5 Cybersecurity Career Paths (and How to Get Started) - Coursera

5 Cybersecurity Career Paths (and How to Get Started) Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on Sep 9, 2025 Share A career in cybersecurity can go in many directions. Learn about five popular career paths. Pursuing a career in cybersecurity means joining a booming industry where available jobs outnumber qualified candidates. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of cybersecurity jobs is expected to increase by 33 percent between 2023 and 2033 [1]. If you're interested in a fast-paced, well-paid career focused on protecting valuable data and computer systems, a career in cybersecurity could be right for you. In the following article, learn about five common career paths within this high-demand field. Or, get started immediately and earn credentials from an industry leader in as little as six months with the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate program, where you'll learn to identify common risks, threats, and vulnerabilities, as well as techniques to mitigate them. Google Cybersecurity professional certificate Beginner level · 6 month(s) Skills you'll build: Bash (Scripting Language), Computer Security Incident Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Debugging, Endpoint Detection and Response, Hardening, Incident Response, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Linux, Network Protocols, Network Security, Python Programming, Security Awareness, Security Management, SQL, Threat Management, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Management, Web Presence, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Splunk, TCP/IP, Network Analysis, Event Monitoring, Document Management, Network Monitoring, Continuous Monitoring, Threat Detection, Query Languages, Security Controls, Incident Management, Technical Communication, Data Security, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, AI Workflows, Data Ethics, Operating Systems, Linux Commands, File Management, File Systems, Linux Administration, Authentications, Unix Commands, User Accounts, Command-Line Interface, Relational Databases, Unix Shell, Database Management, Authorization (Computing), AI literacy, Google Gemini, Professional Development, Prompt Engineering Tools, Prompt Engineering, Interviewing Skills, Branding, Cyber Risk, Information Assurance, Security Strategy, Cyber Attacks, Vulnerability Assessments, Data Management, Cyber Security Strategy, Cryptography, Malware Protection, Identity and Access Management, Risk Management Framework, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Risk Management, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Auditing, Risk Analysis, Risk Mitigation, Business Risk Management, Computer Security, Computer Networking, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Model, Cloud Security, Firewall, Network Architecture, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, General Networking, File I/O, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Automation, IT Automation, Maintainability, Scripting Languages, Scripting, Data Import/Export, Data Structures, Programming Principles 4.8 (67,304 ratings) professional certificate Google Cybersecurity Get on the fast track to a career in cybersecurity. In this certificate program, you'll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required. 4.8 (67,304 ratings) 1,504,110 already enrolled Beginner level Learn More Average time: 6 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Bash (Scripting Language), Computer Security Incident Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Debugging, Endpoint Detection and Response, Hardening, Incident Response, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Linux, Network Protocols, Network Security, Python Programming, Security Awareness, Security Management, SQL, Threat Management, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Management, Web Presence, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Splunk, TCP/IP, Network Analysis, Event Monitoring, Document Management, Network Monitoring, Continuous Monitoring, Threat Detection, Query Languages, Security Controls, Incident Management, Technical Communication, Data Security, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, AI Workflows, Data Ethics, Operating Systems, Linux Commands, File Management, File Systems, Linux Administration, Authentications, Unix Commands, User Accounts, Command-Line Interface, Relational Databases, Unix Shell, Database Management, Authorization (Computing), AI literacy, Google Gemini, Professional Development, Prompt Engineering Tools, Prompt Engineering, Interviewing Skills, Branding, Cyber Risk, Information Assurance, Security Strategy, Cyber Attacks, Vulnerability Assessments, Data Management, Cyber Security Strategy, Cryptography, Malware Protection, Identity and Access Management, Risk Management Framework, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Risk Management, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Auditing, Risk Analysis, Risk Mitigation, Business Risk Management, Computer Security, Computer Networking, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Model, Cloud Security, Firewall, Network Architecture, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, General Networking, File I/O, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Automation, IT