Top 20 cyber security jobs to apply for

If you are a recently trained cyber security professional ready to unlock your first cyber security role, you are likely a mixture of excited and overwhelmed about your next steps and entry into the industry. The fantastic news is, cyber security is one of the fastest growing, most in-demand disciplines in the world – in fact there are over one million job openings globally, and you are at the forefront of building your cyber security career and contributing to an industry that desperately needs your talent.

Roles and responsibilities within the cyber industry are rapidly being defined and re-defined as businesses across the world try to keep up and remain competitive. Employers are realising the importance of cyber security and are becoming focused on safeguarding their internal and external data systems, products, processes, the people on their teams, while also maintaining the trust and business of their clients.

Professionals that are trained and certified with technical and interpersonal skills specific to the cyber security market are the ones employers are actively seeking to hire for entry level, mid level and senior cyber roles. These professionals are able to learn quickly on the job, are willing to adapt when presented with new or stressful situations, are able to demonstrate their practical cyber skillset (you don’t need to know everything, but you need to be able to showcase what you do know!), and above all, they are professionals that are passionate about building a career in the cyber industry, and helping a business / client eliminate their pain points while strengthening their cyber security.

Here are 20 cyber security roles to help build your cyber career:

1. Cyber Security Administrator

A cyber security administrator focuses on ensuring the safety of information and secure access for authorised users of an organisation. For any business, big or small, cyber security administrators work towards the successful implementation of cyber security policies and processes to ensure the network’s security is strong and reliable, they also protect against unauthorised access, alteration or destruction of information, and troubleshoot any problems in relation to internal / external access / security breaches etc.

Examples of responsibilities: 

• Understanding the organisation’s system and network infrastructure and requirements including hardware / software / wireless devices / internal and external users
• Monitoring new technologies / applications / unauthorised installations / potential small and large scale threats and network traffic
• Identifying online and offline vulnerabilities + installing, monitoring and upgrading network security solutions including firewalls / antivirus software / authentication protocols etc.
• Analysing security processes and observing those implementing them / monitoring incidents and recommending improvements to individuals and teams
• Constantly troubleshooting any issues – resourceful and solutions focused on the job
• Consulting with internal stakeholders about the best security practices for the business and providing necessary technical advice to decision makers about implementing / enhancing security plans and processes
• Educating staff about cyber security best practices / emerging threats / system changes and breaches

Average salary* AU$72,545 source: payscale

 

2. Cyber Security Consultant

Cyber security consultants are ultimately focused on the protection of an organisation’s data and digital systems. They can operate as part of a team, usually housed within a larger corporate or cyber security consultancy firm, or work independently and service clients of their choosing. A security consultant performs a range of roles within the cyber security discipline, and will need to adapt to each client’s needs. This means they will need to be able to act on the attack and the defence, as well as have a strong understanding of relevant systems, networks, and software programs. Beyond more technical skills, the best cyber security consultants have good communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Understanding and evaluating data systems / networks / wireless devices / software performance and finding efficient ways to protect against potential attacks by internal or external individuals / groups
• Building a client’s security structure – testing, improving and evaluating outcomes
• Keeping up with current software / hardware / products / tools / processes for both the attackers and defenders in the cyber landscape
• Updating systems, managing and maintaining firewalls / encryption mechanisms, performing security checks / regular vulnerability tests
• Advising on cyber security strategy, planning and solution deployment
• Handling intrusion detection and incident response on a needs or ongoing basis
• Solutions focused approach, keeping up with cyber security best practices, validation procedures, products and compliance / changing laws in relation to the client
• Providing cost estimations and technical reports / presenting action items to key stakeholders and IT teams to implement solutions / rectify safety gaps post-audit
• Managing security teams / providing technical guidance and collaborating on security projects across departments / different locations / on-site and online
• Staying informed on the threat landscape and market trends unique to clients to help prevent / respond to security breaches and implement tailored cyber security strategies
• Educating IT and non-IT staff on best practices / emerging online and offline threats etc.
• Finding and converting clients, maintaining client trust and loyalty

Average salary* AU$135,979 source: indeed

 

3. Cyber Security Analyst

Typically, a cyber security analyst works to detect cyber threats and takes the necessary actions to prevent breaches and protect an organisation. A collaborative and creative approach to managing these threats and safeguarding an organisation’s data is valuable.

