12 Types of Cybersecurity Roles (With Duties and Salaries)

Cybersecurity professionals specialize in protecting networks, systems and software from cyberattacks. They ensure private information and data is secure within the system. If you're interested in joining the cybersecurity industry, learning about some of the positions you can pursue may be beneficial.

In this article, we explain what cybersecurity is and list 12 types of cybersecurity jobs you can pursue, including the salaries and job duties for each position.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the process of keeping technological systems safe from outside forces. Successful cybersecurity efforts can protect sensitive information and allow organizations and businesses to build trust with their customers. Any organization that uses technology and regularly collects information uses some form of cybersecurity to keep that information safe.

5 types of cybersecurity roles

Here are 12 types of cybersecurity roles you can pursue. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

1. Computer forensic analyst

National average salary: $46,146 per year

Primary duties: A computer forensic analyst is a professional who assesses devices and systems and finds methods for recovering data. They can learn more about the people who owned the devices and gather information. A computer forensic analyst often helps to gather the information that the police can use during criminal investigations focused on cybercrime.

2. IT security specialist

National average salary: $57,787 per year

Primary duties: An information technology security specialist works with a team of IT professionals to develop strategies for protecting devices and systems within an organization from cyberattacks. The IT security specialist may assess the system and identify areas in which the team can strengthen it. IT specialists may also perform mock cyberattacks to learn more about how current security strategies can protect systems and information.

Read more: Learn About Being an IT Specialist

3. Security manager

National average salary: $64,000 per year

Primary duties: A security manager is a leader who oversees security measures within an organization. Security managers with a focus on cybersecurity manage IT teams and develop strategies for cybersecurity efforts. They may also write rules and regulations regarding cybersecurity decisions.

4. Security engineer

National average salary: $76,009 per year

Primary duties: Security engineers are technical professionals with developed understandings of computer networking and operating systems. They focus on implementing important security measures across an organization. The security engineer may troubleshoot new security measures. They often coordinate the response to breaches in security and help the IT team develop solutions for avoiding those breaches in the future.

5. Security consultant

National average salary: $76,019 per year

Primary duties: Security consultants are highly knowledgeable security professionals who help organizations identify ways in which they can improve their security measures. The security consultant can examine the current security system and help leaders understand where they don't function well and how to improve them. Consultants may suggest specific security systems or products depending on the organization's needs.