Careers After 12th: How To Begin A Career In Cybersecurity? Know Eligibility Criteria

Understanding the cybersecurity career roadmap is crucial for both newcomers and seasoned professionals seeking advancement. This guide outlines job titles, promotion paths, and varied career roles, levels, and compensation in cybersecurity. It details essential career levels, common pathways, and key skills for progressing in the field. (Representative/File Photo)

Entry level: If you’re new to cybersecurity, you’ll often begin with an entry-level role, such as cybersecurity analyst or IT security analyst. These positions, typically within a security operations center (SOC), involve monitoring tools and responding to threats or risks. While pay may be lower, these roles are accessible without formal education; around 61% of cybersecurity analysts hold a bachelor’s degree. Having general IT experience can help secure a job in cybersecurity even without a formal degree. (Representative/File Photo)

Midlevel: This positions, often titled as architect or engineer, focus on designing and implementing security systems rather than the operational tasks of entry-level roles. These roles also involve responding to complex incidents and require higher education, typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree. According to Lightcast, nearly all cybersecurity architects have extensive experience, usually at least five years. Midlevel roles demand more expertise and experience compared to early career positions. (Representative/File Photo)

Senior level: Senior-level cybersecurity roles, such as senior cybersecurity architect, director, or vice president, involve overseeing teams and determining staffing needs for various security functions. They lead in evaluating cybersecurity tools and establishing strategic security tactics for the organisation. Typically, these professionals have college degrees and over a decade of experience in lower-level roles. (Representative/File Photo)

Executive level: Executive roles like the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) represent the peak of cybersecurity careers. Some organisations may have a Chief Security Officer (CSO) with broader responsibilities beyond IT security. While these roles report to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) in some companies, in others, they are peers; becoming a CISO can take a decade or more of experience, technical mastery, and the ability to manage security budgets and collaborate with corporate boards. (Representative/File Photo)