9 Cybersecurity Jobs In Demand Now

In today’s world, many people rely on technological devices and the internet, whether for business or pleasure. It’s not surprising that cybersecurity is a growing field. The Data Security Council of India (DSCI), an association of the cybersecurity ecosystem players, estimates that India will require 64,000 cybersecurity professionals [1]. The DSCI expects the demand for cybersecurity products and services to grow exponentially from 1.10 lakh in 2019 to 10 lakh employees by 2025.

Working in the cybersecurity field also gives you a chance to work in a fast-paced environment where you continually learn and grow. Cybersecurity might be worth considering if you’re already in the world of information technology (IT) or looking to make a career switch.

This article will look at some of the many roles available to cybersecurity professionals. 

*All salary data represents average annual salaries in India, according to Glassdoor (March 2023).

Cybersecurity jobs 

Many cybersecurity professionals enter this niche area after having work experience in the IT environment. Once you have a relevant IT background, you could begin your cybersecurity job with one of these roles.

1. Cybersecurity analyst

Average annual salary: ₹5,10,203

Related job titles: Cyber analyst, IT security analyst

Cybersecurity analysts protect their organisations from cyberattacks and unauthorised access.  In this role, you will likely be expected to:

• Monitor networks for security breaches.

• Investigate, document, and report security breaches.

• Research IT security trends.

• Help computer users with security products and procedures.

• Develop strategies to help secure the organisation.

Common certifications: (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (ISC2 CISSP), CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+ 

2. Security tester

Average annual salary: ₹7,24,297

Related job titles: Application security tester, Information security tester

As a security tester, you work to keep an organisation a step ahead of threats. Your responsibilities might include:

• Designing and implementing IT security systems to protect the organisation's computer networks from cyber attacks. 

• Monitoring computer networks for security issues

• Installing security software 

• Documenting all security issues or breaches you find

Common certifications: (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (ISC2 CISSP), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

3. Network security engineer 

Average annual salary: ₹6,13,536

Related job titles: Systems engineer, network administrator

Network security engineers design, install, and monitor the layers of cybersecurity at an organisation. You’ll likely need to know about: 

• Configuring and administering network and security-related hardware and software 

• Preventing unauthorised access from outside sources 

• Preparing for security threats and taking action to cut risk

• Stress testing networks

• Troubleshooting technology

• Documenting IT infrastructure

Common certifications: (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (ISC2 CISSP)

4. IT auditor

Average annual salary: ₹ 8,65,043 

Related job titles: Internal IT auditor, security auditor

IT auditors evaluate and assess the IT infrastructure for potential security, efficiency, and compliance issues. Some of your regular tasks might include:

• Creating plans to audit infrastructure

• Performing and documenting audits

• Reporting and presenting audit findings with recommendations for ways to cut risk

• Developing and installing security fixes

• Seeking out opportunities for better efficiency

Common certifications: (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (ISC2 CISSP), ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

5. Cybersecurity consultant

Average annual salary: ₹ 8,57,482

Related job titles: Information security consultant, network security consultant, computer security consultant, and database security consultant

Instead of working for just one company, as a consultant, you can work with several different clients. Your work may be more short-term and project-oriented. You may be hired to:

• Measure, design, and implement security systems.

• Develop security procedures for the organisation.

• Collaborate with in-house security teams to respond to unwanted intrusions.

• Carry out information security compliance assessments and audits.

Common certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Security+

6. Information security specialist

Average annual salary: ₹11L

Related job titles: cybersecurity specialist, information security specialist

As an information security specialist, you’ll serve as your company’s go-to person for security. You’ll also: 

• Ensure data remains secure against unauthorised access and cyber attack.

• Test and maintain firewalls and antivirus software.

• Develop and lead security training.

• Research new security risks.

• Suggest improvements for security weaknesses.

Common certifications: (ISC)² Certified Information Systems Security Professional (ISC2 CISSP), CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

7. Cybersecurity manager

Average annual salary: ₹22L

Related job titles: Cybersecurity officer

Security managers oversee the prevention of cyber theft for a business. You might: 

• Implement security standards 

• Manage a budget for cybersecurity operations 

• Hire cybersecurity staff

• Communicate with clients about security operations

• Prepare the organisation for audits and compliance reporting

Common certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Security+

8. Chief information security officer (CISO)

Average annual salary: ₹19L

Related job titles: chief security officer, chief security architect

In this job you’re in charge of information security for the organisation. You’re typically responsible for protecting the IT infrastructure but also making sure that employees understand their role in keeping your business compliant and secure. You can expect to play a role in:

• Evaluating protocols and developing security and privacy protections

• Establishing and maintaining relationships with external IT providers and services

• Budgeting for IT needs and tracking return on investment

• Auditing organisational technology for vulnerabilities and ensuring ongoing compliance

• Devising and documenting business continuity and disaster recovery plans

• Liaising with leadership on business resilience and the organisation’s cyber and technology posture

Common certifications: Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager (CRCM)

9. Ethical hacker

Average annual salary:  ₹51,251

Related job titles: white hat hacker, ethical hacker, vulnerability assessor

Ethical hackers have permission to find weaknesses before the malicious actor can do so. Responsibilities can include:

• Planning, designing, and carrying out penetration tests

• Creating reports on test results and offering recommendations to security decision-makers

• Developing scripts to automate parts of the testing process

• Conducting social engineering exercises (attempting to get company employees to disclose confidential information)

• Providing technical support during incident handling

Common certifications: CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Network+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

How to get a job in cybersecurity

While requirements for cybersecurity jobs vary widely from company to company, you might notice some common trends. Let’s take a closer look at some of the requirements and how you can meet them to get your first cybersecurity job. 

Educational requirements

Many jobs in security list a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field as a requirement. While degrees are common amongst professionals in the cybersecurity industry, they’re not always required. An (ISC)² survey of 1,024 cybersecurity professionals found that more than half felt that an education in cybersecurity is “nice to have” but not “critical.” About 20 percent of those surveyed with less than three years of experience had an associate or technical degree [2]. 

Having a bachelor’s or master’s degree can often create more job opportunities, make you a more competitive candidate in the cybersecurity job market, or help you advance in your career. 

In-demand cybersecurity skills

Having the right skills can go a long way toward securing a job. To start, you may want to develop skills in:

• Cloud security

• Programming (especially scripting) languages

• Encryption

• Risk assessment

• Intrusion detection

• Problem-solving

• Analytical thinking

Get started in cybersecurity

Start building job-ready skills in cybersecurity with the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. Get hands-on experience with industry tools and examine real-world case studies, all at your own pace. Upon completion, you’ll have a Professional Certificate for your resume and be prepared to explore job titles like security analyst, SOC (security operations center) analyst, and more.