Automation, Maintainability, Scripting Languages, Scripting, Data Import/Export, Data Structures, Programming Principles Cybersecurity career path starting roles Many cybersecurity professionals start out in an entry-level IT role to gain experience before moving into the cybersecurity specialization. If you don't yet have experience with computer science or information technology, you'll need to develop core IT skills such as programming, networks and systems administration, and cloud computing. Then, you might pursue one of the following entry-level jobs: Help desk technician Network administrator Systems administrator Software developer If you already have some experience in the field, you may go straight to an entry-level cybersecurity role such as: Information security analyst Cybersecurity analyst In an analyst role, you can take your career in a few different directions, depending on your interests and goals. You may pursue security engineering and architecture if you enjoy planning and building. Maybe you enjoy the thrill of incident response, or perhaps you’d prefer to hone your hacking skills to stay one step ahead of bad actors. While you don’t necessarily need a degree to get a job in cybersecurity, having one or some form of structured training, such as certificate programs or online classes, might accelerate your path toward a job. 5 career paths for an information security analyst Whether you're just getting started or looking to take the next step, there are multiple directions for your career, each with its own focus, challenges, and opportunities. In the sections below, we’ll break down five key career paths in cybersecurity. Understanding these options can help you make informed choices about where you want to grow and how to get there. 1. Engineering and architecture As a security engineer, you’ll use your knowledge of threats and vulnerabilities to build and implement defense systems against various security concerns. You may advance to become a security architect, responsible for your organization's entire security infrastructure.  Security engineering and architecture could be a good fit if you enjoy tinkering with technology and like to take a big picture approach to cybersecurity. Skills to develop: Critical thinking IT networking System administration Risk assessment Common certifications: CompTIA Security+, Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Security Engineer professional certificate Intermediate level · 2 month(s) Skills you'll build: Application Performance Management, Cloud Infrastructure, Load Balancing, Cloud Security, Containerization, Dashboard Creation, Data Loss Prevention, DevSecOps, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Google Cloud Platform, Identity and Access Management, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Kubernetes, Network Architecture, Network Monitoring, Network Routing, Prompt Engineering, Prompt Engineering Tools, Virtual Networking, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Application Security, Encryption, Vulnerability Scanning, Key Management, Authorization (Computing), Virtual Machines, OAuth, Authentications, Hardening, Security Controls, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Web Applications, Cloud Storage, Data Security, Network Troubleshooting, Event Monitoring, Network Performance Management, General Networking, Computer Networking, Service Level, Cloud Services, Network Analysis, Data Access, Problem Management, Data Import/Export, Network Security, Network Planning And Design, Scalability, Network Infrastructure, Firewall, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Network Model, Security Requirements Analysis, System Monitoring, Performance Tuning, Cloud Applications, Prometheus (Software), Security Management, Malware Protection, Cloud API, Threat Management, Vulnerability Management, Infrastructure Security, IT Automation, Threat Detection, Continuous Monitoring, Cloud Management, TCP/IP, Cloud Computing, Cloud Deployment, Application Development, Prompt Patterns, Cloud-Native Computing, Cloud Platforms, Application Deployment, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Standards, IT Security Architecture, DevOps, Security Engineering, Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards, User Accounts, User Provisioning, Single Sign-On (SSO), Border Gateway Protocol, Wide Area Networks, Multi-Cloud, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Cyber Security Policies, Proxy Servers, Network Administration, Routing Protocols, Private Cloud 4.7 (50,505 ratings) professional certificate Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Security Engineer Advance your career as a Cloud Security Engineer 4.7 (50,505 ratings) 46,682 already enrolled Intermediate level Learn More Average time: 2 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Application Performance Management, Cloud Infrastructure, Load Balancing, Cloud Security, Containerization, Dashboard Creation, Data Loss Prevention, DevSecOps, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Google Cloud Platform, Identity and Access Management, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Kubernetes, Network Architecture, Network Monitoring, Network Routing, Prompt Engineering, Prompt Engineering Tools, Virtual Networking, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Application