Staying ahead in protecting your data is crucial since most people are now using digital systems to go about their daily lives. With the growing reliance on these technologies, cybersecurity plays a defining role, especially for individuals with online presence in banking, healthcare, and even smart homes.
Without a doubt, cybersecurity engineering is a career sought by many individuals.
The US Labor Statistics projects there will be a steady 33 percent growth for cybersecurity professionals from the year 2022 to 2032. What does this mean for you? A higher demand for cybersecurity professionals.
This guide lays out how to leverage your existing IT skills and clear the pathways strategically into cybersecurity engineering without wasting years on unnecessary detours. Let’s discover how to become a cybersecurity engineer today!
What Does a Cybersecurity Engineer Do?
Cybersecurity engineering (also called information security engineering) maintains a complex strategy of developing and enforcing security plans and standards. A cybersecurity engineer is the key person responsible for ensuring that the company has a strong defense system against threats, unknown activity, and security breaches.
They are proactive - updating strategies and software to mitigate risks, monitoring suspicious engagement, and running simulations like penetration testing. Security engineers collaborate with the IT team to write scripts, patch weaknesses, and conduct vulnerability assessments before any threats can breach these systems.
They are also reactive - engaging real-time threats in a composed and analytical manner, training staff, and running logs for monitoring and keeping business operations safe while engaging in these threats. Documenting these patterns in real time will help in recognizing them again in the future and even stop the patterns before they become intricate.
That’s why you’ll see many cybersecurity engineers involved in these industries:
- Finance and Banking: Protects customers’ data, minimizing fraud incidents, and prevents data privacy leaks.
- Healthcare: Secures patients' healthcare records, ensures HIPAA compliance, and prevents data breaches.
- Retail and E-commerce: Prevents identity theft and fraud, secures payment systems
- Government and Security departments: Prevent national data and privacy information leaks, safeguard national security, and prevent cyber espionage.
- Energy and Utilities: Protects industrial control systems from power grid or cyber attacks that may cause widespread outages.
- Education: Ensures students' and teachers’ data protection and also prevents ransomware attacks.
In today’s ever-growing cybersecurity field, it remains vital for many industries to hire cybersecurity engineers because many of the simple tasks from back then are now digitized. An information security engineer’s role is not just to prevent and protect, it’s also to strategize and maintain.
Becoming equipped with a team of cybersecurity engineers is not just an option for many industries today. It becomes a standard in maintaining trust, credibility, and reliability for many of the industry’s clients.
Educational Requirements for Cybersecurity Engineers
Security engineering is a vast field, and it can be confusing for first-timers like you who may want to switch their career or don’t know what university degree to take.
Most of your friends or colleagues who are cybersecurity engineers may have degrees in Information Technology (IT), Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or a related field. Though it is not the only way to become a cybersecurity expert.
Here are some educational requirements for cybersecurity engineers that you may want to check out.
Popular Bachelor's Degrees To Become A Cybersecurity Engineer
If you’re starting to learn cybersecurity now and want to get a degree, we encourage you to check out the recommended bachelor’s degree options for it. Most cybersecurity engineers have specific diplomas in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or Information Security. These diplomas are not necessarily the only means of becoming a cybersecurity engineer, but they are helpful when understanding many of the big words.
What If I Don’t Have A Cybersecurity-related Degree?
Many cybersecurity experts today may come from different bachelor's degrees and industries, too. They took the risk of changing to another career path because cybersecurity is their calling.
Switching to cybersecurity is easy. There are tons of cybersecurity programs in the form of online classes and face-to-face. Specialized cybersecurity programs will help you discover the niche you’re a natural in.
Furthering Your Education With Master's In Cybersecurity
The common areas of study in taking up Master's in Cybersecurity are:
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MS Cybersecurity) - College graduates with the BS Cybersecurity degree almost instantly choose MS Cybersecurity as the next step for furthering their education. This Master's degree broadly focuses on Cryptography, Network Security, Ethical Hacking, and Software Security.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Cybersecurity Concentration - Cybersecurity professionals who have this degree are often interested in business leadership with cybersecurity strategies. They are often the CTOs (Chief Technology Officer) or the CISOs (Chief Information Security Officer) of the company.
- Master of Science in Digital Forensics - Involves the study of cybercrimes and recovering digital evidence. People who take this master's may want to help in private or government-owned cyberdefense organizations.
- Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity Risk Management - MS Cybersecurity Risk Management is a further education in identifying, analyzing, and reducing risks in cybersecurity.
- Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity Policy and Governance - A law-related field, MS Cybersecurity Policy and Governance touches the political and legal aspects of cybersecurity. Ideally, people who take this Master's degree may come from Political Science or International Relations careers and are working for the government.
Bootcamps And Self-Study
Bootcamps and self-study are two of the most efficient ways to become a cybersecurity professional. It’s at your own pace and can even be cheaper.
Here’s the crucial part, though - self-studying and bootcamps mean you need to take initiative in self-checking too. So it’s at your hands to see if you’re progressing with discipline rather than just speedrunning the classes.
Essential Skills for Cybersecurity Engineers
To succeed as a cybersecurity engineer, you need a blend of technical expertise, soft skills, and a commitment to continuous learning. Here are the essential skills that will set you apart:
Technical Skills
Programming Proficiency
- Understanding how software works—and how it can be exploited—is critical for identifying and mitigating security threats.
- Learning languages like Java, C/C++, and Python allows you to create scripts, automate security tasks, and respond quickly to emerging threats.
- Regularly updating and managing these scripts ensures your defenses adapt in real time to evolving cyber risks.
Network Security
- Focuses on monitoring network traffic for anomalies, configuring firewalls, and designing risk assessment methods.
- Involves developing and maintaining Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS).
- Plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity and resilience of digital infrastructure.
Cryptography
- Protects sensitive data by making it unreadable to unauthorized users.
- Requires mastering encryption techniques and secure communication protocols for data in storage and transit.
- Underpins essential security measures such as VPNs, cloud security, Identity and
- Access Management (IAM), and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools.
Soft Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
- Cyber threats are rarely straightforward; they demand creative thinking and persistence.
- Many employers include problem-solving assessments in the hiring process to evaluate your ability to respond under pressure.
Strong Communication
- Being able to explain security risks, incidents, and solutions clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders is essential.
- Effective communication also improves collaboration within security teams and with other departments.
Adaptability
- Cybersecurity is an ever-changing field; tools and threats evolve constantly.
- Flexibility in learning and applying new strategies will keep you competitive.
Continuous Learning
- Go beyond your organization’s standards by exploring insights from industry experts via YouTube, LinkedIn, or professional forums.
- Analyze how different sectors address cyber challenges to broaden your problem-solving toolkit.
Bottom line: A cybersecurity engineer who combines these technical skills, soft skills, and a growth mindset will always be in demand, thanks to their ability to stay ahead in the fast-moving digital security landscape.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Cybersecurity Engineer
Realistically, becoming a cybersecurity engineer will not happen overnight. You’ll have to go through rigorous processes that will hone you to become the right engineer for the right company. Each step is a puzzle piece in your journey, and so it might be complex at first, but it’s easy to solve if you see the pattern.
1. Assess Your Aptitude And Interest In Cybersecurity
Like in any industry or career you’ll take, you need to know if you want this profession. Cybersecurity involves a lot of mental challenges, thinking about possibilities, and even detective work. You will need to know if your aptitude and your attitude are perfect for this environment. You will also really need persistence and a willingness to learn character, which is vital for your cybersecurity engineer role.
2. Choose And Complete Relevant Education
Many individuals may hop on the bandwagon of becoming a cybersecurity engineer without even planning out what they want to learn. Choosing the right path early on will help you decrease wasted learning time.
Want to become an SOC Analyst or cybersecurity engineer? You should focus on getting a degree in information technology or cybersecurity engineering as an undergrad. Or, if you’re self-studying, learn CompTIA+ or go through a Security+ bootcamp.
It helps if you’re already familiar with IT, but you need to learn the foundations and basics of it through an online course, a bootcamp, or with relevant education.
3. Gain Hands-On Experience Through Internships Or Entry-Level It Roles
Internships and entry-level IT roles give you an introduction to what it feels like to work in the cybersecurity field. Many professionals recommend starting in the help desk support, network administration, or junior analyst positions. You may even gain a mentor during this time, as they can teach you how systems work and how they can be broken into, which is vital for building cybersecurity defenses.
4. Obtain Industry-Recognized Certifications
Getting certifications doesn’t stop at the first 2-4 years of your career path. Sometimes, you’ll take the mantle and need to study again to know the higher management’s tasks and responsibilities.
