How To Become a Cyber Security Engineer ?

Introduction

The cybersecurity field is booming! With the increasing number of cyber threats, there's a critical need for skilled professionals. According to Statista, the global cybersecurity workforce has grown significantly, reaching 5.45 million in 2024, up from 4.6 million just a year earlier. In the US alone, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a need for 188,300 cybersecurity engineers by 2030.

But, why is there so much demand for cyber security professionals?

As businesses move online, their data and processes become more vulnerable to attacks. To protect sensitive information and critical systems, companies are actively recruiting cybersecurity engineers to safeguard their networks from malicious threats.

Is Cybersecurity Right for You?

While cybersecurity may seem complex, proper training can equip you with the skills to excel in this rewarding field. Cybersecurity careers offer not only competitive salaries but also job security. Whether you have a strong IT background or not, this exciting branch of IT is open to anyone with a passion for protecting information.

Ready to Dive In? This blog will answer all your questions about becoming a cybersecurity engineer:

• What is a cybersecurity engineer?
• What does a cybersecurity engineer do?
• What are the responsibilities of a cybersecurity engineer?
• What skills and knowledge are required for a cybersecurity career?
• How can you become a cybersecurity engineer?

Let's dive deep and explore the exciting world of cybersecurity engineering!

How to Become a Cyber Security Engineer?

Now, comes the real deal, how to become a cyber security engineer?

Become a cyber warrior! Build a foundation in computers and networks. Earn a cybersecurity degree or certifications like Security+ [CompTIA Security+]. Hone skills in hacking (ethically!) and security tools. Practice on virtual labs to fortify your defenses. Land an entry-level IT security role to gain experience. Stay curious, the cyber landscape is ever-changing!

We all know that cybersecurity training and certification are the gateway to being one. However, it is important to know the cyber security engineer requirements, roles, and responsibilities first. So, let’s check out!

Roles & Responsibilities of a Cyber Security Engineer

Here is the list of tasks that cyber security engineers need to perform throughout their tenure:

1. Plan, implement, monitor, manage, and update the organization’s databases, systems, and networks.
2. Discuss and communicate information security goals with the departments within the organization.
3. Represent the trusted point-of-source for information security to the business & its customers.
4. Perform log analysis from various sources (for example firewall, IDS, endpoints) to figure out and investigate security threats and vulnerabilities.
5. Perform malware analysis in both static and dynamic versions, file format analysis, and binary triage.
6. Perform packet-level analysis (for example tcpdump, Wireshark, tshark) by applying knowledge of TCP or IP protocols (OSI layers 3-7) to investigate network traffic.
7. Deeply manage monitor and configure the data backup systems, disaster recovery, and physical security.
8. Monitor and allow technological improvements and ensure mini to massive changes to the information security environment.
9. Identity and control of the budget allocated by the business for technological training.
10. Manage and align the coordination of security teams and other departments.
11. Create, manage and improve the security strategies for better protection & security.
12. Conduct routine penetration testing, scanning & troubleshooting the systems for error and breaches.
13. Treat breaches and intrusions on time.
14. Participate actively in the change management process.
15. Onboarding and providing cyber security training program to the new or junior IT security personnel

What is a Cyber Security Engineer?

Cybersecurity engineers are one of the important critical sections of a company’s human capital helping businesses protect their computer systems and online data from a range of cyberattacks. Hence, more and more young professionals are enrolling in cybersecurity training programs these days.

Through cyber security training and certification, you learn to take preventive actions to protect and encrypt the important data of enterprises from getting manipulated and stolen by hackers or high-level cybercriminals. 

Cybercriminals are always looking to create & implement malicious ways to infiltrate inside the organization’s pivotal databases - to either spoil the company’s image or extract money out of the confidential data.

The role of CS experts is to manage, monitor, and test the business systems timely to ensure that their defenses are in activation and haven’t become obsolete. The CS engineer is also known as a web security engineer, data security engineer, or IT security engineer. These job roles vary from company to company.

What All Skills Are Required to Get Hired as a Cyber Security Engineer?

Here are the few skills required by cyber security engineers to get hired by top MNCs around the world.

1. Basics of Ethical Hacking

Cyber Security Engineers must have the ability to engage in ethical hacking. This type of testing involves conducting penetration tests to find flaws in systems that malicious attackers may be able to take advantage of. It is, therefore, essential for organizations to be proactive through in-depth knowledge of hackers’ approaches. The hackers must be up-to-date with the current trends of hacking together with the hacking tools and the hackers often use their skills to test the security protocols and see the extent to which the systems are resistant to cyber-attacks.