Examples of responsibilities:  

• Understanding of diverse systems / networks / applications / emerging threats
• Keeping up with new tools / techniques – formulating and optimising data security plans
• Risk mitigation, solutions focused approach, observing cyber security best practices
• Developing, implementing, evaluating and constantly testing / upgrading security measures / controls – always prepared for an attack / data encryption / recovery if needed
• Maintaining data integrity and monitoring secure data access for authorised users
• Performing risk analysis, vulnerability / pen testing, and security assessments to locate vulnerabilities
• Incident response, monitoring of unusual activity, tracking threat patterns and market trends
• Determining the root cause of security breaches (malware, human error etc.) – troubleshooting / implementing proactive solutions
• Preparing and presenting detailed reports, recommending changes to increase network security to key IT and non-IT stakeholders

Average salary*: AU$75,651 source: payscale

 

4. Cyber Security Engineer

A security engineer is responsible for a range of duties associated with IT security including identifying and analysing risks and vulnerabilities, developing and ensuring the security of software, and selecting and deploying network security systems. Security engineers need to respond to issues, document threats, resolve technical faults, and provide resources to obtain solutions in the most cost-effective way.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Proactively investigating and maintaining systems / networks / hardware / software products to detect and defend any security weaknesses / breaches
• Developing / enhancing policies to implement a cyber security focused business approach – keeping up with market trends / evolving client needs
• Recommending appropriate and necessary strategies / products for intrusion detection and to resolve weaknesses quickly and efficiently
• Managing threat intelligence, vulnerability testing, tracking incidents, reporting findings / presenting solutions to stakeholders – teaching security awareness
• Sourcing, implementing, monitoring and testing new security solutions to protect the organisation from future threats and keep on top of system irregularities 

Average salary*: AU$91,931 source: payscale

 

5. Cyber Security Manager

In general terms, cyber security managers are responsible for overseeing security systems and teams, as well as detecting, protecting, responding to, recovering data and remedying security breaches. However, their responsibilities vary greatly depending on the size of the organisation and the industry they operate in. Often, the development of security protocols and audits will also fall on the cyber security manager, and when there is a breach they will supervise the forensic investigation and engage with law enforcement and the company’s legal representation.

To excel as a cyber security manager, you will benefit from an in-depth understanding of security operations, information security concepts and networking policies/procedures, information assurance, risk management, and project management skills.

Roles and responsibilities include:

• Monitoring all operations and infrastructure in the IT / cyber security domain
• Managing projects, overseeing and guiding teams and IT support staff, evaluating and allocating resources, optimising processes, monitoring outcomes
• Conducting research and staying up to date with the threat landscape / market trends
• Proactively identifying issues / potential threats and designing and ensuring the implementation of solutions / new technologies
• Briefing executive staff and management on compliance / regularly reporting incidents / consulting / presenting solutions and performance / audit data
• Maintaining all security tools and technology, keeping up with vendor solutions
• Designing and continually enhancing all security processes including anti-virus software, firewalls, authentication protocols and management systems
• Risk assessment, observation and reduction – developing incident response programs
• Implementing new technology and remaining abreast of key trends and threats
• Educating all staff from the top-down and increasing cyber security awareness across the board
• Being transparent with stakeholders around data breaches and evolving protection / security requirements including hiring more staff etc.
• Upholding a cyber security first approach and a calm and solutions focused mindset

Average salary* AU$128,868 source: payscale

 

6. Cyber Security Specialist

Cyber security specialists work to monitor, detect, investigate and respond to security intrusions, threats and attacks. They design solutions to fill security gaps and work to protect and uphold the integrity of data and systems from being exploited due to vulnerabilities.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Analysing and establishing security vulnerabilities and requirements for a company’s network / systems / hardware / software
• Securing data and systems and defending against unauthorised access, modifications and attacks – vigilant to all potential security gaps
• Keeping up to date with the threat landscape and the attacker’s mindset / toolkit
• Configuring and supporting security tools and processes including anti-virus software, firewalls, authentication protocols and management systems
• Implementing security focused development and testing of software systems, data centres, and networks
• Providing training / promoting security focused decision making, increasing threat awareness and strengthening management policies
• Enhancing / finding the optimal and most effective way to secure the IT infrastructure of an organisation – solutions focused approach
• Identifying who is behind and attack and alerting authorities / helping authorities identify the culprit(s)

Average salary*: AU$133,901 source: salary expert

 