There are other certifications which are considered entry-level: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA Network+, GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF), and ISC2 Associate.
Other industry-recognized certifications, like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or GSLC GIAC Security Leadership Certification, will be certifications that you’ll encounter as you gain more experience through the years.
It is important to study and know the tips in preparing for CISSP exams, as these are advanced cybersecurity certifications. They mostly involve leadership or management roles, which means you’re now promoted to a high-level or senior-level position in your job.
5. Build A Professional Network And Portfolio
It’s a huge asset for people to gain friends and a network of people and gurus to trust in the cybersecurity field. Networking isn’t just for business-minded people; it’s a great way to find your place in the community and enjoy the conversations.
Some of these communities even have meetups and events to make the cybersecurity world fun. You can join conferences, participate in competitions, and even gather at social events.
6. Apply For Cybersecurity Engineering Positions
Now that you’re fully prepared to take on the cybersecurity engineering positions, do your due diligence and apply for jobs! Many of these companies have hiring posts online or are on job search portals. There is a possibility that you may not land your dream job at first. But, experience is a reliable approach in building confidence and knowledge to become a fully-fledged cybersecurity engineer.
Top Certifications for Cybersecurity Engineers
Can’t seem to choose which certification to get first? As an upcoming cybersecurity engineer, it’s important to invest in your education wisely. Boosting your credibility and adding skills to your resume will help you land that job.
Let’s explore the top certifications for cybersecurity engineers that you may want to dive further into.
CompTIA Security+
Perhaps the most popular among all certifications, the Computing Technology Industry Association or CompTIA Security+ Certification (also known as Security+ Certification) is an entry-level global certification to validate your core cybersecurity skills.
In general, getting a CompTIA Security+ should be your first cybersecurity certificate if you are switching from a different career background or just starting in the cybersecurity industry.
It focuses on your skills in:
- General security concepts (12%)
- Identifying threats as well as mitigating attacks and vulnerabilities (22%)
- Knowing Security architecture(18%)
- Implementing Security operations (28%)
- Security program management and oversight (20%)
Having a CompTIA Security+ will be advantageous in looking for job openings. Especially for those who don’t have any background in cybersecurity at all.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Having a CISSP certification benefits you in knowing way more than your colleagues. It’s considered a gold-standard level of certification for experienced professionals. It focuses on designing, implementing, and managing top-level cybersecurity programs.
CISSP holders are often considered for leadership roles such as Security Manager or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). It covers eight domains, including risk management, asset security, and software development security. A minimum of five years of experience is typically required for this role.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Getting a certification to become an ethical hacker (CEH) means you’re ready to think like a hacker. Professionals who take this certification will be assigned to roles like penetration testing, attack vectors, and vulnerability analysis. It equips you with the mindset and skills to anticipate cybercriminal tactics, making you an asset in proactive defense strategies.
GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
GSEC or GIAC Security Essentials certification is the best choice for people who want to explore more about cryptography, incident response, or hands-on information security. Many IT experts who are already advanced in their network and security knowledge typically get GSEC instead to transition from their career paths to an information security engineer.
Which Certification Should You Choose?
While there are many choices among these top certifications, it all depends on your level of knowledge in cybersecurity. You will mostly choose the CompTIA Security+ Certification, as it is a quick introduction to cybersecurity. On the other hand, those in the junior-level of work who want to jump to managerial or senior-level will choose CISSP or GSEC.
For people who are really invested in becoming ethical hackers to combat and manage threats, a CEH certificate is the perfect choice.
Which of these certifications interests you? One factor to determine your final decision is also the certification price. So, check out what also fits your budget.
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Career Outlook and Advancement Opportunities
As mentioned earlier, there are many high-paying companies that will look for an experienced cybersecurity engineer. And we are not just talking about speculations - it’s pure facts! The top 10 highest-paid cybersecurity jobs and their salaries show that these numbers are not going down anytime soon.
This surge in demand translates to further career prospects and other lucrative opportunities for cybersecurity engineer hopefuls like you!
Entry-level security specialists can expect to get paid at least $132,962 /year, which means that’s $11,080 per month in the US. That’s already a high salary compared to other white and blue-collar jobs. You’ll eventually reach a higher salary as you get more certifications and even a master’s degree along the way.
