Student Login
In fact, cybersecurity engineer is one of the most in-demand positions, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipating 33% growth over the next decade (the average growth rate is just 4%!).
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook in 2024, 78% of respondents shared that their businesses lack the skills to achieve their cybersecurity goals, leading to a strong need to hire new talent. Plus, 91% of organizations said they’re willing to pay for their employees’ cybersecurity certification and training.
Read on to learn more about this exciting career opportunity and how you can break into the field.
What Is a Cybersecurity Engineer?
A cybersecurity engineer is a technology professional whose goal is to develop and maintain solutions that protect a company’s data, networks, and systems from cyber threats. The technology they work on helps uncover security vulnerabilities, prevent breaches or attacks, and ensure compliance with company security policies.
There are several career paths in cybersecurity, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. Early-in-career roles include security analyst or network security administrator positions, while more mid-level roles include cybersecurity engineer, penetration tester, or security consultant. The most senior cybersecurity professionals are security architects and chief information security officers (CISO).
While salaries vary by location, experience level, and education, cybersecurity is a lucrative field. According to Salary.com, the average cybersecurity engineer in the U.S. earns $136,967 annually. Tech website Built In paints an even rosier picture, stating that the average cybersecurity engineer earns total compensation of $194,487 (about $32,000) from bonuses or equity).
What Does a Cybersecurity Engineer Do?
Cybersecurity engineers have a challenging and varied role, all in service of ensuring strong security measures. Typical tasks for cybersecurity professionals include:
- Designing and implementing robust security solutions, such as firewalls, encryption protocols, and intrusion detection systems (IDS/IPS)
- Configuring and managing security infrastructure that provides network security
- Performing penetration tests and vulnerability assessments to discover areas of weakness or low security
- Assessing network traffic and system logs to detect suspicious activity
- Investigating security breaches and implementing incident response plans to address persistent threats
- Understanding and ensuring compliance with security regulations and standards
- Facilitating security training for employees to help prevent them from falling victim to phishing and other attacks
- Developing policies and procedures to foster a security-focused culture
- Working with cutting-edge technology, such as providing security for cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) or implementing protections for AI-driven systems and IoT devices
30+ Cybersecurity Engineer Qualifications
You need a combination of hard/technical and soft skills to break into the cybersecurity field. Here are the top cybersecurity skills in demand in 2025:
Hard Skills
- Network security and firewalls, VPN, etc.
- Penetration testing
- Ethical hacking
- Threat modeling
- Intrusion detection systems
- Programming languages (such as Python, Java, C++)
- Security frameworks like ISO 27001, NIST
- Cloud security (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Network access controllers (NAC)
- Operating systems like Windows, Linux, and UNIX
- Virtualization technologies
- Hybrid networks (on-premises and in the cloud)
- Identity and access management best practices
- Databases like MySQL
- Application security and encryption
- Incident response
- Security assessments
- Persistent threat management
- Phishing and social engineering threat management
- Forensics and malware analysis
- Data loss prevention
- Security information and event management
Soft Skills
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Organization and time management
- Strong communication
- Decision making
- Mathematical expertise
- Technical documentation
- Adaptability
- Continuous learning
- Performing in a fast-paced environment
- Strong sense of ethics
- Teamwork and collaboration
How To Become a Cybersecurity Engineer: 4 Tips
Finding a path in cybersecurity requires skills, education, and on-the-job experience. Here are some tips on how to get started.
Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
Most cybersecurity engineers have at least a bachelor’s degree. That’s because a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or information technology provides a strong foundation for entering the field.
You may want to specialize by focusing your degree on cybersecurity itself, or you may find it more enticing to earn a broader computer science or IT degree. Either way, a bachelor’s degree will prepare you for cybersecurity success.
Earn Relevant Certifications
There are several cybersecurity certifications that will give you an edge over the competition. These show your commitment to continued education and honing your craft as an engineer. Plus, they can provide more specialized education than you may have received in your bachelor’s program.
