Hello, we’re back with the second part of our career in cybersecurity series. Today we’ll be talking about job roles and specific skills you’d need to excel as a cybersecurity professional.
But wait! If you haven’t checked out the first part of this blog, you can hop on to it here.
In Part 1, we looked at the cybersecurity job landscape in India and explored the types of companies hiring for these roles. Now, it’s time to dive deeper into how you can build a successful career in this fast-growing field.
We’ll go through the different career paths, the skills and certifications you need, and how to kick-start your journey with internships and networking. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance, this guide will give you the clarity to navigate your next steps in cybersecurity.
Okay, let’s dive in then.
Career paths in cybersecurity: Red team vs blue team
| Red Team | Blue Team |
| Ethical hacking | Infrastructure security |
| Penetration testing | Damage control |
| Black box testing | Incident response |
| Social engineering | Operational security |
| Web app scanning | Threat hunting |
The jobs out there in cybersecurity fall under two domains: the red team and the blue team. Think of them as attackers and defenders.
What does that mean? Simple. Recall our AIIMS case. The blue team figures out ways to defend such ransomware attacks. It could include adding firewall or whipping up safety policies, so on and so forth. Basically, build a solid defense system.
They take care of defending sensitive data. Like your medical data and X-ray or MRI reports with the AIIMS. They focus on damage control. Questions like, how do we stop further data encryption, will keep their ball rolling. They even take it a step further with threat hunting. Constantly keeping an eye out for dangers lurking around.
The red team does the exact opposite. Attack or break in. But of course, with total consent. This team would look at AIIMS and say, “Hey how else can we break in? Find loopholes in security?” They do all of these to prevent any such breach in the future. It’s like, staying one step ahead of the hackers.
To tie it up, the red team’s functions include ethical hacking, penetration testing, black box testing, and so on. While the blue team takes care of infrastructure security, incident response and threat hunting.
Both the red and blue teams are essential for any company. To break it down, roughly 80% of the jobs are in blue team roles, while the remaining 20% are in red team roles.
That being said, let’s look at the career paths in the field of cybersecurity
Job roles in cybersecurity
| Job Role & Category | Job Role & Responsibilities | Skills | Certifications |
| Security Analyst Blue Team | Monitor systems, analyse threats, investigate incidents, and implement security measures. | – Networking knowledge – Security frameworks – Incident response techniques | – CompTIA Security+ – CEH – OSCP |
| Penetration Tester Red Team | Simulate real-world cyber-attacks to identify system vulnerabilities and suggest fixes. | – Network protocols – Scripting languages – Hacking techniques | – CEH – OSCP – GPEN |
| Security Engineer Blue Team | Design and implement secure systems, configure firewalls, and manage security tools. | – Network security – Cryptography – Secure coding | – CISSP – CISM |
| Incident Responder Blue Team | Respond to and manage security breaches, perform forensic investigations, and contain threats. | – Incident response – Forensic analysis – Malware handling | – GCIH – CISSP |
| Security Consultant Blue Team | Assess security risks, develop policies, provide training, and recommend improvements. | – Risk management – Security principles – Privacy & compliance | – CISSP – CISM |
Security Analyst
If you love monitoring and analysing systems for potential threats, this is the role for you. Security analysts are the ones who keep an eye on network traffic, logs, and security alerts.
They don’t just identify risks but also investigate and respond to security incidents, implementing measures to prevent future threats. This role is all about problem-solving and quick thinking to mitigate potential risks.
Penetration Tester
Penetration testers are the digital detectives of cybersecurity, stepping into the shoes of hackers—only with the organisation’s best interest at heart. Your job is to think like an attacker, using every trick in the book to find vulnerabilities before the real threats do.
But it doesn’t stop at finding flaws; you’ll exploit them to show just how dangerous they could be. From social engineering to code analysis, this role is all about staying ahead of cybercriminals, blending technical skills with a hacker’s mindset to keep defenses strong.
Security Engineer
As a security engineer, you’re the mastermind behind building and maintaining the systems that protect an organisation’s data. From firewalls to intrusion detection systems, you’re constantly fine-tuning the defenses to keep threats at bay.
You will also patch vulnerabilities and make sure everything’s airtight. In this role, you’re the go-to person for keeping networks and data safe, constantly adapting to new challenges and ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks.
Incident Responder
As an incident responder, every breach or attack puts you right at the heart of the action. You’ll be the one stepping in to contain threats, investigate what went wrong, and get things back under control.
Once the dust settles, you shift gears and look at ways of preventing similar incidents from happening again. The aim? Create stronger defenses and response strategies.
It’s a dynamic role, where quick thinking meets strategic planning, keeping threats in check and ensuring systems bounce back with minimal downtime.
Security Consultant
In this role, your job is to assess an organisation’s state of security. Think of it like giving them a security score—if they’re at 60%, you’ll guide them on how to close the gap on the remaining 40%.
After they’ve implemented your recommendations, you step in again to audit their progress and ensure they’re on track. It’s a hands-on role that involves both identifying risks and providing actionable solutions to enhance overall security.
Ethical Hacker: Legally hacks systems to find and fix vulnerabilities before attackers do
Example: Companies use techniques like setting up fake password files to lure attackers and trigger alerts
Now that we’ve spoken of the job roles, let’s look at the skillset that helps you ace the game.
Skills for cybersecurity careers
To succeed in cybersecurity, you’ll need a mix of technical and soft skills. Let’s break it down one by one
Technical skills
Programming: Knowing languages like Python and scripting is crucial. These skills will help you write scripts to automate security tasks and analyse vulnerabilities.
