The demand for top cybersecurity job roles, such as security analyst, penetration tester, security architect, incident responder, and cloud security engineer, is on the rise. These Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for safeguarding IT infrastructure, edge devices, networks, and sensitive data from cyber-attacks.
This growth in demand for cybersecurity professionals is fueled by growing cyber threats, rapid cloud adoption and the need for businesses to protect their digital assets.
Despite the heavy demand for cybersecurity experts, there is a striking gap in the availability of skilled professionals.
According to the ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, “the global workforce gap of approximately 4.76 million professionals”, highlights the growing demand for Cyber Security experts. If you want to be a part of the cybersecurity workforce, NOW IS THE TIME!
Let’s explore the top 7 in-demand cybersecurity job roles, their responsibilities, required skills, salaries, prerequisites, and certifications necessary to start a career.
Top 7 Cybersecurity Job Roles and Responsibilities
Cybersecurity presents a wide array of career opportunities across regions such as the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. According to Edoxi’s research study titled ‘Cybersecurity Careers in the Middle East: Key Trends and Prospects for 2025,’ published in November 2024, the Middle East currently has 9,813 cybersecurity job openings. Among the leading cities, Riyadh ranks first, followed closely by Dubai.
Furthermore, the World Economic Forum highlights a global shortage of over 4 million cybersecurity professionals. These findings collectively underscore a conclusion: pursuing a career in cybersecurity is a promising choice.
So, if you want to start a cybersecurity career, then here are the top 7 in-demand cybersecurity job roles and their responsibilities on trend now;
- Security Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- Security Architect
- Incident Responder
- Cloud Security Engineer
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- SOC Analyst
The Cyber Security job roles and responsibilities mainly depend on the industry (IT, Finance, Healthcare etc.) that he/she is working for. Generally, the job responsibilities of a cyber security professional can range from monitoring systems and preventing cyber threats to conducting penetration testing, managing incident responses, and developing security policies.
Here is a complete overview of the top cybersecurity job roles for you;
1. Security Analyst
Security Analyst is an intermediate-level cybersecurity job. A Security analyst identifies and fixes problems within security systems by analysing risks, vulnerabilities, threats and incidents.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for information security analysts will grow by 33% from 2023 to 2033. This is significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This is another promising reason to pursue a cybersecurity career as a security analyst.
Skills required to become a Security Analyst
- Network Security
- Incident Detection and Response
- Ethical Hacking skills
- Penetration Testing
- Threat Intelligence
- Security Auditing and Compliance
- Malware Analysis
- Cloud Security
- Risk Management
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Compliance Knowledge
Certification required to become a Security Analyst
Prerequisite to become a Security Analyst
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity/ Equivalent work experience or certifications in place of a degree.
- 2–5 years of experience in cybersecurity, network security, or a related role.
Average Salary of a Security Analyst
Primary Responsibilities of a Security Analyst
Here are some primary responsibilities of a Security Analyst;
- Compliance Monitoring- Regulatory Updates, Policy Adherence, Audit Preparation
- Threat Detection- Network Monitoring, Anomaly Identification, Incident Reporting
- Vulnerability Assessment- System Scanning, Risk Evaluation, Patch Management
- Incident Response- Recovery Plans, Containment Strategy, Eradication Procedure
- Data Analysis- Forensic Investigation, log review, Trend Analysis
- Monitoring an organisation's network, systems, and applications for suspicious activity and potential security threats.
- Performing regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify weaknesses in the infrastructure of an organisation.
- Investigating and responding to security breaches, data leaks, and other incidents, ensuring that systems are restored quickly and effectively.
- Installing, configuring, and managing security tools such as firewalls, antivirus software, IDS/IPS, and encryption tools.
- Evaluating the organisation's infrastructure for potential security risks and vulnerabilities.
- Implementing Security Policies and Procedures
- Ensuring an organisation adheres to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Working with IT and security teams to design, test, and implement new security measures.
2. Penetration Tester
Penetration tester an Intermediate level job role. Penetration testing, commonly known as pen testing, is a security exercise in which a cyber security expert identifies and exploits vulnerabilities within a computer system. The purpose of this simulated attack is to uncover any weaknesses in the system's defences that potential attackers could exploit.
As a Penetration tester, you will identify and address vulnerabilities within an organisation’s systems.
Skills required to become a Penetration Tester
- Vulnerability Assessment and Exploitation Skills
- Ethical Hacking Skills
- Network Security Skills
- Web Application Security Skills
- Scripting and Automation Skills
- Penetration Testing Tools Skills
- Understanding of Security Frameworks Skills
- Forensic Investigation Skills
- Risk Analysis Skills
Certifications required to become a Penetration Tester
- CompTIA PenTest+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Prerequisite required to become Penetration Tester
- Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related fields is typically required.
- 3-5 years of experience in security analysis or penetration testing roles.