Security, Encryption, Vulnerability Scanning, Key Management, Authorization (Computing), Virtual Machines, OAuth, Authentications, Hardening, Security Controls, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Web Applications, Cloud Storage, Data Security, Network Troubleshooting, Event Monitoring, Network Performance Management, General Networking, Computer Networking, Service Level, Cloud Services, Network Analysis, Data Access, Problem Management, Data Import/Export, Network Security, Network Planning And Design, Scalability, Network Infrastructure, Firewall, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Network Model, Security Requirements Analysis, System Monitoring, Performance Tuning, Cloud Applications, Prometheus (Software), Security Management, Malware Protection, Cloud API, Threat Management, Vulnerability Management, Infrastructure Security, IT Automation, Threat Detection, Continuous Monitoring, Cloud Management, TCP/IP, Cloud Computing, Cloud Deployment, Application Development, Prompt Patterns, Cloud-Native Computing, Cloud Platforms, Application Deployment, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Standards, IT Security Architecture, DevOps, Security Engineering, Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards, User Accounts, User Provisioning, Single Sign-On (SSO), Border Gateway Protocol, Wide Area Networks, Multi-Cloud, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Cyber Security Policies, Proxy Servers, Network Administration, Routing Protocols, Private Cloud 2. Incident response Despite a company’s best security efforts, security incidents still happen. The field of incident response involves the next steps after a security incident. As an incident responder, you’ll monitor your company’s network and work to fix vulnerabilities and minimize loss when breaches occur.  Another area of incident response involves digital forensics and cybercrime. Digital forensic investigators work with law enforcement to retrieve data from digital devices and investigate cybercrimes.  Incident response could be a good fit if you work well under pressure and love a good mystery.  Skills to develop: Attention to detail Technical writing and documentation Intrusion detection tools Forensics software Common certifications: GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH), Certified Computer Examiner (CCE), Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE) Learn about threat analysis, investigation, and response with the Cisco Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals Specialization. Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals specialization Beginner level · 3 month(s) Skills you'll build: Computer Security Incident Management, Cryptography, Cyber Operations, Cyber Threat Hunting, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Security, Endpoint Security, Incident Response, Key Management, Linux, Linux Commands, Microsoft Windows, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Network Security, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Threat Detection, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Assessments, Windows PowerShell, Incident Management, Threat Management, Record Keeping, General Networking, Computer Networking, Records Management, Cyber Security Policies, OS Process Management, File Systems, Command-Line Interface, Malware Protection, System Monitoring, Windows Servers, Network Administration, Computer Systems, Operating Systems, Security Controls, Operating System Administration, Linux Administration, Systems Administration, Security Software, Event Monitoring, Security Management, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Network Monitoring, Continuous Monitoring, Security Awareness, Network Analysis, Encryption, Information Assurance, Data Integrity, Cryptographic Protocols, Anomaly Detection, SQL, Exploitation techniques, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Infrastructure Security, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Authorization (Computing), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Network Model, Identity and Access Management, Firewall, Network Infrastructure, IT Security Architecture, Automation, IT Automation, Data Analysis Software, Cyber Attacks, Information Technology Operations 4.8 (1,211 ratings) specialization Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals Launch Your Career in Cybersecurity Operations. Learn the basic skills required to become an entry-level cybersecurity operations analyst in a Security Operations Center (SOC). 