Begin on the path of ethical hacking with our ultimate ethical hacking guide!

2. Ability to know Operating Systems & Database Platforms

Cyber Security Engineers need to have a complete understanding of various operating systems including Linux/UNIX and Windows. Each is a different operating system with its security traits and flaws. The same applies to knowledge of database platforms like MySQL and MSSQL since mostly they store sensitive information. Such platforms must be secured by the engineers with the knowledge of their architecture as well as their ability to counter unauthorized access and data breaches.

3. Understanding of Network Architecture

Cyber Security Engineers should know network architecture before going ahead to learn how to become a cyber security engineer. Network administrators should be able to comprehend how different network components operate, for example, routers, switches, and firewalls, as well as why data moves across networks. This understanding is necessary to detect any possible vulnerable portions of the network and take corresponding countermeasures, such as the use of intrusion detection systems and network segmentation. Engineers should also understand different networking protocols and how to defend them from cyber security attacks.

4. Skills in Computer Forensics

Computer forensics is a science and technology that collects and analyzes computer-related evidence for purposes of investigating and prosecuting cyber crimes. Cyber Security engineers must be trained in forensic skills to track the origin of cyber attacks as well as comprehend the means utilized by attackers. This is a vital skill during a post-incident analysis and it helps to fortify the system defenses. Therefore, it is also learning the legal as well as ethical matters of digital investigation and evidence management.

5. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving forms an important part of cyber security. Cyber Security Engineers should be able to detect and rectify any breach of security that occurs swiftly. This involves critical reasoning and solving problems through logical approaches. Security engineers should be able to determine the source of their problem and propose efficient solutions to it. They should also be proactive by foreseeing various security challenges and making ways to prevent them.

6. Programming Skills

A Cyber Security Engineer must have programming skills. Writing scripts and tools for security automation, developing custom security solutions, and having a grasp of the operations of malware and viruses requires knowledge of programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++. Engineers pursuing programming courses can also understand the weaknesses in software and how they can be abused or protected against.

7. Risk Analysis

Risk analysis involves the assessment of the possible risks that can affect the information systems, as well as their effects. Cyber Security Engineers rely on risk analysis for identifying potential vulnerabilities, estimating the risk of security failure, and ranking the importance of security. This ability makes up an integral part of the overall security plan that takes into account the demands of the organization and the vulnerabilities in the online scene.

Here are the few personality skills that the CS engineers should be well-versed with:

• They must have strong analytical thinking.
• Must know how to conduct under tight deadlines.
• Must be effective & efficient at problem-solving.
• Must possess commendable & fluent written & verbal communication skills.
• Must be good at logical reasoning.
• Must be willing to travel domestically or internationally.

Why Cybersecurity Training Is Important in Current Scenario?

Here are some of the reasons why cybersecurity training course & need for skilled cyber security engineers have become all the more important in the recent few years:

Cyber Security Engineer Job Outlook, Salary & Skills

In this section we will talk about why to enroll in cybersecurity training courses. You will get to know about the career scope and salary information of cyber security engineers along with the skills needed to be one.

Scroll down to read further!

The Ultimate Question - How to Be a Cybersecurity Engineer?

So till now, we have discussed what is a cyber security engineer, their job roles & responsibilities, cyber security engineer requirements for education, career scope, and salaries. Now, let’s know about the steps on how to become a cyber security engineer that every company seeks to hire.

1. Basic Education Requirements

Earlier it wasn’t mandatory to have a bachelor’s degree but now organizations are asking for it. Beginners need to have a bachelor’s degree in programming, computer engineering, software engineering, data science, or information security fields. 

This is because a large number of organizations require professionals who are degree holders. One can also pursue a cybersecurity associate’s degree or a master’s degree. 

2. Cyber Security Certifications

Further, you can enroll for the cyber security engineer certification exams to create an edge in your resume. There are various cybersecurity certifications you can opt for. You can opt for just one or more than one, it depends on your capacity. 

There are plenty of certifications for a cyber security engineer, but let us highlight the few important ones that most companies accept. The popular are as follows:

• CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional
• GSEC / GCIH / GCIA: GIAC Security Certifications
• CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor
• GIAC: Web Application Penetration Tester
• CCNP Security: Cisco Certified Network Professional Security
• CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker
• CompTIA Security+: Security Certification by CompTIA
• CompTIA Network+: Network Certification by CompTIA

These cybersecurity training certifications will add the right ingredients to your skillset and resume. It will help you stand better than your peers and help you build a reward from the beginning. These certifications are easy to pass provided that you avail of the right cybersecurity training programs. 

