How to Become a Cybersecurity Engineer

Information security is critical to organizations that rely on software to perform major work. Companies need network security experts who can build and maintain resilient digital systems.

If you aim to become a security engineer, you’re on a productive career path with increasing opportunities. This guide will explain the steps for becoming a cybersecurity engineer and succeeding in your career.

What is a cybersecurity engineer?

Cybersecurity engineers are professionals who design and implement security measures to protect digital assets from theft and leaks. They identify potential vulnerabilities and implement solutions to protect systems from cyber threats.

Organizations face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats like malware, ransomware, phishing, and password attacks. Hence, there’s a dire need for professionals to design and implement proper security protocols to mitigate these threats.

In cases where companies fall victim to security threats, cybersecurity engineers devise appropriate responses to minimize damage. They also frequently audit systems and networks to identify and close security loopholes.

Key responsibilities

• Designing, maintaining, and implementing security measures for an organization’s digital systems. For example, they implement encryption protocols, intrusion detection systems, password and login policies, and firewalls to avert cyber threats.
  
• Monitoring computer systems for suspicious activities and responding to any security incidents.
  
• Interacting with IT teams to ensure an organization’s security practices conform to industry standards.
  
• Constantly working with cybersecurity tools and learning about emerging technical threats and how to tackle them.

A day in the life of a cybersecurity engineer

Depending on organizational circumstances, cybersecurity professionals’ routines can be mundane or thrilling. One moment, you’re relaxing; the next, you’re responding to an urgent cybersecurity incident.

The daily life of a cybersecurity engineer typically involves

• Reviewing overnight security logs for potential threats.
  
• Attending meetings to discuss organizational cybersecurity policies and strategize about protecting digital infrastructure.
  
• Monitoring real-time network data for suspicious activities and responding to any detected threats.
  
• Conducting penetration tests against information systems to evaluate potential threats and defend against them.
  
• Collaborating with IT and compliance teams to ensure security policies are adhered to.
  
• Documenting security policies, procedures, and protocols for employees to understand easily.

Essential technical skills

Typical security engineer skills include

• Understanding networking security protocols, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), Secure Shell (SSH), and Transport Layer Security (TLS)/Secure Sockets Layer (SSL).
  
• Understanding cryptography, including encryption algorithms and secure communication protocols.
  
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, and C++.
  
• Knowledge of industry security standards and principles. These standards frequently change, so constant study and knowledge refreshment are crucial.
  
• The ability to identify, analyze, and counter cyber threats, such as social engineering, SQL injection attacks, phishing, etc.
  
• Knowing how to use Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools for detecting, analyzing, and reporting threats.

You must not be fluent in all cybersecurity aspects. What matters is knowing the right tools for the job and using them effectively. Cyber threats rapidly evolve, so security engineers always study industry trends to stay updated

How to become a cybersecurity engineer

Get a relevant education (Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, professional courses

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or related fields gives you a competitive edge in the cybersecurity industry. These degree programs teach the fundamentals of computer and network security, and this knowledge helps you identify and mitigate cyber threats effectively.

Many companies have a degree requirement for cybersecurity engineers. In lieu of this degree, you can participate in a cybersecurity bootcamp to gain the relevant education and experience. A cyber security bootcamp is a great option for professionals in other fields seeking a career change.

Cybersecurity bootcamps offer programs of varying length and depth. These programs are usually three to six months long and up to twelve months in some cases. TripleTen offers an ideal mix of time, skill development, and support to help bootcamp graduates land good cybersecurity jobs.

82% of TripleTen graduates secure a job within six months of completing their program. It provides comprehensive career support, including interview preparation, mentorship, and job search assistance, making it an ideal bootcamp for aspiring cybersecurity engineers.   

Learn key skills and technologies

Take the time to learn the required skills and technologies for a security engineer career. You should understand computer security basics and how to protect systems against cyber threats. Learn about various networking technologies, encryption algorithms, intrusion detection, and other crucial cybersecurity aspects.

