Increased Demand For Cybersecurity Engineers

At Accumentum, we recognize the critical importance of cybersecurity engineers in defending sensitive information and securing systems against evolving cyber threats. As technology advances and cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, the need for skilled professionals in this field continues to expand. Pursuing a career as a cybersecurity engineer offers a unique opportunity to blend technical knowledge with problem-solving abilities to build and maintain robust security systems.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to becoming a cybersecurity engineer, highlight the key skills you’ll need, and provide insights on how to launch your career in this fast-paced and ever-growing industry.

Cybersecurity engineering is a multifaceted profession focused on developing and managing the hardware, software, and policies necessary to safeguard computers, networks, and sensitive data. Cybersecurity engineers leverage expertise in both electrical engineering and computer science to navigate and secure the digital landscape. For individuals seeking to enhance their skills and credentials, enrolling in online cybersecurity courses with certifications can be a valuable step toward career advancement.

Cybersecurity engineers are responsible for designing and implementing secure network solutions to protect against hackers, cyberattacks, and other ongoing threats. In addition to system development, they continuously test and monitor defenses to ensure systems remain updated and effective.

Depending on the organization, this role may be referred to by different titles such as data security engineer, IT security engineer, or web security engineer. In smaller companies, the responsibilities of a cybersecurity engineer are often integrated into broader IT roles, reflecting the organization’s resource limitations and need for versatile IT professionals.

We recognize the critical and diverse responsibilities that come with the role of a cybersecurity engineer. These professionals play a key part in protecting an organization’s digital infrastructure and ensuring the safety of its data and networks.

Key responsibilities of a cybersecurity engineer include:

• Assessing the organization’s security needs and establishing best practices and standards to align with them.
• Designing, implementing, maintaining, and upgrading security measures to safeguard data, systems, and networks.
• Responding to and managing security breaches across networks and associated systems.
• Troubleshooting network and security issues as they arise.
• Performing regular penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities.
• Applying proactive security measures to ensure the integrity of the organization’s infrastructure and data.
• Conducting system scans and tests to detect weaknesses in networks and systems.
• Participating actively in the change management process to ensure security remains a priority during system updates.
• Assisting in investigations following any security incidents or breaches.
• Managing routine administrative tasks such as generating reports and maintaining clear communication with relevant departments.

While the responsibilities of cybersecurity engineers and security analysts may overlap, there are distinct differences. Cybersecurity engineers focus on designing and building secure systems, whereas security analysts primarily test and attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in those systems. However, many cybersecurity engineers perform both roles by stress-testing the systems they develop, leading to hybrid positions like Security Engineer/Analyst in job postings.

Before diving into the steps to become a cybersecurity engineer, let’s explore the qualifications necessary to thrive in this role.

Becoming a successful cybersecurity engineer requires a combination of education, hands-on experience, and technical expertise. While specific qualifications may vary by organization, the following are commonly expected:

Educational Background: A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.

Professional Experience: At least two years of experience performing cybersecurity tasks such as incident detection, response, and forensic analysis.

Technical Knowledge: Practical experience with firewalls, including their operation, maintenance, and the implementation of endpoint security solutions.

Programming Proficiency: Familiarity with programming languages and tools like C++, Java, Node.js, Python, Ruby, Go, or PowerShell.

Adaptability: The ability to perform effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.

Attention to Detail: Strong analytical skills and a problem-solving mindset to identify and address security vulnerabilities.

Industry Awareness: A commitment to staying informed about emerging cybersecurity threats, technologies, and hacker methodologies.

It’s important to note that different employers may emphasize certain qualifications more heavily or require additional skills depending on the specific needs of their organization.

Cybersecurity engineering is not only a rewarding career in terms of impact but also offers competitive compensation across the globe. According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a cybersecurity engineer in the United States is approximately $101,000. Entry-level engineers typically earn around $71,000 per year, while senior professionals can command salaries averaging $145,000.

Internationally, the compensation varies:

• In India, cybersecurity engineers earn an average of ₹600,000 per year.
• In Australia, the average salary stands at A$95,000 annually.
• In the United Kingdom, cybersecurity engineers can expect to earn around £47,048 per year.

Salaries are influenced by factors such as regional demand, industry needs, and individual experience levels. Regardless of the location, pursuing a career in cybersecurity engineering offers substantial earning potential.

Before diving into the steps required to become a cybersecurity engineer, let’s first explore the current demand for this critical role.

At Accumentum, we understand the growing urgency for cybersecurity professionals as the global cost of cybercrime is projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025—up significantly from $3 trillion in 2015. This sharp increase highlights the escalating financial impact of cyber threats over the past decade.

The demand for cybersecurity engineers continues to surge, driven by the rising complexity and frequency of attacks targeting industries worldwide. This trend underscores the essential role cybersecurity experts play in protecting sensitive data and critical infrastructure.