A few examples include:
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) focuses on penetration testing and ethical hacking to discover and resolve security vulnerabilities.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) — which covers several security topics, including risk management, security governance, and more — is designed for more experienced professionals.
- CompTIA Security+ is ideal for entry-level learners, offering foundational knowledge about network security, threat management, and risk assessment. More advanced learners may consider CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+).
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) offers practical, hands-on experience in access control, network defense, and encryption.
- IT Information Library Foundations (ITIL) teaches best practices for IT service management, such as incident management and risk mitigation.
Which certificate(s) you should choose to pursue will depend on your goals and current level of experience; some programs require a specific amount of prior work experience while others are open to even the most entry-level cybersecurity engineer.
Gain Work Experience
Hands-on experience is key to successfully landing more advanced cybersecurity roles. Of course, sometimes you must have experience to gain more experience — luckily, there are plenty of options.
While in school, seek out cybersecurity internships that will help bolster your skills. You can also look out for cybersecurity competitions or bug bounty programs that will let you flex your cybersecurity muscles. If you’re ready for a full-time job, look for entry-level IT roles or cybersecurity analyst roles to get you started.
Consider a Master’s Degree
To further advance your cybersecurity career, consider earning a master’s degree. This will build on your undergraduate experience and work history to assist you in becoming a more experienced, well-rounded cybersecurity engineer.
For example, City University of Seattle’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity teaches cybersecurity standards and practices such as system security, network and wireless security, data privacy and software security. Moreover, students choose advanced courses from options like computer science or data science. Best of all, CityU of Seattle is designated a National Center of Academic Excellence by the NSA/Department of Defense.
Become a Cybersecurity Engineer
Cybersecurity engineering is a high demand, lucrative, and fulfilling career with plenty of growth opportunities. By obtaining the right mix of education, certifications, and cybersecurity experience, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success. Plus, you’ll be instrumental in protecting businesses from major threats and risks.
Take the next step to enhance your expertise and skill set by requesting information on CityU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity.
FAQs About Cybersecurity Engineering
Want to learn more about cybersecurity engineering? We’ve got you covered.
Is it hard to become a cybersecurity engineer?
Becoming a cybersecurity engineer is challenging, but achievable. A successful cybersecurity engineer requires knowledge of networking, operating systems, security protocols, threat analysis, and more, so for the best chance at success, you’ll want at least three years of prior technology experience. Plus, you must remain current on new technologies and threats.
However, you can learn the ins and outs of cybersecurity by engaging in your education and supplementing with hands-on experience, through degree programs, certificates, and on the job training.
Are cybersecurity engineers paid well?
Cybersecurity is a lucrative field, and cybersecurity engineers do quite well. Like in most fields, compensation varies based on location, company, and experience, but as the demand for cybersecurity engineers rises, so does the pay. On average, cybersecurity engineers in the US can earn well over $100,000 annually, with progressive increases coming with more experience.
How many hours does a cybersecurity engineer work?
Cybersecurity engineers typically work a standard 40-hour work week. However, due to the nature of the job, there can be required on-call time or after-hours emergencies that call for additional hours.
Can a cybersecurity engineer work remotely?
A cybersecurity engineer can often work remotely if the company’s infrastructure is set up accordingly. While most of the work, such as network monitoring or system configuration, can be done from anywhere, some situations, such as hardware installations or on-site investigations, require a physical presence in an office.
Will AI replace cybersecurity?
Although AI is becoming increasingly important in everyday life, especially in the technology industry, it’s unlikely that it will replace cybersecurity engineers. However, AI tools may make the job easier by reducing manual work and allowing engineers to work faster. But beware: just as AI can help you, it can also help bad actors, who may leverage AI to find vulnerabilities and sneak past security measures.
Reviewed by Morgan Zantua, School of Technology and Computing Program Director at CityU of Seattle.