3. Books 

Books can be of real help to learn any art or skill. You can definitely take the help of the following books for self-study:

• Cybersecurity for Dummies 
• Hacking: A Beginner’s Guide
• Cybersecurity for Beginners
• Practical Malware Analysis

Click here to learn more about the best books to read to ace the field of cyber security! 

4.  Experience

Another important aspect of securing a Cyber Security Specialist job is to demonstrate relevant experience. This can be in the form of related work experience or structured internship or any other mode of hands-on learning. 

5. Network

Join any community or social media platforms to connect with peers, successful cyber security experts, or HRs of companies. Thus, you will get notified about various vacancies and apply to them. 

Networking can also lead to a great learning experience as well. Github, Reddit, LinkedIn, Quora, Facebook are a few such platforms that you can join and explore. You can also subscribe to JanBask Training’s YouTube channel to get in-depth guidance on how to become a Cyber Security Specialist. 

Read More: Check out the top entry-level cyber security jobs to begin to gain experience!

Cyber Security Training & Certification

• Personalized Free Consultation
• Access to Our Learning Management System
• Access to Our Course Curriculum
• Be a Part of Our Free Demo Class

Sign Up Now

Conclusion

By now you must have clearly understood cyber security engineer roles and responsibilities, cybersecurity engineer salary, and most importantly: how to become a cyber security engineer. There is tremendous opportunity in this industry however the skill gap in this market remains. So, you can put your hands up to help bridge that gap by learning cyber security skills that matter in real-world situations. 

For that, you must take up cybersecurity training programs from a renowned e-learning firm like JanBask Training. We provide you with a 360-degree study approach. Our learning is based on industry-based projects, so when you are done with the training, you will stay a step ahead of others.

Our instructor-led virtual classrooms are based on real industry-project-based learnings, where our experts will teach you about corporate infrastructure and how to deal with data breaches. 

We will help you by providing the conceptual & practical knowledge of cyber security, which you can utilize in scoring your CS certification & further in your industrial job roles. The course is inclusive of resourceful and comprehensive study materials in the form of PPTs, eBooks, question banks certification exams and interview processes & more. 

So what are you waiting for? Enroll in our demo Cybersecurity Training Classes at JanBask to become a certified CS engineer and help organizations save their precious online assets and data.

You can also share your career journey in the cyber security field or any suggestions in the comment section. Till then stay safe and happy learning!

FAQs

Q1. What should be the educational path for an aspiring Cyber security engineer?

Ans: It would be ideal for aspiring cyber security engineers to start with a Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, or other related fields. Such programs involve issues such as network security and ethical hacking. A master level in security engineering further equips employees with technical aspects related to system weaknesses and strategic management of security.

Q2. What is the necessary number of working years for Cyber Security Engineers?

Ans: It is advisable to get one to five years of experience after getting a bachelor’s degree in IT roles. This is a significant phase in security risk management skill enhancement and awareness creation on cyber threat issues. Hands-on experience may also be gained through internship programs in cyber security.

Q3. What do you need to become a Cyber Security Engineer?

Ans: A cyber security engineer has to comprise ethical hacking, operating systems management (Linux, UNIX, and Windows), network architecture, and computer forensics skills. Other essential soft skills that are important in team management and communicating security policies include leadership, project, and communication skills.

Q4. What role do certifications play in Cyber Security Engineering careers?

Ans: For example, certifications such as CISSP, CEH, and CompTIA Security+ can greatly improve one’s job marketability within cybersecurity. These indicate expert knowledge and skills that lead to higher-level jobs, specialization, and possible high pay. In the cyber security sector, they are indispensable in many cases.

Q5. What about the future of Cyber Security engineer career path?

Ans: The demand for cyber security engineers is high as employment opportunities for information security analysts are expected to grow by 33% during the ten years from 2020 to 2030. This growth covers most sectors of the economy showing how important is cyber experts.

Q6. What does a Cyber Security Engineer do daily?

Ans: Routine duties are carrying out security monitoring, running security check-ups, managing incursions, instituting security codes, and orienting employees. Moreover, it is important to stay informed on security trends and work together with IT people.

Moreover, it is important to stay informed on security trends and work together with IT people.

Q7. How much money can Cyber Security Engineers make?

Ans: In 2024, a cyber security engineer earned an average annual salary of about $100,315. The various aspects determining salary are location, industry, academic background, number of years in employment, and the particular cybersecurity position. This can result in senior positions and specialist skills commanding higher salary values. To also reach such levels, go ahead and start to learn cybersecurity online right away!