Computer programming is a vital part of cybersecurity. You need to learn scripting languages like Java, C++, and Python to understand network systems and how hackers can potentially exploit them. This knowledge empowers you to create effective cyber defense strategies.

Obtain professional certifications

Certifications are highly respected in the cybersecurity industry. Though voluntary, they boost your credibility with employers and teach you the latest network security techniques. 

Earning a certificate requires significant study and passing a final exam. Some standard certifications that give you a competitive edge include

• CompTIA Security+ for entry-level cybersecurity engineers.
  
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) for advanced engineers.
  
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
  
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

Gain practical experience (Internships, freelancing, and open-source projects

Gaining some practical experience opens more doors towards a successful cybersecurity career. Before getting a full-time job, you can work as a cybersecurity intern to gain relevant experience. You can work as a freelancer or contribute to open-source cybersecurity projects.

Employers often look for practical experience, even for junior cybersecurity engineers. Internships, freelancing, and open-source projects are the most straightforward ways to gain practical knowledge and fulfill these requirements.

Build your resume and start job hunting

With the above requirements fulfilled, you can create a resume listing all your educational qualifications, certifications, skills, and practical experience. Before submitting your resume, read the job description and tailor your resume to fit the requirements.

Many employers use automated systems to filter resumes initially, so include keywords from the job description in your resume to increase your chances of clearing this hurdle.

Cybersecurity engineer career path

Cybersecurity engineers follow a typical career path. They begin as junior engineers and progress towards the mid-level and senior-level. Engineers who stay long enough and continually boost their skills can become team leaders and executives.

Entry-level (Junior)

Junior cybersecurity specialists monitor security systems to identify threats. They’re also responsible for day-to-day network administration, updates, and maintenance of security systems. Likewise, junior engineers can be professional penetration testers simulating attacks on organizational systems to identify vulnerabilities.

A junior cybersecurity specialist does the grunt work of cybersecurity engineering. Their activities are usually routine, with some occasional bursts of excitement.

Mid-level

Mid-level engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization’s security systems. They provide expert guidance on protecting an organization’s digital assets, analyze cyber threats to understand their behavior, and create countermeasures against these threats. 

It usually takes 4 to 6 years of experience to become a mid-level network security engineer. However, some exceptional engineers reach this level within 2 to 4 years.

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Senior-level (Senior, team lead)

The senior level is the crest of the security engineer roadmap. Senior-level engineers focus on the broader security picture of an organization. They implement an organization’s security system and ensure compliance with policies and industry standards. They manage teams and oversee an organization’s cybersecurity apparatus.

Senior cybersecurity engineers are responsible for designing and implementing safety strategies for their organization. This level requires excellent performance, as any mishap can cause major organizational consequences.

Alternative career paths in cybersecurity

Becoming an engineer isn’t the only career path available in cybersecurity. Other alternative roles include

• Penetration testing. This field specializes in simulating attacks on an organization’s network to identify and avert vulnerabilities.
  
• Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst. An SOC analyst monitors, analyzes, and responds to organizational security issues. Their job centers on examining the entire organization’s system to identify and counter threats.
  
• Security consultant. This role entails advising organizations on security policies and recommending solutions against cyber threats. Security consultants can work with multiple organizations simultaneously.

Cybersecurity engineer vs. Security analyst: What’s the difference?

Cybersecurity engineers focus on designing and implementing an organization’s security architecture, while analysts focus on monitoring an organization’s networks to detect and counter breaches.

Engineers build the cybersecurity infrastructure, while analysts monitor the infrastructure for threats. They both play key roles in delivering and maintaining secure systems for an organization.

A cybersecurity engineer needs top-notch technical skills, including programming. An analyst relies more on inquisitive and problem-solving skills, effective communication, and knowing how to use everyday security tools.

How much do cybersecurity engineers earn?

Your salary as a cybersecurity engineer depends on various factors, including location, certifications, specialization, and organization. Salaries differ significantly between countries or even cities within the same country. Yet, cybersecurity is generally a financially rewarding career with a growing number of jobs. 

