Understanding the Landscape of Cybersecurity: More Than Just a Job Title

Cybersecurity is not merely a single position or a defined role; it represents a broad field comprising various job opportunities and responsibilities. Unfortunately, many individuals still conflate the terms Information Security (INFOSEC), Cybersecurity, and general security, assuming they refer to one specific function. This misunderstanding can lead to confusion, especially for those looking to enter the field.

If you find yourself stating, “I want to work in cybersecurity,” it’s essential to recognize that this statement lacks specificity. To receive informed guidance and advice, it’s crucial to invest some time in understanding the landscape of cybersecurity—research is key.

While every industry incorporates security roles, cybersecurity is not an industry unto itself. It permeates various sectors, emphasizing the importance of exploring the multitude of roles available. It’s a common misconception that all cybersecurity positions are technical in nature or that a degree in computer science is a prerequisite. In reality, there are diverse pathways into this field, including non-technical roles that are equally vital.

I encourage those who frequently respond to queries in online forums to reconsider the advice they offer. The notion that one must begin their career at a help desk or as a Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst is misleading and oversimplifies the available options.

Consider the variety of positions related to cybersecurity within organizations. Here are just a few examples:

• Information Security Managers
• Risk & Compliance Analysts
• Fraud Analysts
• Threat Intelligence Analysts
• Insider Threat Analysts/Managers
• Application Security Managers
• Application Security Testers
• Security Awareness Analysts, Managers, and Instructors
• Product and Project Managers
• Security Architects/Engineers
• malware Reverse Engineers
• Red Team Members
• Penetration Testers
• Threat Hunters
• Roles in Network Operations Centers (NOCs) and Security Operations Centers (SOCs)

These positions represent a fraction of the opportunities in the cybersecurity field. I encourage you to explore job openings from different companies to better understand the array of roles and the qualifications necessary for each. By doing this, you can gain a clearer picture of what it truly means to pursue a career in cybersecurity.