Networking Protocols: Understanding how networks operate, including protocols like TCP/IP, is foundational in detecting and preventing cyberattacks.
Operating systems: Understanding Windows and Linux is essential in cybersecurity. Knowing how they function, their vulnerabilities, and how to secure them helps in detecting and preventing attacks.
Just having a strong grasp of networking and operating systems can boost your chances of getting hired.
Encryption: You’ll need to know how encryption works to secure sensitive data and ensure it is protected from unauthorized access.
Security Concepts: Core concepts like encryption, firewalls, and authentication are the backbone of cybersecurity. Mastering these is essential for building defenses and safeguarding data.
Soft Skills
Problem-solving: The ability to think critically and find solutions during high-pressure situations is essential in cybersecurity.
Communication: You must be able to explain complex security issues to non-technical stakeholders.
Teamwork: Cybersecurity is a team effort. Whether you’re working with IT teams or management, collaboration is key.
Continuous learning: Cybersecurity is ever evolving. Keeping up with new threats and technologies is essential to stay effective in the field.
Top certifications for a career in cybersecurity
CompTIA Security+: This entry-level certification lays a strong foundation in cybersecurity. Covering essentials like security architecture, security operations, threat analysis, and risk management. It’s a great starting point for anyone stepping into roles like Security Analyst. You can check here for more information
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker): CEH teaches you how to think like a hacker, but for ethical purposes. Focused on identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities, it’s perfect for those interested in penetration testing and taking on offensive security roles.
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional): OSCP is known for its hands-on approach, testing your skills in real-world hacking scenarios. If you’re aiming to specialize in ethical hacking and advanced security techniques, this certification is a valuable addition.
GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester): GPEN is tailored for those focusing on penetration testing. It dives into network exploits and vulnerability identification while also addressing the legal and ethical side, making it ideal for anyone aiming to master offensive security.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional): CISSP is perfect for those aiming for leadership roles in cybersecurity. It covers everything from risk management to cryptography, giving you the breadth needed to move into positions like Security Manager.
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager): CISM is all about managing security programs at an enterprise level. With a focus on risk management and incident response, it’s great for those looking to align security strategies with business goals in leadership roles.
GCIH (GIAC Certified Incident Handler): GCIH is designed for professionals handling security incidents. It equips you with the skills to detect, respond to, and manage cyber threats, making it a great fit for those focused on incident response and threat detection.
Landing your first cybersecurity job: Internships, projects and networking
Building a strong profile is key to landing a job, and there’s no better way to do it than by working on projects, doing internships, or taking skill assessment tests to evaluate your programming skills.
If you’re out of college, working on projects is a good idea. Just go to GitHub and look for cybersecurity projects. You’ll find many. Reflect on whether you can develop something similar, or even improve upon it.
These experiences not only enhance your profile but also give you hands-on skills and boost your confidence.
Finally, after wrapping up your projects and internships, get your resume in shape, reach out to your network, and get ready for interviews.
Network for learning opportunities
Building connections within the cybersecurity community can open doors to new projects, mentorship, and continuous learning.
Hackathons are perfect for hands-on learning and testing your skills in real-time, while also helping you connect and get noticed. Do check out Smart India Hackathon, a government initiative and reskill hackathons, which gives you a great chance to tackle real-world problems.
Social media networks like LinkedIn and Twitter are another great platforms that allow you to stay connected with the cybersecurity community.
Following influencers and engaging in discussions keeps you informed and helps build your presence in this ever-evolving field. You can follow influencers like Brian Kerbs and Tanya Janca, to keep yourself in the loop.
Cybersecurity skills currently in demand
As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, certain skills remain indispensable. Network security, ethical hacking, and cybersecurity management are among the top sought-after competencies as organizations bolster their defenses against increasingly sophisticated threats.
Insights from the job market
The industry’s growth is undeniable. Cybersecurity job opportunities have risen by 11% year-over-year, driven by the rising complexity of cyber threats. Businesses are responding with a 60% increase in security assessments, highlighting the need for skilled professionals. Additionally, there has been a 45% spike in cybersecurity course enrollments, indicating the growing interest and investment in this career path.
Career trajectory in cybersecurity
Career growth in cybersecurity is filled with opportunities as the field rapidly expands. You might start out in entry-level roles like Security Analyst or Incident Responder, as mentioned earlier, where you will get hands-on experience tackling security threats. These positions lay a solid foundation for building your expertise.
As you advance, roles like Penetration Tester, Security Engineer, or Cybersecurity Consultant offer chances to specialize and take on more complex challenges. With experience and the right certifications, you can step into leadership positions such as Security Architect or CISO, where you’ll oversee entire security strategies
Everything you need to know about the salary
Cybersecurity salaries are on the rise across different experience levels, reflecting the growing importance of security in the digital world:
| Experience level | Salary range |
| 0-3 years | ₹5,11,053 – ₹9,45,821 |
| 4-6 years | ₹11,43,414 – ₹17,28,835 |
| 7-10 years | ₹14,10,161 – ₹20,13,995 |
| 11-15 years | ₹21,45,932 – ₹30,59,738 |
| 15+ years | ₹32,43,345 – ₹37,08,333 |
As you gain more experience, the opportunities and earning potential only expand, making cybersecurity an appealing career choice with growth and stability.
Go, hack your way into a career in cybersecurity
Jumpstarting your cybersecurity career requires a blend of practical experience and certifications. Get hands-on with GitHub projects and hackathons to build confidence early. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ and GPEN validate your skills and help you specialise.
Networking ties it all together—connect with professionals, join discussions, and follow influencers to stay updated on trends and opportunities. Explore top job platforms to launch your career.