Despite this demand, a considerable talent shortage remains. As of June 2023, approximately 663,434 cybersecurity job openings existed in the United States alone, signaling an urgent need for qualified professionals to fill these roles.

Organizations are actively seeking cybersecurity engineers to design and implement security frameworks, conduct risk assessments, and respond to incidents—making this profession indispensable in the digital age.

While many companies are recruiting cybersecurity talent, several industry leaders stand out:

Amazon Web Services
BAE Systems
Check Point Software
Cisco
CyberArk Software
FireEye
IBM
Lockheed Martin
Microsoft
Symantec

Now that you have an overview of what cybersecurity engineers do, their earning potential, and the strong demand for this career, you may be wondering how to embark on this path. Let’s explore the steps to becoming a cybersecurity engineer and shaping a successful career in this vital field.

The path to becoming a cybersecurity engineer varies based on factors like education, experience, and certifications. For individuals with relevant IT experience, transitioning into an entry-level cybersecurity engineering role typically takes between two to four years. Those already working in IT can expedite this process by earning industry-recognized certifications, providing a fast track into the field.

A bachelor’s degree in a cybersecurity-related discipline, such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Software Engineering, is often essential. While practical skills alone once sufficed, growing competition has led many organizations to prioritize candidates with formal education.

For professionals with degrees in other fields, pursuing a master’s degree in cybersecurity or a closely related area can open doors to more advanced roles, such as Senior Cybersecurity Engineer. Additionally, obtaining relevant certifications can significantly enhance career prospects, offering a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving industry.

Here’s a curated list of valuable cybersecurity books to help beginners build foundational knowledge and advance their skills. These resources cover a range of topics from ethical hacking to malware analysis, and they’re available for purchase on Amazon:

Cybersecurity for Beginners – Ideal for non-technical readers, this book simplifies complex cybersecurity terms and concepts, making them easy to understand without unnecessary jargon.

Hacking: A Beginner’s Guide – This book serves as an entry point to the world of hacking. It explains the basics, including hacking types, methods, and the tools used by hackers.

AWS Penetration Testing – Focused on AWS security, this book explores penetration testing concepts such as vulnerability assessments, encryption, and workload protection in cloud environments.

Cybersecurity for Dummies – Part of the well-known “Dummies” series, this book introduces the fundamentals of cybersecurity, covering common threats and ethical hacking principles in a beginner-friendly format.

Practical Malware Analysis – A must-read for anyone interested in malware. This guide walks you through the process of analyzing, debugging, and mitigating malicious applications.

Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible – Kali Linux is one of the most powerful tools for penetration testing. This book introduces you to the over 600 tools included in Kali and guides you through their applications in real-world scenarios.

Practical Paranoia macOS 11 Security Essentials – Tailored for Mac users, this book is a comprehensive manual for securing macOS systems, whether at home or in the workplace.

These books provide practical insights and hands-on knowledge, making them excellent companions for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

A strong foundation to becoming a Cybersecurity engineer begins with earning a bachelor’s degree in a cybersecurity-related field, followed by gaining practical work experience in the industry. The final step is obtaining industry-recognized certifications, which not only enhance your skills and knowledge but also validate your expertise for prospective employers. Accumentum offers a range of cybersecurity certifications designed to help you advance in your career:

CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) – A foundational certification that covers essential cybersecurity skills, including threat analysis, risk management, and incident response.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) – A globally recognized credential that focuses on auditing, control, and assurance. It is perfect for those interested in information systems governance.

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) – Designed for management-focused individuals, this certification focuses on information security governance, risk management, and incident response.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – This certification equips you with the skills needed to think and act like a hacker, preparing you to identify and patch system vulnerabilities.

Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) – This certification validates an individual’s expertise in leading and managing an organization’s information security program, aligning security initiatives with business goals and risk management strategies.

While there are many cybersecurity certifications available, this list highlights some of the most sought-after credentials. By pursuing these certifications through Accumentum, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a highly qualified cybersecurity engineer.

We recognize that the path to becoming a cybersecurity engineer is both challenging and rewarding, requiring a combination of technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and a forward-thinking mindset to stay ahead of emerging threats. As businesses place greater emphasis on securing their digital assets, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, creating exciting and well-compensated career opportunities in this evolving industry.

Take the next step in advancing your career with Accumentum’s Cybersecurity Career Pathways program. Developed by industry leaders, this program delivers the latest skills in threat detection, risk management, and secure system architecture. Schedule a discussion with one of our Career Advisors today to expand your knowledge and position yourself as a key player in the cybersecurity landscape.

Accumentum® is the leading training provider for a vast array of technology vendors including AWS, Cisco, CIW, CompTIA, EC-Council, Fortinet, GIAC, HRCI, ISACA, ITIL, Microsoft, Palo Alto, PMI, Scrum, SHRM, Veritas, VMWare, and more.