How to Become a Cybersecurity Manager

Key takeaways

A cybersecurity manager ensures the information security team performs their duties, including detecting and responding to cyber threats.

• The cybersecurity market is on track to reach $663.2 billion by 2033, and this rapid expansion can create numerous job opportunities [1].

• Cybersecurity manager roles require project management, programming, and problem-solving skills.

• You can become a cybersecurity manager by completing your degree and earning cybersecurity certifications.

Learn more about the role of a cybersecurity manager and the skills, qualifications, and experience needed to bridge the skills gap and embark on this rewarding career. Afterward, consider enrolling in the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate. In as little as six months, you’ll have the opportunity to understand the cybersecurity landscape and learn core concepts foundational to security, compliance, and identity solutions. Upon completion, add this shareable credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

What does a cybersecurity manager do: Cybersecurity manager job description

A cybersecurity manager, also known as an information security manager, oversees the operational side of threat detection, ensuring an organization's infrastructure, including computer systems, networks, and data, remains secure against cyberattacks, malware, and intrusions.

A cybersecurity manager typically serves at a high level. In this role, you will likely lead a team of other IT professionals, including cybersecurity analysts and administrators. You and your team may be responsible for managing risk and security operations within your organization, which includes developing strategies, mitigating threats, and ensuring the safety of sensitive data, such as financial assets and customer information. 

Cybersecurity manager duties and responsibilities

The responsibilities of a cybersecurity manager typically include security strategy and implementation, threat management and monitoring, compliance, and team and organizational management. Your exact duties can vary from company to company. However, you can often expect the following tasks:

• Designing and implementing security strategies

• Establishing security protocols

• Ensuring compliance with policies, rules, and regulations 

• Identifying threats and responding accordingly

• Updating cybersecurity systems and firewalls

• Conducting security audits and monitoring performance

• Keeping abreast of cyber trends and security threats

• Researching and sourcing appropriate cybersecurity tools and software

• Managing a team and monitoring their performance

• Training staff outside of the cybersecurity department on the importance of cybersecurity 

Cybersecurity manager salary and job outlook

The cybersecurity market is a billion-dollar sector projected to grow to $663.2 billion by 2033 [1]. This growth can bring numerous job opportunities. Cybersecurity professionals can expect job growth of 29 percent, significantly higher than average [2]. Additionally, the job outlook for computer and information systems managers, who help establish cybersecurity processes, is 15 percent, which is also higher than average [3].

Cybersecurity professionals earn competitive salaries. As a cybersecurity manager, you can expect a median total salary of $183,000, which includes additional pay like profit-sharing, bonuses, and commissions [4]. Given that companies are experiencing a skills gap, qualified candidates can be in high demand, and some companies are willing to pay very high salaries. According to Glassdoor, top-paying companies such as Google offer salaries starting around $332,000 [4].

How to become a cybersecurity manager

To excel as a manager in the cybersecurity field, you can build a blend of skills, experience, and education. Additionally, if you’re seeking a position as a cybersecurity manager, previous management experience can help you stand out among the candidates.

Cybersecurity constantly evolves as technology advances and cybercriminals find new and increasingly sophisticated methods. This dynamic nature, combined with the relatively new status of the career path, offers multiple entry points rather than a single, defined route. This creates more flexibility when it comes to building your skills and experience.

Step 1: Get an education.

Education is essential in the cybersecurity field. While a degree is only sometimes mandatory, employers may prefer candidates with one, especially for management positions. A great option is a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or a related field. You might also consider pursuing a master’s degree in a specialized area. To obtain a management position, you might consider further study in a master’s program focused on cybersecurity management.

Although degree pathways are many people's choice, 62 percent of people have a bachelor's degree, and another 19 percent have a master's degree; you can pursue non-degree options to advance your career [5]. You can also enter cybersecurity with options like bootcamps, certifications, experience, and online courses and programs.

Step 2: Get certified.

Certifications are highly valued in cybersecurity because they demonstrate your specialized skill set in specific areas of security or relevant technologies. Some employers may require specific certifications as part of the role requirements based on the security systems and software the company uses. Certifications also serve as an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise, whether you have a degree or are transitioning from another field.

