Cybersecurity career paths and roles

Cybersecurity career pathways

Pursue a career fighting cybercrime in a growing industry set to double by 2030 across a diverse range of in-demand roles. Whether it’s protecting the digital fortress, conducting risk analysis, identifying security threats or ethically hacking systems, there’s a role for you.

ICT Security Specialist

Take the lead in managing an organisation’s cybersecurity strategy.
ICT Security Specialists play a crucial role within an organisation in defending against cyber threats. You will be responsible for strategically designing, maintaining and managing procedures to protect the business against both internal and external cybersecurity threats.

What does an ICT Security Specialist do?

Implement and oversee policies and procedures related to system security
Manage internal and external stakeholders such as security vendors and service providers
Keep up to date with the latest software security applications
Monitor performance delivery of policies against cyber threats

ICT Security Specialist average salary

The average ICT Security Specialist salary in Australia is $125,000 per year. Entry-level positions start at $117,500 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $126,161 per year.

ICT Security Specialist required skills

Technical security knowledge: Understanding of security frameworks, networks, firewalls, encryption and secure system design

Risk and vulnerability assessment: Ability to identify weaknesses and recommend practical controls

Incident response: Confidence in detecting, investigating and resolving security breaches

Policy and governance: Skilled in creating and maintaining security policies and compliance processes

Cloud and infrastructure security: Knowledge of secure configuration and access management across cloud environments

Security monitoring: Ability to analyse logs, monitor systems and apply threat intelligence

Cybersecurity Analyst

Monitor cyber threats and implement preventative measures towards cyber-attacks.
As a Cybersecurity Analyst, you will be responsible for actively monitoring company hardware, software and networks to identify threats. Where threats arise, you’ll play a key role in alleviating them, and will implement procedures to ensure they do not arise again. You will be an expert at evaluating gaps and weaknesses in the digital fortress.

What does a Cybersecurity Analyst do?

Monitor networks for breaches and threats
Complete ongoing systems testing to identify vulnerabilities
Develop and implement systems for cybersecurity best practice
Conduct research and analysis on emerging cybersecurity threats
Deliver informed threat and impact assessments

Cybersecurity Analyst average salary

The average annual salary for a Cybersecurity Analyst in Australia is $140,000. Entry-level positions start at $115,000 per year, while more experienced analysts can make up to $184,848.

Cybersecurity Analyst required skills

Threat detection and analysis: Ability to identify anomalies, analyse alerts and recognise potential attacks early

Security monitoring: Skilled in using security information and event management (SIEM) tools, dashboards and logs to track system activity

Incident investigation: Confident in assessing breaches, gathering evidence and supporting incident response efforts

Vulnerability identification: Ability to scan systems, interpret results and recommend remediation steps

Network and system knowledge: Strong understanding of how networks, operating systems and security controls interact

Chief Security Officer

Become a key company executive responsible for the overarching security strategy.
A Chief Security Officer is a crucial executive role amid the growing threat of cyber-attacks. You will be responsible for ensuring the safety of everything within a company ranging from assets, data and sensitive information. You will oversee company security policies and manage and coordinate company crisis and security management procedures.

What does a Chief Security Officer do?

Lead a team of cyber specialists
Implement and manage procedures to ensure the safety of assets, data and information
Ensure the organisation is compliant with legal regulations and internal security policies
Develop strategies to prevent data breaches and mitigate security risks
Effectively respond to security breaches and take action to prevent future incidents

Chief Security Officer average salary

The average salary for a Chief Security Officer in Australia is $98,349 per year. Entry-level positions start at $87,291, while higher-level roles can earn up to $140,240 annually.

Chief Security Officer required skills

Risk and governance expertise: Strong capability in evaluating enterprise-wide risks, setting policy and ensuring regulatory compliance

Strategic leadership: Ability to design and drive an organisation’s long-term security vision and roadmap

Cybersecurity oversight: Deep understanding of security frameworks, emerging threats and the technology required to protect complex environments

Crisis and incident management: Skilled in leading high-pressure responses, coordinating teams and communicating clearly during critical events

Stakeholder and executive communication: Confident working with boards, senior leadership and external partners to influence decisions and secure investment

Business acumen: Understanding of how security strategy supports organisational goals, operations and long-term growth

Team leadership: Ability to mentor, build and guide high-performing security teams

Salaries are sourced from au.talent.com/salary and are in AUD. Information is current as of 10/02/2026.

Qualifications to get into cybersecurity industry

Explore Cybersecurity courses

Industry bodies and partners

Frequently asked questions and insights

Are there a lot of cybersecurity jobs?

There are lots of cybersecurity jobs on offer, with demand set to double by 2030. (Source: Digital Pulse 2024) As of August 2025, around 70,900 people were employed as database and systems administrators and ICT security specialists. With employment projected to grow 14.2% from May 2024 to 2029, more than double the national average rate of 6.6% (Source: Jobs and Skills Australia).
How hard is it to get into cybersecurity?

Breaking into cybersecurity isn’t as hard as many people expect. While the learning curve can be steep, there’s strong demand for job-ready talent, and many pathways suit beginners. With the right foundation in networking, security concepts, and problem-solving, you can build skills quickly.

How is AI changing cybersecurity?

AI is rapidly reshaping cybersecurity by automating threat detection, analysing vast data sets and identifying risks faster than human teams alone. While this creates new challenges, it also unlocks smarter, more proactive defence strategies.
What cybersecurity qualifications and skills can increase my salary?

Increasing your cybersecurity salary often comes from deepening specialised skills. Certifications like CISSP, CISM, CEH or cloud-security credentials signal senior capability, while advanced strengths in threat intelligence, incident response and AI-driven security are highly valued. Building leadership experience and staying across emerging technologies is also a good way to boost your earning potential and open pathways into higher-level security roles.

Cybersecurity career pathways

ICT Security Specialist

What does an ICT Security Specialist do?

ICT Security Specialist average salary

ICT Security Specialist required skills

Cybersecurity Analyst

What does a Cybersecurity Analyst do?

Cybersecurity Analyst average salary

Cybersecurity Analyst required skills

Chief Security Officer

What does a Chief Security Officer do?

Chief Security Officer average salary

Chief Security Officer required skills

Qualifications to get into cybersecurity industry

Industry bodies and partners

Frequently asked questions and insights

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia

Cybersecurity career paths and roles

Cybersecurity career pathways

ICT Security Specialist

What does an ICT Security Specialist do?

ICT Security Specialist average salary

ICT Security Specialist required skills

Cybersecurity Analyst

What does a Cybersecurity Analyst do?

Cybersecurity Analyst average salary

Cybersecurity Analyst required skills

Chief Security Officer

What does a Chief Security Officer do?

Chief Security Officer average salary

Chief Security Officer required skills

Qualifications to get into cybersecurity industry

Industry bodies and partners

AISA

ACS

Paolo Alto

Frequently asked questions and insights

Study

Students

International students

Torrens University Australia