Jun 17, 2025

Explore how to get into cybersecurity, from skills and certifications to salaries and career paths. Start your journey in this in-demand field.

Cybercrime has posed a significant threat to businesses and governments worldwide for several decades — and all signs point to things getting worse before they get better. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, cybercrime losses from email scams cost $2.7 billion in 2022. Ransomware groups are developing new ways to target everything imaginable, including utility infrastructures, proprietary information, and high net-worth individuals. Between 2020 and 2022, ransomware attacks increased in the U.S. by 47 percent.  

This ongoing (and indeed, increasing) threat of global cybercrime means that cyber security professionals have never been more in demand. Many of these jobs offer competitive salaries, flexible hours, and high job security.  An information security analyst, for example, earned an annual median salary of $124,910 in 2024 — with less than five years of experience.  Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 33 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.  

If you love technology, thinking creatively, and proactive problem-solving, a career in cyber security might be a natural fit. There are a few pathways to get into cyber security, and not all are seen as equally desirable within the cyber security field.  

A well-rounded cyber security job applicant will be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of current industry best practices and competency with new technologies that professional hackers are leaning into, like machine learning and artificial intelligence. As the U.S. Department of Labor points out, risk analysis and security auditing skills are seen as increasingly important as cyber security employers look to shift to a more proactive approach.  

Let’s go over the basics of breaking into the cyber security field, career pathways and salary expectations, and what to do next if you’re interested in this exciting and rapidly evolving industry.  

What is Cyber Security? 

Cyber security refers to the practices that protect digital assets and information against various threats. Cyber security professionals play a crucial role in safeguarding networks, data, systems and the people who use and are served by them from a range of cyber threats. The efforts of cyber security professionals keep millions of people safe from data breaches, identity theft, asset loss, and exploitation every year.  

Job responsibilities for the cyber security professional can vary according to their experience and role. Some of the more common day-to-day responsibilities may include:   

• Monitor for and investigate breaches of network and data security  
• Maintain update and patch systems, applications and security tools like firewalls to preserve confidentiality and integrity of systems  
• Conduct penetration testing, also known as a subset of ethical hacking, to identify potential weaknesses in applications and systems 
• Research, diagnose, and report on network vulnerabilities to organizational leaders and other stakeholders 
• Educate and raise awareness of end users on security best practices and tools for digital safety 
• Review and verify the security and integrity of networks and information systems 
• Engineer, implement, and support secure networks and information systems  

How to Get Started in Cyber Security

Steps to get into cyber security can vary from person to person. The field offers a wide range of entry points, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its applicants. There are cyber security professionals who are self-educated. Some come from military backgrounds, where they may have gained their initial education and experience in the field. Plenty of cyber security professionals come to the profession later in life or from careers that have nothing to do with technology.   Some specific steps for successfully beginning a career in cyber security could include:  

1.  Build a foundation of necessary, in-demand skills. 
   

   
   Anyone who wants to get into cyber security can start working on their coding, configuring network equipment, learning their way around cloud security platforms, becoming familiar with different computer operating systems, and figuring out the basics of systems administration. These basics of IT can be learned through a bachelor’s degree program or through focused and intentional study on your own. If you’re an undergrad who knows they want to go into cyber security, a Bachelor of Science in cyber security or computer science is a great option that can open a door to broader and deeper expertise. Other degrees, such as mathematics and engineering, can also be relevant. 
   
   

2.  Consider your specialization.

   
   While some roles are broad, many professionals thrive by specializing, aligning their interests with crucial industry needs. 
   
   Hunt Cybercriminals? Dive into Digital Forensics & Incident Response. You'll investigate breaches, analyze attacks, and gather intelligence to bring offenders to justice. 
   
   Protect Accounts & Assets? Explore Identity & Access Management to prevent account compromise or pursue roles in Fraud Prevention and Financial Security to stop credit card theft and related financial crimes. 
   
   Whether you're drawn to tech giants, innovative startups, or vital government agencies, the opportunities are vast. With dozens of specialties – from Cloud Security to Ethical Hacking and Threat Intelligence – explore what truly excites you and define your impactful career in this dynamic field.
   
   

3.  Pursue a master’s degree and industry certifications.

   
   Any quality employer will want proof of your abilities before offering you a job. A Master of Science (MS) in Cybersecurity assures potential employers that you have training in the specific technical skills that cyber security professionals need to stay relevant in this rapidly evolving field. 
   
   A master’s degree will also help you develop soft skills employers are looking for, such as communication, flexibility, presentation experience, and the ability to work well with a team. 
   
   In addition to a master’s degree, many certifications can boost your credibility as a job candidate. Job seekers with a master’s in cyber security will be well-prepared to pass these certification exams.   
   
   Some well-known and industry-respected certifications for cyber security professionals include:
   
   • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
   • AWS Security Specialist
   • Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

4. Update your resume and your digital footprint.

   
   Once you’ve got a strong IT foundation, surveyed and considered your specialization, and earned a high-level degree and/or industry-recognized certification, you’ll need to update all relevant information about yourself on your resume and any online profiles you maintain. Review your entire online presence carefully and ensure it reflects your professionalism, work ethic, critical thinking skills, and interest in cyber security.   
   
   

5. Apply for cyber security jobs. 

   
   Entry-level cyber security jobs may include network auditors, cyber security technicians, junior auditors, and network testers. These jobs typically require an associate degree at the very least but will prioritize candidates who have advanced education, certifications, and work experience. Job applicants who have a network of other IT professionals or recommendations from faculty may also be given priority.  

The Cyber Security Career Path

The field of cyber security offers a wide array of career paths, enabling professionals to progress through a range of roles and responsibilities. These encompass positions such as security analysts, engineers and consultants, as well as architects, auditors and managerial roles.

Examples of cyber security career paths include:

• Cyber Security Director of Operations, a leader who oversees several teams of cyber security professionals  
• Chief Information Security Officer, a leader who oversees a team of other Information Security Officers and Analysts  
• Incident Responder, who may eventually become an Incident Response Manager  
• Security Engineer, who could later be promoted to a Security Architect 
• Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker), who could become a Senior Penetration Tester

The Bottom Line  

 Earn your M.S. in Cybersecurity