What are the New Emerging Roles in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is no longer just about firewalls and networks—it’s about people. IBM research reveals that 95% of cybersecurity breaches result from human error, proving that even the best security systems fail if employees fall for phishing scams or mishandling data.

This shift has also redefined cybersecurity roles. Today’s professionals need strong communication and training skills alongside technical expertise. They must educate employees, simplify security concepts, and build a cyber-aware culture to reduce human risk.

In this blog, we’ll explore the evolution of cybersecurity roles, the rise of security awareness jobs, and new career opportunities in this field.

The Shift to People-Centered Cybersecurity

A company’s strongest defense isn’t just technology—it’s informed employees. Hackers increasingly use phishing, vishing, and other social engineering tactics to trick people into revealing sensitive information.

To address this, businesses are investing heavily in security awareness training and behavior-based risk management. Key strategies include:

• Phishing simulations to test and improve employee awareness (Phishing Simulator)
• Security awareness training to teach staff how to recognize cyber threats (Security Awareness Training)
• Incident response programs to help teams react quickly to cyberattacks (Incident Responder)

Cybersecurity teams now do more than just secure networks—they also train employees, manage security culture, and mitigate human risk.

The Rise of Cybersecurity Awareness Roles

As organizations realize that human error is the biggest cybersecurity risk, they are creating new roles focused on security awareness. These professionals bridge the gap between technical teams and employees, ensuring that everyone understands cybersecurity risks and best practices.

Some of the most in-demand roles include:

• Information Security Awareness Specialist – Develops training programs and educational materials to improve security knowledge.
• Cyber Security Awareness Campaign Specialist – Plans and executes company-wide awareness campaigns to reinforce safe behaviors.
• Security Awareness Analyst – Tracks and analyzes the effectiveness of training programs, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Cyber Security Training & Awareness Manager – Oversees security education initiatives and ensures best practices are followed across the organization.

Who Hires for These Roles?

Initially, security awareness roles were mainly found in government, finance, healthcare, and technology, where breaches can lead to financial losses, regulatory fines, or exposure of sensitive personal data. These industries hired specialists to train employees and prevent security mistakes that could result in fraud, identity theft, or operational shutdowns.

Now, as cyber threats increase, even mid-sized businesses in areas like retail, education, law, and manufacturing are hiring security awareness professionals. These companies face risks such as customer data theft, intellectual property loss, and ransomware attacks.

Organizations of all sizes now invest in experts to train employees, reduce human error, and strengthen their defenses against cyberattacks.

Career Growth in Cybersecurity Awareness

As businesses prioritize security awareness, demand for skilled professionals in this field is rapidly increasing. Cybersecurity awareness careers offer clear paths for advancement, allowing specialists to move into leadership roles or transition into other cybersecurity domains.

With organizations investing more in human risk management, professionals in this area play a significant role in shaping security culture and reducing cyber threats.

From Specialist to Leadership

A career in cybersecurity awareness often begins with a specialist role, requiring 2-3 years of experience. As professionals gain expertise, they can advance to:

• Training & Awareness Manager ($97K - $151K per year) – Develops security education strategies and manages awareness initiatives. (Salary.com)
• Security Awareness Analyst ($115K - $153K per year) – Tracks training effectiveness and improves security programs. (Glassdoor)
• Human Risk Management Specialist ($69K - $100K per year) – Focuses on reducing cyber risks caused by human behavior. (VelvetJobs)
• Phishing Simulation Specialist ($75K - $105K per year) – Designs phishing attack simulations to train employees. (EC-Council)

Salaries may vary based on location, experience, and industry.

Lateral Career Growth

Cybersecurity professionals can also shift industries and specializations.

For example, a Security Awareness Specialist in healthcare focuses on patient data protection, while one in finance emphasizes fraud prevention. A specialist in tech companies may focus on AI and cloud security awareness.

This flexibility makes cybersecurity awareness a highly dynamic and rewarding career path. For insights into broader cybersecurity career opportunities, explore Keepnet's blog on 10 Types of Cybersecurity Roles from Entry to Beyond.

Cybersecurity Salaries: What to Expect in High-Demand Roles

Cyber security jobs are not only growing in demand but also offering competitive salaries. Whether you’re pursuing a role as a cyber security analyst, security engineer, or an emerging security awareness specialist, understanding salary trends helps you navigate this dynamic field.

Below, we break down cyber security salaries for key roles, factors influencing pay, and how education impacts opportunities.

Average Cyber Security Job Salary for Core Roles

Below, you’ll find cyber security degree salary ranges for core cybersecurity jobs, emerging roles, and how these cyber analyst salaries are compared to general IT roles.

Note that location, industry, certifications, and years of experience can all significantly influence security engineer salary.

Core Cybersecurity Roles

Emerging Roles

Cybersecurity vs. General IT

Finally, educational credentials also play a major part in determining salary for cyber security. Entry-level roles often start around $65,000 – $85,000, while holders of a bachelor’s degree might see ranges near $85,000 – $110,000 in mid-level positions.

Advanced degrees or specialized certifications can raise cyber security job salary to $120,000 – $160,000, especially for those taking on leadership responsibilities like Security Architect or CISO.

The salary for cyber security roles reflects the critical need for talent in both technical and human-focused positions. As threats evolve, so will opportunities—making this field ideal for those passionate about safeguarding people and technology.

Why These Cyber Security Roles Matter More Than Ever

Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, with attackers constantly developing new ways to exploit human vulnerabilities. As a result, businesses can no longer rely solely on technology to keep their systems secure. Cyber security awareness roles are now essential in helping employees recognize and respond to cyber risks before they lead to costly breaches.

A Secure Culture Is the Best Defense

Technology alone cannot stop cyber threats—employees play a critical role in security. Businesses that integrate security awareness into their culture significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats.

To build a cyber-aware workforce, organizations must:

• Train employees regularly with interactive, real-world phishing simulations
• Use ongoing security awareness programs to reinforce safe practices
• Track employee security behaviors and continuously improve awareness training

By shifting cybersecurity from just technology to people, organizations create a proactive, security-first culture that protects against evolving cyber threats.

Creating this culture requires a strategic approach, from leadership buy-in to continuous employee engagement. Learn how to build a truly security-conscious workplace in the Keepnet blog on Building a Security-Conscious Corporate Culture: A Roadmap for Success.