Synonyms: Information Security Engineer, Security Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become a Cybersecurity Engineer
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Rhett

Quick Facts

What cybersecurity engineers do:

Cybersecurity engineers protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats by developing security measures, identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, responding to security incidents, and continuously updating their knowledge and techniques to ensure strong digital defenses.

Median income:

$120,360 annually or $57.87 per hour. 

Lifestyle:

Full-time work, sometimes exceeding 40 hours per week and being on call for emergencies, with the flexibility of remote work or on-site positions, and opportunities for freelance, contract, or full-time employment.

Job outlook:

The future for cybersecurity engineers is bright, with the occupation projected to grow 32% from 2022 to 2032, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.

Education requirements:

Open to any background, including those without degrees, as long as you get certain certifications and related work experience (see “How To Become a Cybersecurity Engineer” below).

This is perfect for you if:

• You have an investigative personality and enjoy studying and researching complex problems
• You enjoy following procedures to organize information, as this role involves a lot of regulatory and systematic work
• You love designing and maintaining systems and equipment, finding fulfillment in ensuring their security and functionality
• You are a lifelong learner since technology is constantly evolving and you find great satisfaction in staying updated with the latest advancements

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Rhett Smith to learn more about being a Cybersecurity Engineer below!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Cybersecurity engineers typically work full time, often exceeding 40 hours per week, and may be on call for emergencies, especially during their busiest periods at the end of quarters and years.

Setting:

In-office, hybrid, or fully remote, depending on the company.

Tasks:

A cybersecurity engineer’s daily tasks include monitoring for security breaches, maintaining and updating security software, analyzing systems for vulnerabilities, investigating incidents, researching IT security trends, preparing reports, developing security standards, and assisting users with new security products and procedures.

Topics:

Managing IT projects, developing software applications, installing computer software, analyzing system and network security, and coordinating reporting and editing activities related to information security.

Skills:

Strong analytical skills to assess risks and enhance security protocols, effective communication skills to convey security needs to both technical and non-technical audiences, creative thinking to anticipate and counteract emerging threats, attention to detail to detect subtle changes indicating potential cyberattacks, and problem-solving abilities to address security alerts and vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.

Tools:

Splunk for analyzing security logs, antivirus and endpoint protection software to defend against malware and control data access, and Security Orchestration and Automation Response Tools to streamline incident responses by gathering and managing critical security incident data efficiently.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Strong desire for continuous learning to stay ahead of new technologies, along with dedication to absorb a broad range of knowledge including IT infrastructure, email systems, and server infrastructure. 

Interests:

Conventional, investigative, and realistic work styles, involving organizing information, conducting research, and designing or repairing systems. They often work in IT, engineering, and related fields, following procedures, solving problems, and handling physical tasks.

Personality:

Cybersecurity engineers typically exhibit conventional, investigative, and realistic personality types, having traits that are methodical and detail-oriented, analytical and curious, and practical and hands-on. These qualities enable them to follow procedures, conduct research, and design or repair systems effectively.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

Values:

Cybersecurity engineers value analytical thinking, effective communication, creativity, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills. These values help them assess risks, explain security needs, anticipate threats, detect cyberattacks, and address system flaws.

How to Become a Cybersecurity Engineer

Education requirements:

To become a cybersecurity engineer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree but some enter the field with a high school diploma and industry certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), and Certified Safety Professional (SCP). Relevant training and certifications are important, regardless of your educational background.

Preferred majors:

Aspiring cybersecurity engineers can pursue majors in computer science, IT, engineering, mathematics, or any related field to develop the necessary skills.

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

Advice from Rhett

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

When job hunting as an aspiring cybersecurity engineer, obtaining a degree and certifications is important, but also focus on developing skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, active listening, complex problem-solving, and effective communication. These abilities will help you understand technical details, evaluate solutions, and convey information.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

The fastest way to enter cybersecurity is by obtaining a cybersecurity degree, which provides essential knowledge and skills. Alternatively, starting with industry certifications can also open doors for those from nontraditional backgrounds or those without college degrees.

Recommended resources:

Plenty of free online training and resources are available, but Rhett recommends some resources for cybersecurity training:

• Threat Modeling: Designing for Security by Adam Shostak
• Turn the Ship Around by David Marquette
• Cybrary: This website offers free cybersecurity training
• LinkedIn Learning: A platform that also offers cybersecurity training

What Rhett would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:

“I would tell my younger self to read and research more and stay on top of available technology and what threat actors are doing, because I feel like early on I could have progressed a little bit more had I been more diligent in actually taking the time to do those things.”

Watch the full interview with Rhett:

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 18 June 2024.

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