What is a security engineer? Cybersecurity roles explained
How to become a cybersecurity engineer, exploring engineering job roles and salary for this cybersecurity field focused on secure systems and digital defense.
Oct 10, 2024 • 7 Minute Read
Imagine you’re tasked with building an unbreachable fortress—one that guards priceless treasures from an ever-evolving army of invaders. As a cybersecurity engineer, that’s exactly what you’ll be doing in the digital realm. Every company relies on you to design and construct the defenses that stand between their sensitive data and cybercriminals. You’ll be the architect of secure systems, constantly adapting your fortress to new threats.
If you enjoy solving puzzles, outsmarting attackers, and want to play a key role in safeguarding the digital world, becoming a cybersecurity engineer could be the perfect path. Whether you’re stepping into tech for the first time or switching careers, this guide will show you how to get started.
What is a cybersecurity engineer?
As a cybersecurity engineer, you're the strategist behind an organization's digital defenses. Instead of constructing walls and moats, you’ll design sophisticated systems that keep sensitive data safe from prying eyes. Using tools like firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection, you’ll craft solutions that withstand relentless threats. Your role is about staying ahead of the game—anticipating risks and continuously fortifying systems as new challenges emerge. It’s not just about preventing attacks; it’s about creating a resilient digital infrastructure.
Career Switcher Tip: Coming from an engineering, project management, or IT background? You’ve probably already got transferable skills. Focus on building your cybersecurity knowledge and leverage your existing strengths in areas like system architecture or problem-solving.
Which type of cybersecurity engineer job is right for you?
The field of cybersecurity engineering is vast, with various specializations to suit different strengths and interests. Here are a few key paths to help you find the role that fits your personality and career goals:
Security Architect: Design the overall security structure for an organization, developing secure infrastructure from scratch.
Systems Testing Engineer: Identify vulnerabilities in secure systems by testing defenses before attackers can exploit them. Ideal for problem solvers who enjoy testing system limits.
Software Testing Engineer: Use coding and security expertise to ensure software applications are protected from threats. A perfect role for detail-oriented developers focused on secure applications.
Network Security Engineer: Focus on securing data pipelines using technologies like firewalls and VPNs. If you enjoy working with infrastructure, this is your calling.
Cloud Security Engineer: Specialize in securing data and applications in the cloud. This role is ideal if you're comfortable with platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
Career Switcher Tip: If you have experience in software development, transitioning into a software testing engineer role may be a smooth path.. Likewise, experience in cloud systems could make cloud security engineering a good fit.
What do cybersecurity engineers do?
Cybersecurity engineers are responsible for building, testing, and maintaining systems that keep an organization’s data and networks secure. A typical day could involve:
Designing and implementing security systems, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
Performing vulnerability assessments by regularly testing systems for weaknesses.
Monitoring network traffic and responding to security incidents.
Automating security processes using tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management).
Staying updated on new cyber threats and evolving technologies..
Collaboration is key, as cybersecurity engineers work closely with IT teams, developers, and leadership to integrate security into every aspect of the company’s infrastructure.
Cybersecurity engineer salary and job outlook
Cybersecurity engineers are in demand and well-compensated. The average salary ranges from $124,000 to $202,000 per year, with senior engineers often earning more than $160,000. Salaries can rise even higher based on location and experience.
Job growth is expected to skyrocket, with a projected 35% increase in cybersecurity roles over the next decade With companies constantly under threat from cyberattacks, they need engineers who can build defenses and adapt to new challenges.
Career Switcher Tip: If you're transitioning into this field, the high demand means employers often consider candidates from diverse backgrounds, especially if you can demonstrate a strong understanding of network security or software development fundamentals.
Essential qualifications for cybersecurity engineers
A solid foundation of technical skills is essential for cybersecurity engineers:
Networking: Understanding network protocols and configurations to protect data flow.
Firewalls and Encryption: Knowledge of how to implement and manage firewalls and encryption methods to safeguard information.