Average Salary of a Penetration Tester
Primary Responsibilities of a Penetration Tester
- Perform simulated cyberattacks on systems, networks, applications, and devices to uncover security vulnerabilities
- Conduct regular assessments to discover vulnerabilities in an organization's infrastructure.
- Work with security teams to audit security controls, policies, and procedures.
- Use or create custom exploits to test vulnerabilities and assess their potential impact.
- Document vulnerabilities found during tests, propose solutions and communicate results to stakeholders.
- Keep up-to-date with emerging security threats, vulnerabilities, and techniques.
- Work with IT and development teams to ensure security fixes are applied to systems and applications.
- Conduct forensic analysis and collect evidence during and after testing to simulate real-world attacks.
- Provide risk assessments and suggest mitigation techniques based on the severity of the vulnerabilities.
- Ensure that systems and infrastructure meet security standards and regulations (e.g., PCI-DSS, GDPR).
3. Security Architect
A Security Architect is an advanced-level cybersecurity job role. These cybersecurity professionals are responsible for safeguarding an organisation's IT infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. This position encompasses a range of responsibilities and requires specific qualifications, certifications, and skills to be effective.
Skills required to become a Security Architect
- Network security protocol skills
- Cryptography
- Authentication methods
- Security architecture frameworks.
- Analytical Skills
- Communication Skills
Certification required to become a Security Architect
Prerequisite to become a Security Architect
- A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Experience in information security or IT risk management, often requiring several years in related roles such as Security Engineer or Analyst.
Average Salary of a Security Architect
Primary Responsibilities of a Security Architect
Security Architects are tasked with a variety of critical functions, including:
- Creating robust security architectures tailored to the organisation's needs while aligning with business objectives.
- Performing regular vulnerability testing, risk analyses, and security assessments to identify and mitigate potential threats.
- Defining, implementing, and maintaining corporate security policies and procedures to ensure compliance and security best practices.
- Responding promptly to security incidents, providing thorough analyses post-event, and implementing measures to prevent future occurrences.
- Working closely with other IT teams to integrate security measures into all aspects of technology development and deployment.
- Conducting training sessions for staff on security protocols and fostering a culture of security awareness within the organisation.
- Regularly reviewing and enhancing existing security measures to adapt to new threats and vulnerabilities.
4. Incident Responder
Incident Responder is an intermediate-level cybersecurity job role. An Incident Responder is responsible for managing and investigating security breaches, conducting forensics and implementing incident response plans. Their primary role is to identify, assess, and respond to security breaches, cyberattacks, or other incidents that could potentially compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of an organization's data and systems.
Skills required to become a Incident Responder
- Familiarity with Various OS and Platforms
- Knowledge of Network Protocols and Analysis Tools
- Malware Analysis and Forensics
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems
- Intrusion detection systems (IDS)
Certification required to become a Incident Responder
- CISSP
- CISM
- Security+
- Certified Information Systems Auditor
- Certified Ethical Hacker
- Cisco Certified Network Associate
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
Prerequisite required to become a Incident Responder
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, or a related discipline
- Experience in entry-level IT or cybersecurity positions, or volunteer work related to incident response.
Average Salary of an Incident Responder
The table highlights the skills, certifications, prerequisites and average salary required to become a Incident Responder
Primary Responsibilities of an Incident Responder
An incident responder is responsible for a number of critical functions, including:
- Monitoring network traffic, system logs, and security alerts to identify potential security incidents.
- Investigating alerts and suspicious activities to determine whether a security incident has occurred.
- Conducting thorough investigations to analyse the nature and scope of the incident, including forensic analysis to understand how the breach occurred.
- Identifying the root cause of incidents to ensure that vulnerabilities are addressed and prevent future occurrences.
- Implementing measures to resist malware attacks or other threats from affected systems and patch vulnerabilities.
- Work on restoring affected systems and services to normal operation while ensuring that they are secure against future threats.
- Document all aspects of the incident response process, including findings, actions taken, and recommendations for improvement, and report these to stakeholders.
- Work closely with IT, security operations, and other departments to develop effective containment strategies and improve overall security posture.
5. Cloud Security Engineer
Cloud Security Engineer is an advanced-level cybersecurity job role. They are responsible for protecting data and networks by developing security practices and systems. A cloud security engineer focuses solely on systems that exist in the cloud compared to other security roles.
Skills required to become a Cloud Security Engineer
- Networking Knowledge
- Security Technologies
- Operating Systems
- Incident Response
- Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing
- Data Encryption and Cryptography
- Risk Management
- Security Architecture
- Cloud Security
- Threat Analysis
- Problem-Solving
- Attention to Detail
- Scripting and Automation
- Endpoint Security
Certifications required to become a Cloud Security Engineer
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
- Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer
- Microsoft Certified Azure Security Engineer Associate
- AWS Certified Security — Specialty Certification
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Prerequisite required to become a Cloud Security Engineer
- A bachelor's degree in Computer science, Computer information systems, Information technology, Electrical engineering and Business.
- Experience in entry-level positions as an information security analyst or security officer.