4.8 (1,211 ratings) 31,547 already enrolled Beginner level Learn More Average time: 3 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Computer Security Incident Management, Cryptography, Cyber Operations, Cyber Threat Hunting, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Security, Endpoint Security, Incident Response, Key Management, Linux, Linux Commands, Microsoft Windows, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Network Security, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Threat Detection, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Assessments, Windows PowerShell, Incident Management, Threat Management, Record Keeping, General Networking, Computer Networking, Records Management, Cyber Security Policies, OS Process Management, File Systems, Command-Line Interface, Malware Protection, System Monitoring, Windows Servers, Network Administration, Computer Systems, Operating Systems, Security Controls, Operating System Administration, Linux Administration, Systems Administration, Security Software, Event Monitoring, Security Management, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Network Monitoring, Continuous Monitoring, Security Awareness, Network Analysis, Encryption, Information Assurance, Data Integrity, Cryptographic Protocols, Anomaly Detection, SQL, Exploitation techniques, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Infrastructure Security, Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Authorization (Computing), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Network Model, Identity and Access Management, Firewall, Network Infrastructure, IT Security Architecture, Automation, IT Automation, Data Analysis Software, Cyber Attacks, Information Technology Operations 3. Management and administration As you gain experience in cybersecurity, you may choose to advance toward a leadership position within your organization. Cybersecurity managers oversee an organization’s network and computer security systems. In this role, you might manage security teams, coordinate between teams, and ensure security compliance. Typically, the highest security role in an organization is that of chief information security officer (CISO). Working in security at the executive level often means managing operations, policies, and budgets across the company’s security infrastructure. Management and administration could be a good fit if you’re organized, an excellent communicator, and enjoy working with people. Skills to develop: Project management Risk management Leadership Collaboration Common certifications: Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), GIAC Certified Project Manager (GCPM), CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) 4. Consulting Companies hire security consultants to test their computer and network systems for vulnerabilities or security risks. In this role, you get to practice cybersecurity offense and defense by testing systems for vulnerabilities and recommending how to strengthen those systems. Consulting could be a good fit if you enjoy variety and want to make an impact by helping others manage their security. Skills to develop: Penetration testing and vulnerability testing Threat management Operating systems Encryption Common certifications: CompTIA Security+, Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), Certified Security Consultant (CSC) 5. Testing and hacking This field of cybersecurity goes by many names, including offensive security, red team, white hat hacking, and ethical hacking. If you work in offensive security, you’ll take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. You’ll play the part of the intruder, trying to find vulnerabilities before the bad guys do.  As a penetration tester, you’ll seek to identify and exploit system weaknesses to help companies build more secure systems. As an ethical hacker (also known as a white hat hacker), you can try out even more attack vectors (like social engineering) to reveal security weaknesses. Testing and hacking could be a good fit if you want to outsmart the bad guys and get paid to (legally) hack into networks and computer systems. Skills to develop: Cryptography Penetration testing Computer networking Scripting Common certifications: Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA PenTest+, GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) How much can you make? Cybersecurity salaries by role Cybersecurity professionals tend to get paid well for their skills, even at the entry level. As you gain experience and move into more advanced roles, salaries also often increase. To give you an idea of what’s possible, here’s a look at the average total pay of several cybersecurity jobs in the US in May 2025, according to Glassdoor. Intrusion detection specialist: $127,396 Junior cybersecurity analyst: $138,832 Digital forensic examiner: $132,161 IT security administrator: $108,266 Incident response analyst: $97,322 Cybersecurity consultant: $118,837 Information security analyst: $105,299 Ethical hacker: $123,085 Penetration tester: $112,372 Security engineer: $128,106 Cybersecurity manager: $179,674 Security architect: $164,097 Chief information security officer: $197,579 Cybersecurity degrees and certifications Fifty-six percent of cybersecurity specialists have a bachelor's degree, and 23 percent have an associate degree [2]. Relevant areas of study include computer science, computer information systems, and information technology. In cybersecurity, the correct credentials can help set you apart from other job seekers and make your resume more attractive to hiring managers. Resources Listen in: Cybersecurity Podcasts Cybersecurity Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Is Cybersecurity Hard to Learn? 