Cybersecurity also offers multiple career paths and specializations shaped by your interests and choices. You might focus on penetration testing, cloud security, threat intelligence, digital forensics, or security architecture. You may even like creating memos, laws, policies, and other governance-related tasks in cybersecurity, too.
What about forensics and digital cybercrimes? There are many paths to choose from. These specialties not only deepen your expertise but can also open doors to highly sought-after and well-paying positions.
Making your way as a senior will be as long and enduring, or can even be as fast as possible. Leadership roles such as Security Architect, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), or Security Program Manager often require a blend of technical mastery, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills. Some of them may even combine the specializations and certificates that one has accomplished over time.
While some professionals climb the ladder steadily over the years, others advance rapidly if their expertise is urgently needed. Nevertheless, being steady and always in-the-know of the latest industry trends is an opportune move. It allows for realistic growth and development in the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re an upcoming university student and want to kickstart your university path, it takes at least four (4) to seven (7) years to become an equipped cybersecurity engineer. Many of these years will include your bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, your certification or bootcamp, and self-study hours.
However, some professional individuals with little to no background and who want to change careers may take 8 months to 2 years through self-study and bootcamps. Are you afraid it will take forever to learn at all? It’s all in your firmness to do it! It’s never too late to start your cybersecurity journey today!
Cybersecurity is a long-term career where most people will think years of experience are the only relevant thing. While it is true in some cases, you can see many of these degree holders start as an IT technician/network support, help desk support, or anything else involving networks and servers.
As you become a mid-level or junior-level professional, you will find roles like SOC 1, network analyst, system administrator, risk analyst, incident response technician, or some may even branch out to become cybersecurity auditors.
High-level or senior-level jobs involve roles like Cybersecurity Engineer, Threat Intelligence Analyst, Network Security Engineer, DevOps, Penetration Tester, Senior Security Analyst, SOC Lead/Manager, Cybersecurity Consultant, and Security Architect.
Yes, you can definitely become a highly-recognized cybersecurity engineer without a degree. Although you must start at an entry-level position at first, you still need to take a cybersecurity certification. If you have the willpower to learn cybersecurity and the unwavering passion for it, then it’s your choice to become a great cybersecurity engineer.
Where do you start first? CompTIA+ certification should be your priority. Experience throughout your early years in IT will gain you experience along the way. Some even start as a help/support system specialist.
Applying for jobs in the IT industry, especially companies that involve security analysis, IT analysis, or SOC analysis, is already your stepping stone.
If you don’t have any experience at all, enroll in a free online course and take advantage of the resources. You need to know what path you want to take and select a bootcamp. Mentors will guide you thoroughly on what you need to prepare to be in the cybersecurity field. Then, you can take the exam for the certification.
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Your Next Step In Becoming A Cybersecurity Engineer
Becoming a cybersecurity engineer is a great career opportunity as it’s not just one of the highest paying salaries but also one of the most pivotal industries in the cyber frontier. First, decide if cybersecurity is really for you. Next, take that leap and plan the way to study for your chosen degree and certification.
But even after all of this preparation, you may still be unsure about the career as AI takes over cybersecurity in the workplace, too.
But for us, it takes human grit to achieve skills like threat analysis, flexibility in a fast-paced environment, and human comprehension to detect these vulnerabilities.
What you decide next is your biggest achievement in this exciting field. While there is a growing demand for the industry, you need to secure your position already.
At Destination Certification, we offer a 5-day Security+ bootcamp that will assess your best interests and growth in this industry.
Don’t let this opportunity pass! Decide on how to become a cybersecurity engineer with these steps now.
Rob is the driving force behind the success of the Destination Certification CISSP program, leveraging over 15 years of security, privacy, and cloud assurance expertise. As a seasoned leader, he has guided numerous companies through high-profile security breaches and managed the development of multi-year security strategies. With a passion for education, Rob has delivered hundreds of globally acclaimed CCSP, CISSP, and ISACA classes, combining entertaining delivery with profound insights for exam success. You can reach out to Rob on LinkedIn.
John is a major force behind the Destination Certification CISSP program's success, with over 25 years of global cybersecurity experience. He simplifies complex topics, and he utilizes innovative teaching methods that contribute to the program's industry-high exam success rates. As a leading Information Security professional in Canada, John co-authored a bestselling CISSP exam preparation guide and helped develop official CISSP curriculum materials. You can reach out to John on LinkedIn.
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