7. Network Engineer/Architect

Network engineers, or architects, are charged with the planning, design, development, monitoring and testing of an IT/computer network. The responsibilities of a network engineer / architect can be diverse and the networks serviced in this role can vary. These include but are not exclusive to PEN, DAN, VoIP, WLAN, and LAN. Network engineers must be able to control and sustain computer networks and computing environments with relevant program software / hardware, system structures and configurations for the client at hand.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Monitoring overall network performance and evaluating strengths / weaknesses and formulating strategies / blueprints / solutions accordingly
• Diagnosing and resolving software, hardware, and other network and system problems based on the company’s organisational needs / objectives
• Keeping up to date with network security best practices / new technologies / policies / IT service management guidelines and government regulations
• Improving network resilience, performing disaster recovery / backup recording operations / troubleshooting and responding promptly to incidents
• Reporting, presenting results, costings, and innovative business solutions to IT and non-IT stakeholders – guiding the continued development and optimisation of a company’s security architecture 

Average salary*: AU$96,390 source: indeed

 

8. Systems Engineer

Systems engineers are tasked with establishing, coordinating, maintaining and testing a company’s network / computing infrastructure. They are responsible for making sure that every system runs efficiently and without a problem. Systems engineers are also expected to amend and solve any technical issues that occur.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Understanding, managing and monitoring all existing systems and infrastructure
• Designing, maintaining, testing and troubleshooting security systems and custom hardware / software – managing a team of developers + providing direction
• Optimising infrastructures to increase automated efficiency using custom scripts etc.
• Installing and coordinating operating systems / applications / system management tools – monitoring performance, quickly identifying issues and solutions
• Consulting with key stakeholders, vendors, IT support staff / different departments
• Maintaining security protocols, backups, and redundancy strategies and improving information and operational support systems based on evolving client needs

Average salary*: AU$93,419 source: glassdoor

 

9. Software Developer

A security software developer builds software that runs across various types of computers and wireless networks. They perform one of the two main functions in a cyber security capacity:

• Are responsible for developing client based software solutions such as anti-viruses, firewalls, spyware detection applications, traffic analysis / surveillance software, etc.
• Are a part of an in-house development team that creates application software that integrates a strong security focus in the design, development and testing stages.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Regularly consulting with clients, improving security systems / presenting and implementing solutions to mitigate weaknesses
• Creating secure software tools and systems with a team of developers
• Implementing, testing, and operating advanced software security techniques
• Consulting with team members / contractors on secure programming practices
• Troubleshooting and debugging, performing continuous security testing
• Keeping up with the threat landscape, current software development tools / techniques and compliance specifications
• Developing a software security strategy, keeping up with market trends and best practice – helping the client understand their vulnerabilities and building solutions

Average salary*: AU$94,549 source: indeed

 

10. Vulnerability Analyst

The job of a vulnerability analyst is to seek out critical and potential weaknesses in software and networks and then work to remedy them / prevent breaches by providing a detailed and prioritised report to clients.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Understanding a hacker’s perspective and behaviour patterns
• Keeping up with the digital / physical threat landscape and current tools / techniques
• Using automated tools to accelerate the assessment process
• Conducting audits / organising network scans to improve and amplify information security procedures
• Identifying, listing, defining and developing risk-based mitigation strategies and solutions across different networks / applications / systems / teams / regions
• Identifying all areas that need protection to strategically tighten security measures
• Highlighting potential entry points for hackers / unauthorised internal and external parties
• Identifying and improving security awareness – evaluating vulnerabilities from the top-down and creating / strengthening management policies / providing training
• Tracking vulnerabilities / maintaining vulnerability assessment databases
• Developing and validating detailed vulnerability assessment reports, presenting results to key IT and non-IT stakeholders

Average salary*: AU$82,175 source: payscale

 

11. Penetration Tester

A pen tester thinks like an attacker and is focused on attempting to infiltrate a company’s computer systems and networks to pinpoint existing weaknesses and potential future risks. Pen testers are generally tasked with probing and identifying vulnerabilities, attempting to exploit them and then providing a detailed report to the client.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Implementing a strong problem-solving mindset
• Keeping up with the threat landscape including evolving malware and online / offline exploitative tactics and new technologies
• Maintaining an up to date / industry-aligned coding skillset to meet client needs
• Creating and conducting new testing methods (physical and automated) to identify risks across different networks / applications / systems / teams
• Identifying areas that need physical protection / new areas that need digital protection
• Finding vulnerabilities in common software / hardware as well as proprietary applications using reverse engineering / cryptography methods
• Evolving current hardware and software and improving security standards
• Pinpointing entry points for hackers / unauthorised internal and external parties
• Identifying and improving security awareness and top-down education through social engineering
• Reviewing current corporate policies / conducting audits to help modify and strengthen security procedures
• Developing detailed assessment reports of exploited weaknesses and presenting action items to key IT and non-IT stakeholders

