10 Types of Cybersecurity Roles from Entry to Beyond

The cybersecurity field is a fascinating one. It develops rapidly. The changes in the areas of cybersecurity led to the emergence of new roles.

Recent cybersecurity incidents have underscored the critical importance of robust security measures across various organizational roles. Below is an analysis of the latest cybersecurity risks, categorized by impact, with data-backed examples:

In July 2024, a faulty update from CrowdStrike's security software led to a global IT outage, causing U.S. Fortune 500 companies to incur approximately $5.4 billion in losses.

The same CrowdStrike incident disrupted over 8 million Microsoft Windows devices worldwide, affecting sectors such as airlines, banking, and healthcare, and highlighting the systemic nature of cyber risks in a globally interconnected economy.

In 2024, the European Central Bank's cyber stress test revealed significant shortcomings in banks' abilities to handle cyber attacks, prompting calls for improved resilience and potentially impacting public trust in the financial sector.

These examples illustrate the profound financial, operational, and reputational impacts that can result from cybersecurity lapses, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive security strategies across all organizational levels.

If you are considering a cybersecurity career, read our "12 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Cybersecurity Career" blog post to explore the different positions available, from beginners to advanced levels, helping you navigate your career path.

Technical and Non-technical Cybersecurity Roles

A job in cybersecurity is either a technical or a nontechnical one. The technical roles require in-depth IT knowledge, whereas the nontechnical roles apply to individuals with strong soft skills.

We advise you to choose a path that matches your skills, especially at the beginning of your career.

The technical roles are generally cyber security degree jobs. Larger-scale companies require an engineering degree for technical cybersecurity roles. Certainly, a university degree specifically in the field of cybersecurity is advantageous. However, the skills and know-how always make the point.

A university degree may not be mandatory for mid-size companies. Project experience or certifications are more important. You can improve your skills as well and get into cyber security field.

Nontechnical roles do not require technical expertise. However, a strong understanding of cyber threats and a basic IT understanding is essential. A bachelor’s degree is not mandatory but it can be a plus for a career start.

Whether technical or non-technical, every job in cybersecurity requires problem-solving skills. Additionally, knowing cybersecurity and IT concepts will help you to start your cyber security career.

For either role, cybersecurity professionals will need to adapt to changes throughout their careers. They will gain new skills and knowledge as they progress.

What Are People in the Cybersecurity Industry Called?

The career path in cybersecurity generally begins with titles such as Specialist or Engineer. As individuals advance in their careers, they progress titles such as Analyst, Lead, Expert, and Manager. The highest position is CISO (Chief Information Security Officer).

One can specify entry and mid level technical cyber security roles and their purpose as follows.

The main goals of non technical cyber security roles are as follows:

10 Types of Cybersecurity Roles from Entry to Beyond

Cyber security aims to secure systems and safeguard against cyber attacks. Cybersecurity Engineers protect a business from security breaches. Engineers specialize in areas like Network, Endpoint, Application, and Cloud Security to ensure systems are secure. The roles align with cybersecurity domains.

1. Network Security Engineer protects the network systems of the business, while Information Security Engineer safeguards digital information from breaches.
2. Application Security Engineer ensures the security of software applications, and Cloud Security Engineer focuses on securing cloud-based systems and data.
3. Security Operation Engineers, regularly monitor and detect the systems. They aim to prevent cyber attacks. Incident Response Engineers, fight during the cyber attack. They try to decrease the effect of data breaches.
4. Pen Testers simulate cyber attacks to test systems. They show how safe a company's information systems are. Forensic Analysts investigate the causes of cyber attacks.
5. Threat Intelligence Analysts search for new cybersecurity threats. They inform other security teams about possible future risks.
6. Security Awareness Trainer and Compliance Analyst are less technical roles. Security Awareness Trainers make sure employees know about online dangers. They plan security trainings. Compliance Analysts ensure that the business is compliant with the regulations.

