, each requiring different skills and offering unique challenges. This guide breaks down the major branches, current job market trends and the projected future for cybersecurity professionals.

Major Branches of the Cybersecurity Field

Modern cybersecurity spans a wide range of specializations, and understanding the many roles available is key to choosing the career path that fits you best.

Information Security

Information security protects digital information assets from unauthorized access, theft and corruption. Information security analysts monitor networks for security breaches, investigate violations and recommend improvements. They often work with compliance frameworks such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).²

Security engineers design and implement security systems. They build technical safeguards, create security protocols and test systems for vulnerabilities. Day-to-day work includes running risk assessments and security audits as well as developing incident response procedures.

Network Security

Network security protects computer networks and systems from intrusions and unauthorized access. Professionals monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. They configure firewalls, manage intrusion detection systems and respond to security incidents.³

Security administrators maintain daily operations of security systems. They update security software, manage user access permissions and ensure network security policies are followed.

These foundational roles raise a broader question for professionals today: What field is cybersecurity evolving into? It's moving beyond networks and into the very code on which our applications are built.

Application Security

Application security ensures security measures are built into software applications throughout development. Application security analysts test software for vulnerabilities before and after deployment. They conduct code reviews, perform penetration testing and work with development teams to fix security flaws.⁴

Development, security and operations (DevSecOps) engineers integrate security practices into the software development process. They automate security testing and manage secure coding standards. This field requires understanding both security principles and software development.

Cloud Security

Cloud security protects data, applications and infrastructure in cloud computing environments. Cloud security engineers design and implement security measures for cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. They configure cloud security tools and manage identity and access controls.⁵

Cloud architects design secure cloud infrastructure from the ground up. They make strategic decisions about cloud security architecture and select appropriate security services.

Cloud security requires understanding both traditional cybersecurity concepts and cloud-specific challenges.

Operational Security (OPSEC)

Operational security manages processes and strategies to protect sensitive operations and information. OPSEC analysts identify what information adversaries could use against an organization.⁶ They develop procedures to protect sensitive information and train employees on security practices.

Security operations managers oversee teams that monitor and respond to security incidents. They coordinate incident response efforts and manage security operations centers.

OPSEC work requires strong communication skills, as it involves training people across an organization.

Job Market and Demand Trends

The cybersecurity job market shows unprecedented growth and opportunity. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 33% growth in employment for information security analysts from 2023 to 2033.⁷ This translates to about 17,300 new openings each year—much faster than average for all occupations.

When examining the job market for cyber security, different fields show varied demand. Currently, roles in cloud security command some of the highest salaries, with experienced professionals earning $129,000 to $208,000 annually.⁸ Entry-level positions in application security and network security bring in a median annual salary of $72,000.⁹

Geographic location affects salaries significantly. Major tech hubs such as San Francisco, Seattle and New York offer higher compensation but also higher living costs. Remote work has opened opportunities for professionals in lower-cost areas to access higher-paying positions.¹⁰

Professional certifications boost earning potential across all cybersecurity fields. Possessing CISSP, CISM and cloud-specific certifications such as AWS Security Specialty can increase salaries by up to 25%.¹¹

The Future of the Cybersecurity Workforce

Emerging technologies and evolving threats are reshaping cybersecurity careers. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are becoming standard tools in cybersecurity. Professionals who understand how to work with AI-powered security tools will have significant advantages, including access to higher-level positions and increased job security in a rapidly evolving field.¹² This technology doesn't replace human expertise but rather enhances it.

Zero-trust security models are changing how organizations approach cybersecurity. Instead of granting total access to users and devices inside the network perimeter, zero-trust assumes nothing is safe.¹³ This shift requires new skills in identity management and continuous verification.

Internet of Things (IoT) devices create new security challenges. As everything from cars to refrigerators can now connect to the internet, cybersecurity professionals need broader knowledge of hardware security and embedded systems.

Quantum computing threatens current encryption methods while offering new security possibilities.¹⁴ Cybersecurity professionals will need to understand post-quantum cryptography and quantum-resistant security measures.

Workforce studies show that companies can't find enough cybersecurity specialists, with as many as 4.8 million more experts needed globally.¹⁵ This creates ample opportunities for people switching careers or just starting their career. But you'll need to keep learning as new threats arise constantly and technology changes fast.

Launch Your Cybersecurity Career With Expert Guidance

The different fields in cybersecurity offer distinct career paths suited to various interests and skill sets. Whether you're drawn to technical problem-solving, strategic planning or hands-on threat hunting, there's a cybersecurity specialization that fits your goals.

The Katz School's Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity prepares you for these diverse opportunities. The curriculum covers all major cybersecurity domains while allowing you to develop expertise in your chosen specialization. You'll learn from faculty who bring real-world experience, making them leaders in the field of cybersecurity.

Your classmates bring diverse backgrounds from IT, law enforcement, military service and business. This diversity enriches discussions and builds a professional network spanning multiple industries and cybersecurity fields.

Ready to enter the high-demand cybersecurity field? Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor to learn how the Katz School's Online Master of Science in Cybersecurity can prepare you for a rewarding career protecting our digital world.