Average salary*: AU$112,452 source: indeed

 

12. Security Architect

A security architect analyses security threats and recommends / designs solutions to protect information while maintaining a secure system framework. They are tasked with building security structures to prevent malware and hacker intrusions to a company’s computer system. Security architects may participate in the development of security software and hardware, and be responsible for educating staff on security policies and ensuring best practice. Once the security system has been designed by an architect they will usually work with a security engineer to test any weaknesses and audit the entire system.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Thorough understanding of a company’s IT systems and technology – identifying weaknesses, forecasting potential threats, counteracting unauthorised access
• Planning, researching and designing security structures
• Updating, upgrading, monitoring and maintaining security systems
• Designing public key infrastructures
• Performing vulnerability testing and security assessments

Average salary*: AU$151,393 source: payscale

 

13. Cryptographer

Cryptographers are involved in protecting and deciphering confidential information and sensitive data, including military, financial or political data. They are mainly responsible for encrypting /decrypting information and detecting / preventing unauthorised access and use.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Protecting information from being intercepted, copied, modified or deleted
• Thorough understanding of a client’s computer systems and networks and internal / external threats
• Designing robust security systems to prevent / combat future threats and vulnerabilities
• Testing, analysing, targeting and rectifying weaknesses in cryptographic security systems and algorithms – decoding messages for high-stakes areas such as politics, military, border security and law enforcement agencies
• Maintaining a current coding skillset based on market trends and the evolving threat landscape

Average salary*: AU$106,987 source: salary expert

 

14. Chief Information Security Officer

A Chief Information Security Officer is a senior cyber professional and the head of IT security. They are responsible for driving IT security strategies and process implementation to protect an organisation from security vulnerabilities and cyber-hacking at a leadership level.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Managing and coordinating the operation and implementation of IT security strategies / policies
• Maintaining security standards and devising cyber strategies with stakeholders
• Performing security audits and risk assessments
• Continuously assessing and improving existing IT security practices and systems
• Overseeing and leading the IT security department / liaising with other department leads to ensure best practices and facilitating cross-department collaboration
• Ensuring each individual in the cyber team is performing their role successfully and efficiently
• Ongoing reporting of cyber incidents / improvements / risks to key stakeholders – presenting solutions, securing investments in cyber products and processes
• Driving cyber security best practices for new business projects and initiatives

Average salary*: AU$178,650 source: payscale

 

15. Source Code Auditor

The main responsibilities of a source code auditor is to identify potential security weaknesses and bugs in system code, maintain functionality and enhance security. This role demands attention to detail. In addition to being code literate the job focuses heavily on auditing / reporting and providing timely practical recommendations to less tech savvy business stakeholders.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Keeping up with current hacking trends and techniques in case of an attack
• Reviewing authentication, authorisation, and communication protocols
• Performing forensic examinations and penetration testing to identify high-risk and low-risk vulnerabilities – alerting relevant stakeholders of immediate risks
• Maintaining a high attention to detail, analysing source code on a line-by-line basis, identifying and repairing vulnerabilities
• Educating development teams about the best practices in code creation / testing

Average salary*: AU$87,429 source: payscale

 

16. Network Security Engineer

The responsibilities of a network security engineer can vary and can include a number of IT security components ranging from testing hardware and software vulnerabilities, building and securing internal network capabilities and connectivity for all users, developing security policies and maintaining an efficient and optimised network infrastructure based on changing business requirements.   

Examples of responsibilities:

• Risk assessments / finding vulnerabilities in networks
• Troubleshooting
• Planning, testing, implementation of improved network solutions
• Developing firewalls, testing hardware and software systems
• Monitor performance and configuring systems to improve security features already in place
• Maintaining all software and hardware
• Keeping ahead of trends and implementing new security solutions to best protect an organisation and keep up with market trends
• Recommend appropriate strategies to remedy any security weaknesses found
• Connecting with vendors to implement security solutions

Average salary*: AU$85,000 source: payscale

 

17. Network Architect

Network architects look after communication networks including local area networks, wide area networks, and intranets. They play a pivotal role in evaluating, designing, modifying and maintaining an IP network’s hardware, software, and virtualised components to meet client needs.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Leading the design process of a network
• Manage existing networks
• Monitor network traffic
• Liaise with software and hardware teams to get network equipment in place
• Coordinate with network administrators and engineers etc. to setup and configure a network
• Analyse and evaluate a networks performance and make modifications wherever and whenever necessary
• Network modelling and growth planning
• Network security, including ensuring that equipment is installed at the precise network location