Operating Systems: Proficiency in securing various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Environment Security: Familiarity with securing diverse environments such as on-premises servers, cloud platforms, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Security Tools: Experience with Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) for monitoring and responding to threats.
SIEM Tools: Proficiency in Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools for aggregating and analyzing security data.
Scripting: Knowledge of scripting languages like Python or Bash for automating security processes and conducting vulnerability assessments.
Risk Assessment: Understanding of risk assessment methodologies and incident response protocols to design effective security measures.
Soft skills are also crucial - after all, communication is key! You’ll need to translate highly technical concepts into terms that non-tech stakeholders (like company leadership) can understand. Plus, problem-solving and creative thinking are essential when designing new defenses.
Educational requirements for cybersecurity engineers
Most cybersecurity engineer roles require a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field. But that’s not the only way in. Many professionals break into this career with certifications and hands-on experience. Read on for more information on which certifications would be most beneficial.
Career Switcher Tip: You don’t need to go back to school for years. Certifications and hands-on experience through labs, competitions, and internships can be just as valuable.
Gaining experience in cybersecurity engineering and architecture
Getting your foot in the door can sometimes be the trickiest part. Here’s how to gain experience and build your portfolio:
- Internships or Junior Engineering Roles
Why It’s Helpful: Gain hands-on experience, learn best practices, and network with professionals in the field.
Where to Find Opportunities:
Job Boards: Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn Jobs.
Company Career Pages: Check major tech firms for internship programs.
University Career Centers: Utilize resources if you're a student.
- Online learning and communities
Why It’s Helpful: Pluralsight subscriptions provide hands-on learning environments to build experience. Join communities to learn from others.
Where to Find Opportunities:
Federal Initiative groups: Get involved with the Federal cybersecurity community.
Bleeping Computer Participate in discussions and discover tips and tricks.
Pluralsight Hands-On Learning: Explore interactive labs for real-world scenarios.
- Join Capture the Flag (CTF) Competitions
Why It’s Helpful: CTFs sharpen hacking skills and showcase your abilities to employers.
Where to Find Opportunities:
CTFtime: CTFtime lists upcoming competitions.
University Events: Check if your institution hosts CTFs.
Cybersecurity Conferences: Participate in CTFs at events like DEF CON and Black Hat.
Staying current with cybersecurity industry trends
Cybersecurity is always evolving, so staying up-to-date is crucial. Make it a habit to:
Attend cybersecurity conferences and webinars (like the ones noted above).
Subscribe to blogs, podcasts, and YouTube channels dedicated to cybersecurity (like "Security Weekly" or "CyberWire").
Continuously seek out new certifications and training, particularly as technologies like AI, 5G, and quantum computing change the security landscape.
Career Switcher Tip: Staying current will help you stand out in job interviews, especially if you’re coming from a different field. Discussing recent vulnerabilities or emerging threats shows your commitment to continuous learning.
Essential certifications for cybersecurity engineers
Certifications can make you stand out to employers. Some beneficial ones for cybersecurity engineers include:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Aimed at experienced professionals, this cert covers the entire spectrum of cybersecurity topics, from risk management to security architecture.
CompTIA SecurityX / CASP+: Ideal for those seeking to demonstrate advanced skills in system security, enterprise-level security architecture, and managing security risks.
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): If you want to specialize in cloud security, this certification is a great way to validate your expertise in securing cloud environments.
Career Switcher Tip: Start with a foundational certification like CompTIA Security+ or Cisco CCNA if you’re just getting started. These can quickly build up your credentials while you work your way into more advanced roles.
Building your future as a cybersecurity engineer
A career as a cybersecurity engineer is exciting, constantly evolving, and financially rewarding. You’ll be building the digital fortresses that protect organizations from attackers, and the demand for skilled engineers is only going up. Whether you’re fresh out of school, transitioning from a different tech role, or switching careers completely, there’s never been a better time to break into cybersecurity engineering.
Ready to start building your career? Check out this learning path and these courses to see how Pluralsight can get you going!