9 Tips for Success Get started in cybersecurity. If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, consider the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. You'll learn the importance of protecting networks, devices, people, and data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks using Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools. Google Cybersecurity professional certificate Beginner level · 6 month(s) Skills you'll build: Bash (Scripting Language), Computer Security Incident Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Debugging, Endpoint Detection and Response, Hardening, Incident Response, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Linux, Network Protocols, Network Security, Python Programming, Security Awareness, Security Management, SQL, Threat Management, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Management, Web Presence, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Splunk, TCP/IP, Network Analysis, Event Monitoring, Document Management, Network Monitoring, Continuous Monitoring, Threat Detection, Query Languages, Security Controls, Incident Management, Technical Communication, Data Security, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, AI Workflows, Data Ethics, Operating Systems, Linux Commands, File Management, File Systems, Linux Administration, Authentications, Unix Commands, User Accounts, Command-Line Interface, Relational Databases, Unix Shell, Database Management, Authorization (Computing), AI literacy, Google Gemini, Professional Development, Prompt Engineering Tools, Prompt Engineering, Interviewing Skills, Branding, Cyber Risk, Information Assurance, Security Strategy, Cyber Attacks, Vulnerability Assessments, Data Management, Cyber Security Strategy, Cryptography, Malware Protection, Identity and Access Management, Risk Management Framework, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Risk Management, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Auditing, Risk Analysis, Risk Mitigation, Business Risk Management, Computer Security, Computer Networking, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Model, Cloud Security, Firewall, Network Architecture, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, General Networking, File I/O, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Automation, IT Automation, Maintainability, Scripting Languages, Scripting, Data Import/Export, Data Structures, Programming Principles 4.8 (67,304 ratings) professional certificate Google Cybersecurity Get on the fast track to a career in cybersecurity. In this certificate program, you'll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required. 4.8 (67,304 ratings) 1,504,110 already enrolled Beginner level Learn More Average time: 6 month(s) Learn at your own pace Skills you'll build: Bash (Scripting Language), Computer Security Incident Management, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Debugging, Endpoint Detection and Response, Hardening, Incident Response, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Linux, Network Protocols, Network Security, Python Programming, Security Awareness, Security Management, SQL, Threat Management, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Management, Web Presence, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Splunk, TCP/IP, Network Analysis, Event Monitoring, Document Management, Network Monitoring, Continuous Monitoring, Threat Detection, Query Languages, Security Controls, Incident Management, Technical Communication, Data Security, Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, AI Workflows, Data Ethics, Operating Systems, Linux Commands, File Management, File Systems, Linux Administration, Authentications, Unix Commands, User Accounts, Command-Line Interface, Relational Databases, Unix Shell, Database Management, Authorization (Computing), AI literacy, Google Gemini, Professional Development, Prompt Engineering Tools, Prompt Engineering, Interviewing Skills, Branding, Cyber Risk, Information Assurance, Security Strategy, Cyber Attacks, Vulnerability Assessments, Data Management, Cyber Security Strategy, Cryptography, Malware Protection, Identity and Access Management, Risk Management Framework, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Risk Management, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Auditing, Risk Analysis, Risk Mitigation, Business Risk Management, Computer Security, Computer Networking, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Model, Cloud Security, Firewall, Network Architecture, Network Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, General Networking, File I/O, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Automation, IT Automation, Maintainability, Scripting Languages, Scripting, Data Import/Export, Data Structures, Programming Principles Article sources 1.  US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Information Security Analysts, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm." Accessed May 23, 2025. View all sources Keep reading How to Become a Security Architect: 2026 Career Guide 6 min read · December 4, 2025 Cybersecurity Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) May 6, 2026 How to Become a Penetration Tester: 2026 Career Guide 6 min read · December 4, 2025 Cybersecurity Degrees and Alternatives: Your 2026 Guide 7 min read · December 4, 2025 What Is a Security Engineer? 2026 Career Guide 6 min read · December 31, 2025 10 Cybersecurity Jobs to Know: Entry-Level and Beyond 9 min read · May 8, 2026 Updated on Sep 9, 2025 Share Written by: Coursera Staff Editorial Team Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact... This content has been made available for informational purposes only. 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