Average salary*: AU$138,502 source: payscale

 

18. Information Security Crime Investigator / Forensics Expert / Cyber Crime Analyst

This role is akin to a traditional detective but focused on the world of cyber crime and security. Cyber investigators are focused on uncovering and analysing cyber footprints / digital data trails and handle a range of different cyber crimes such as instances of identity theft, cyberstalking and high-level system hacking. They are also frequently tasked with recovering data from computers and digital devices to be used as part of court cases against physical-world crimes.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Gathering evidence and computer system information
• Analysing computer crimes / preserving evidence for future use
• Testifying in court / providing and presenting evidence to help authorities
• Reconstructing damaged computer systems / extraction of lost data
• Drafting expert testimonies, affidavits, and reports
• Training law enforcement where relevant
• Recovery of encrypted or protected data

Average salary*: AU$82,424 source: payscale

 

19. Cyber Security Researcher

A cyber security researcher has their finger on the the pulse of the rapidly evolving threat landscape. They are focused on understanding and extracting insight from resistant malware / malicious software / attacker groups and initiatives, to identify exploitable flaws and apply findings to strengthen and improve defensive cyber security mechanisms.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Field research / threat hunting / reverse engineering
• Vulnerability testing / risk assessment of web applications, systems, software, firmware
• Network auditing based on new findings
• Providing intelligence and advising on cyber security strategy, planning and solution deployment
• Gathering, analysing and documenting new threat and market trends
• Identifying patterns, providing real-time reports to stakeholders and technical team
• Keeping IT and non-IT employees educated, training new staff on best practices and maintaining an internal security database

Average salary*: AU$84,646 source: glassdoor

 

20. Incident Responder/Analyst

Essentially, an incident responder is a cyber security first-responder. Incident responders provide a fast response to any IT security threats, attacks, or occurrences. Incident responders use forensic tools on the job to assess what is going on and stay on top of issues as they develop. Following this they work to mitigate the damage and if possible, provide a solution to remedy the issue(s) at hand and develop strategies to efficiently handle future incidents.

Examples of responsibilities:

• Provide front-line response to IT security issues / breaches
• Work to efficiently resolve security infiltrations and safeguard / patch vulnerable areas
• Detecting intrusions, system and network heath checks, vulnerability and pen testing
• Strategising preventative measures / providing action plans based on risk assessment of existing systems, networks, applications, software, hardware, internal / external user protocols
• Managing the network during a crisis and providing immediate support to remedy data loss / destruction etc.
• Keeping up with current software / hardware / products / tools / processes for both sides: attackers and defenders
• Performing security audits, risk analysis, and network forensics with an organisation’s related teams if required – focusing on fixing the immediate cyber security issue(s) / risks to the organisation’s data and restoring a safe business environment

Average salary*: AU$95,118 source: payscale

In addition to a strong drive to work in the cyber industry and a set of technical cyber security skills in the area that interests you, there are also a number of essential interpersonal skills you must develop in order to excel and accelerate your cyber career. Presentation and leadership skills, attention to detail, agility and a solutions-focused mindset will expand your job prospects in the cyber industry. Soft skills will also help you easily navigate and work with different departments and communicate with stakeholders at all levels, whether you are working within a start-up environment or a larger enterprise.

Furthermore, when applying for jobs in cyber security and evaluating offers from different companies, more than your official title, it is important to focus on the responsibilities of the role and how you will be able to contribute your skills, experience and mindset to the business at hand. Employers want you to be in tune with the cyber security industry, expect you to be curious, ready to learn and work within a team, and want you to be determined to help them succeed. This approach will help you to define your career focus, and present as a confident, passionate and capable cyber security professional at your next interview.

*Note: average salaries and job descriptions are subject to change and have been derived from top industry sources including indeed, payscale, glassdoor, field engineer etc., to provide you with current insight at the time of this article being posted. Before applying for or accepting a specific role, it is important to conduct independent salary research to understand what you could be earning and what you could negotiate based on current job market requirements and trends.  

The Institute of Data’s cyber security program is run in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney and is designed to help IT and non-IT professionals break into the cyber security industry through practical training by cyber security experts.

To find out how we can help you set foot into one of the most thriving, challenging, and rewarding industries, click here to learn more or schedule a call here.