Average salaries by country and region

he United States (U.K.), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (U.K.) are the major cybersecurity markets with the highest average salaries. These countries have booming cybersecurity industries and a huge demand for skilled experts.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a cybersecurity engineer in the U.S. is roughly $118,000. Switzerland has an average salary of 120,000 CHF ($136,000), and the U.K. has an average pay of £46,000 ($60,000).

Many countries across Europe and North America also offer good salaries for cybersecurity engineers. Likewise, Asia and South America have booming cybersecurity markets, although the pay isn’t as high as in Europe and North America.

Factors affecting salary

• Experience. The longer you’ve worked in the cybersecurity field, the more companies are willing to pay for your expertise.
  
• Certifications. You can increase your salary by getting relevant cybersecurity certifications. For instance, entry-level engineers with the CompTIA Security+ certification are more likely to get higher pay.
  
• Specialization. Some cybersecurity specializations pay more than others. For example, cloud security engineers are in huge demand and command greater pay, as more companies move their infrastructure to the cloud and require experts to protect it from cyber attacks.
  
• Place of work. Some companies usually pay more than others for cybersecurity engineers. For example, cybersecurity engineers at core technology companies command higher pay than engineers at companies where technology is mainly a cost center instead of a profit center.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main challenges faced by cybersecurity engineers?

The main challenges network security engineers face include the rapid evolution of cyber threats that make it hard to keep up, the increasing complexity of digital systems, and the constant need to stay one step ahead of malicious attackers. 

However, these challenges can be mitigated by continuous study and practice. A successful cybersecurity career requires constantly keeping up with trends and learning how to counter new attack vectors.

What programming languages should a cybersecurity engineer know?

A cybersecurity engineer should understand scripting languages like Python, C++, JavaScript, and SQL. These scripting languages enable cybersecurity engineers to automate mundane network monitoring tasks, freeing time to focus on more challenging issues.

Can I move into cybersecurity if I have worked in another IT field?

Yes, you can move into cybersecurity if you’ve worked in another information technology field. However, it’ll require certifications to gain relevant knowledge and, in some cases, completing a bootcamp program to gain in-depth knowledge

Are cybersecurity certifications recognized internationally?

Yes, certifications from cybersecurity engineering schools and professional organizations are recognized worldwide. For example, the CompTIA Security+ certificate is globally recognized for entry-level information security engineers.

Can cybersecurity engineers work remotely?

Yes, cybersecurity engineers often work remotely, as their main tasks can be performed digitally. You can monitor networks, analyze threats, and collaborate with team members to implement security measures without being physically present at an office.

Is a career in cybersecurity stable in the long term?

Yes, cybersecurity is a booming industry, propelled by the rapid adoption of cloud technology worldwide. There’s a dire need for experts to protect online systems, so cybersecurity is a stable long-term career for people who are ready to keep up with rapidly changing trends.

What is the difference between ethical hacking and penetration testing?

Penetration testing is a specific method of identifying security vulnerabilities within an organization’s network. In contrast, ethical hacking is a broader field that involves authorized attempts to break into an organization’s network and identify potential exploits before malicious actors do.

What is two-factor authentication and why is it important?

Two-factor authentication is a system that requires two identification methods before granting access to a user’s account. The first method is the correct credentials (username and password); the second is a unique PIN sent to an email address, phone number, or authentication app.Two-factor authentication is a trivial yet critical method for network security engineers to prevent organizational account compromise. It prevents malicious actors from accessing a user’s account with stolen credentials. According to tech giant Microsoft, enabling two-factor authentication counters 99.9% of account compromise attacks.

What laws and regulations govern cybersecurity in different countries?

Cybersecurity regulations vary by country, ranging from the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act to the U.S. Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act.

Though they vary in implementation, these laws have a common theme of mandating high security standards for user data, criminalizing cyberattacks, and requiring organizations to report sensitive data breaches within a specific time frame.

What steps should be taken to protect personal data online?

Enabling two-factor authentication is the first step in protecting your personal data online. Other steps include using strong passwords, training employees to be cautious of phishing techniques, installing antivirus software, and using a virtual private network (VPN) when browsing with public WiFi networks.