Entry Level Cybersecurity Roles

The nontechnical roles generally aim to decrease the cyber risks of companies. They do this by educating employees and complying with rules. Entry-level roles coordinate training and education programs.

Entry level roles also help seniors in preparing cyber security rules and policies. They collaborate with other teams and ensure the security procedures are followed accordingly.

The technical roles, on the other hand, implement security tools. They configure software according to the company's cybersecurity policies. They regularly track the systems and confirm that the systems are running securely.

Entry level cyber security job holders should make the most of each opportunity to learn from the seniors. On site roles are great for developing skills and learning from experts. Working alongside senior employees provides valuable guidance and mentorship. Hence, young talents can have a deeper understanding of cybersecurity concepts and protocols.

Mid and Advanced Level Cybersecurity Roles

The computer security career path offers you great possibilities. As you advance in your career, you will play a key role in protecting your company. You will combat complex cyber attacks.

In technical roles, such as Cybersecurity Experts the focus is on designing and implementing advanced security protocols. These professionals develop security solutions. They conduct threat assessments, or respond to cyber attacks.

Their goal is to stay ahead of emerging threats. To advance in technical roles, you should increase your knowledge in penetration testing, encryption, and network security.

In non-technical roles, such as Cybersecurity Awareness Managers or Consultants, professionals take on broader oversight. They develop and implement cybersecurity policies. They get information about the latest cyber security laws and regulations. They keep in touch with other cyber security teams in the company.

These people learn about the latest cyber security threats. Their aim is to comply with regulations. They also aim to keep all employees aware of the threats. To elevate your career in nontechnical roles, you should improve your communication and risk management skills.

Mid and advanced-level cybersecurity professionals play an important role in shaping a company's cybersecurity culture. They drive innovation, protect sensitive data, and increase awareness. They are the backbone of the cybersecurity team. They proactively identify and decrease risks.

The cyber threat landscape continues to evolve. Thus, these professionals remain at the forefront of the protection line. They adapt to changes and learn quickly. They respond to threats timely. Their goal is to stay one step ahead of cyber threats.

Best Cybersecurity Career Advices

The computer security career path offers various development options. For each career level, there are specific insights to consider.

Entry Level

The young talents can gain immense knowledge in the cybersecurity field. Entry-level cybersecurity professionals should dedicate time to understanding the core concepts, and protocols.

We advise you to follow the industry leaders and seek hands-on experience through internships or projects. This will make it possible to put your knowledge into practice. Additionally, consider obtaining relevant certifications like :

CompTIA Security+

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional CISSP

Keep your curiosity alive and stay updated on the latest trends and threats. Follow blogs, attend webinars, and join training programs. Build a network with fellow professionals to get insights from the field.

Mid Level

Mid-level cybersecurity professionals usually specialize in the specific areas of their interest. Hence they deepen their expertise. We advise you to identify areas of interest and deepen your skills in that field.

Complete certifications like Chief Information Systems Security Professional CISSP. Leadership skills become important at this stage. Thus, take on leadership roles, mentor junior team members, and lead projects or initiatives. Your next job title will possibly be Certified Information Security Manager.

Stay adaptable in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape and be open to learning new technologies. Hence, you will stay ahead of the new threats.

Expert Level

Expert-level cybersecurity professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the industry. They are the ones who share their insights and expertise with the broader community. We encourage you to share your know-how with the community, write articles, and participate in industry forums.

Mentorship is essential for nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Thus, you can engage in mentoring and developing talents. Continue to innovate by exploring emerging techniques in this stage.

Remain humble and continue to seek knowledge eagerly. The cybersecurity field is rapidly changing, and there is always room for growth and improvement.

As you can see, a Cybersecurity Professional protects an organization. And each role has a focus on a key area to realize the protection.

You can watch the following video defining the different cybersecurity jobs with basic responsibilities. In this video, you will get insights into the different types of roles and the various job sites.

Editor's Note: This blog was updated on December 5, 2024.