You may want to consider the following cybersecurity certifications:

• Information Systems Security Management Professional (CISSP-ISSMP)

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

• GIAC Security Leadership (GSLC)

Step 3: Gain experience.

Experience is crucial for a career in cybersecurity management, with many employers looking for someone with two to five years of experience in related roles. You will likely need to demonstrate strong IT skills, including those necessary to oversee cybersecurity operations, policies, protocols, and projects, along with leadership and management experience.

To secure a cybersecurity role that can provide you with the experience necessary to transition to a management position, start with an internship, an entry-level IT position, or an entry-level role in cybersecurity. Consider positions such as analyst, IT security specialist, or IT auditor.

You can also enhance your knowledge and experience by attending conferences, participating in workshops, and volunteering.

Step 4: Continue your professional development.

Staying current with cybersecurity technology, regulations, and industry trends is vital in this ever-evolving field. Join professional organizations, stay informed through news sources, and network with other cybersecurity professionals while pursuing additional courses and certifications. 

What is the role of a cybersecurity manager?

A cybersecurity manager’s role is typically to keep track of the performance of a cybersecurity team at a company. Their primary duties are to ensure that their employees are doing their jobs of protecting systems from cyber threats, and that if problems do occur, they troubleshoot in a way that complies with the company’s cybersecurity guidelines.

Essential cybersecurity manager skills

Employers seek cybersecurity managers with technical and leadership skills to effectively manage teams, develop and implement strategies, and communicate clearly. The cybersecurity industry faces a skills gap, with more positions available than qualified professionals. The global cybersecurity workforce experienced a shortfall of 4.8 million workers in 2024 [6]. Consequently, employers prioritize candidates with the correct skill set, sometimes placing greater emphasis on skills than formal education. 

Read more: How to Improve Programming Skills

Technical skills:

• Network security

• Risk assessment 

• Project management

• Penetration testing

• Encryption

• Antivirus software 

• Linux

• Programming

• Firewall installation

Workplace skills:

• Communication 

• Teamwork

• Problem-solving

• Organization

• Leadership

Who hires cybersecurity managers?

Cybersecurity is critical for businesses and organizations of all sizes, and the cybersecurity market, as a whole, continues experiencing marked expansion, growing at an anticipated rate of 11.9 percent CAGR through 2033 [1]. That growth is fueled by the ever-increasing cost of breaches and the ongoing disruption that known and emerging threats can cause.

As technology evolves and AI advances, cybersecurity threats become increasingly sophisticated. Consequently, businesses require professionals with the skills to combat those threats and those adept at adopting a data-driven approach. Companies are now keen to hire cybersecurity managers who can shift the focus from security to resilience. With security systems generally in place, the emphasis has shifted to ensuring that these systems are resilient and aligned with business needs.

You can find opportunities for cybersecurity manager positions across various industries and in both the private and public sectors. Industries that employ cybersecurity managers include:

• Government departments

• Health care

• IT and technology

• Nonprofit organizations

• Business

Cybersecurity manager career advancement 

Cybersecurity is a growing field with ample opportunities for development and career paths, including advancement to positions at the director level or higher, or more lateral moves to consulting or instructor-based positions. As a cybersecurity manager, you are already in a senior role and can progress into various technical and non-technical positions once you build your experience. Cybersecurity skills are highly sought, allowing you to move across the industry and choose your specialization.

Continuing to learn is essential, as the cybersecurity landscape constantly evolves, and staying up-to-date is crucial. Examples of potential roles and their corresponding median total salaries include:

• Cybersecurity project manager: $163,000 [7]

• Cybersecurity director: $267,000 [8]

• Cybersecurity instructor: $147,000 [9] 

• Chief security officer: $276,000 [10]

*All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of June 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

No-fluff help for when you’re stuck

Subscribe to our weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, for industry updates, tips, and trends. Then, explore free cybersecurity resources to optimize your professional growth:

• Watch on YouTube: Human + AI: The Future of Cybersecurity

• Find a course: Cybersecurity Career Quiz: Is It Right for You? Find Your Role

• Bookmark this tab: Cybersecurity Glossary: Essential Terms and Definitions

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