Average Salary of a Cloud Security Engineer
Primary Responsibilities of a Cloud Security Engineer
Here are the primary responsibilities associated with this position:
- Develop and implement secure cloud infrastructure that minimises vulnerabilities and aligns with organisational security policies.
- Establish and manage data protection strategies, including encryption, tokenization, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information.
- Monitor cloud environments for potential security threats using advanced security tools and technologies to detect and respond to incidents.
- Perform regular security assessments, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls.
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards (e.g., PCI DSS, HIPAA) by conducting audits and working with third-party auditors as necessary.
- Implement and manage identity and access management solutions to ensure that only authorised users have access to cloud resources.
- Set up and configure security tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to protect cloud infrastructure.
6. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is an advanced-level cybersecurity job role. A CISO is responsible for overseeing an organization’s cyber security strategy, managing teams and ensures regulatory compliance. A CISO applies his or her unique perspective on security to identify security risks and recommend strategies to manage them.
The role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is a senior-level position in the field of cybersecurity. In addition to relevant experience, candidates often need to possess appropriate certifications to demonstrate their expertise.
Skills required to become a CISO
- Governance, Risk, and Compliance
- Information Security Controls and Audit Management
- Security Program Management and Operations
- Information Security Core Competencies
- Strategic Planning, Finance, Procurement, and Third-party Management
- Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the ISO 27001 standard
- Network security and cloud security skills
- Data encryption
- Penetration testing skills
- Vulnerability scanning
Certifications required to become a CISO
Prerequisites required to become a CISO
- A bachelor’s degree in any infosec discipline, business administration or any computer-related or business management field. Or A postgraduate qualification such as a Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCS)
- Seven years of management experience
Average Salary of a CISO
- $305,726 per year for Entry-level professional
Primary Responsibilities of a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
Here are the primary responsibilities associated with this position:
- Create and implement a comprehensive information security strategy that aligns with the organisation’s business goals and objectives.
- Identify, assess, and prioritise security risks to the organisation’s information assets and technology infrastructure.
- Oversee the implementation of security controls and measures to mitigate identified risks and protect sensitive data.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards related to data privacy and security, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.
- Manage and mentor a team of cyber security professionals, providing guidance, support, and training to enhance their skills and effectiveness.
- Lead incident response efforts in the event of a security breach or cyberattack, coordinating with relevant teams to contain and remediate the incident.
- Stay informed about emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and trends in the cyber security landscape to proactively adapt the organisation’s security posture.
7. SOC Analyst
SOC Analyst is an entry-level cybersecurity job role. A SOC analyst is responsible for detecting and responding to data breaches and other malicious cyberattacks. Certified SOC analysts work within a Security Operations Center (SOC). Security Operations Centers consist of teams dedicated to providing company-wide cybersecurity, either as an in-house department or as an outsourced third party.
Skills required to become a SOC Analyst
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- Incident Response
- Threat Detection and Analysis
- Network Security Monitoring
- Malware Analysis
- Forensics and Investigation
- Vulnerability Management
- Knowledge of Security Frameworks
- Scripting and Automation
- Risk Assessment and Management
Certifications required to become a SOC Analyst
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Cyber Security Analyst (CySA+)
- GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
- GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF)
- Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
Pre-requisite required to become a SOC Analyst
- Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically required.
- 1-3 years of experience in IT security or related fields.
Average Salary of a SOC Analyst
Primary Responsibilities of a SOC Analyst
Here are the primary responsibilities associated with this position:
- Monitor Security Events: Continuously monitor security events through SIEM tools and other security monitoring systems to detect potential threats.
- Incident Detection and Response: Respond to security alerts, analyze security events, and perform initial triage to contain threats.
- Threat Hunting: Actively search for suspicious activity and vulnerabilities within the organization’s infrastructure.
- System and Network Logs Analysis: Review system and network logs to identify unusual activity and possible security breaches.
- Develop Playbooks and Procedures: Create incident response playbooks and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling security incidents.
- Security Tools Management: Manage and configure security monitoring tools, firewalls, and IDS/IPS.
- Forensics and Root Cause Analysis: Perform forensic analysis during and after incidents to identify the root cause and propose long-term solutions.
- Collaboration with Other Teams: Work closely with IT, network engineers, and security teams to ensure the security posture of the organization.
- Reporting and Documentation: Prepare detailed reports on security incidents, metrics, and threat analysis for management and compliance purposes.
Become a Certified Cyber Security Expert
Skilled Cyber Security professionals are always in high demand. No organization is immune to cybercrime, which means all must prioritize IT security. Therefore, there will always be a need to hire skilled cybersecurity professionals.
The first step is finding the most suitable certification to lead your career pathway. There are a variety of cybersecurity certifications available in the market today. Edoxi offers the best cybersecurity certification courses to boost your career. Our Cybersecurity courses will equip you with the skills to become an expert in this rapidly growing domain.
Jan 16, 2025
