How to become a cybersecurity engineer
Becoming a cybersecurity engineer requires education and experience. Explore how you can train for an in-demand career.
Browse online cybersecurity engineering programs and courses
Organizations of all sizes, from national governments to small businesses, hire cybersecurity engineers to protect their digital data. Cybersecurity's importance makes it an excellent choice for learners who want to make a difference through their careers.
Dive into how to become a cybersecurity engineer, learn what makes the field unique, and discover potential career paths.
What do cybersecurity engineers do?
Cybersecurity engineers perform many vital functions for their employer:
- Researching the latest cybersecurity best practices
- Recommending hardware and software solutions to senior managers
- Detecting system attacks and responding accordingly
- Educating employees on cybersecurity measures
Succeeding in this role requires technical skills in network security and operating systems. Professionals also need advanced problem-solving and communication skills to respond to hacking attempts and other unexpected events.
Job titles can vary by employer and role. Cybersecurity engineers employed as information security analysts work in an office setting. Top employers include computer system design, financial, and insurance firms.
Cybersecurity engineer vs. software engineer
Although both cybersecurity and software engineering require a background in computer science and information technology, vital differences set the fields apart as potential career paths.
| Aspect | Cybersecurity engineer | Software engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Specialization | Specialize in critical infrastructure, application, network, and cloud security | Specialize in software, video game, and full-stack development |
| Scheduling & availability | Are required to remain on call to respond to hacking attempts and other emergencies | Can work a more traditional schedule |
| Education requirements | Can qualify for the majority of open positions with only a bachelor's degree or university certificate | May need a master's to qualify for the highest-paying positions |
Now that you know the difference between cybersecurity and software engineering, learn how to become a cybersecurity engineer in just four steps.
Steps to become a cybersecurity engineer
Step 1: Explore courses and certificates
Start your education by exploring cybersecurity courses and certificates. These low-cost programs are a great way to develop your skills, especially if you lack a background in computer science or information technology. They also feature flexible curricula, meaning you can schedule coursework around work or family.
Stand-alone courses for beginners include:
- Beginner's guide to cybersecurity
- Ethical hacking
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
Once you've taken a few courses, expand your knowledge with a college or university certificate. Certificates may award college credit, potentially helping you save money on a bachelor's degree program. Popular certificates include:
edX courses cost $50-$300 and last 4-12 weeks. Certificates cost $500-$1,500 and take 2-10 months to earn.
Step 1: Explore courses and certificates
Start your education by exploring cybersecurity courses and certificates. These low-cost programs are a great way to develop your skills, especially if you lack a background in computer science or information technology. They also feature flexible curricula, meaning you can schedule coursework around work or family.
Stand-alone courses for beginners include:
- Beginner's guide to cybersecurity
- Ethical hacking
- Cybersecurity fundamentals
Once you've taken a few courses, expand your knowledge with a college or university certificate. Certificates may award college credit, potentially helping you save money on a bachelor's degree program. Popular certificates include:
edX courses cost $50-$300 and last 4-12 weeks. Certificates cost $500-$1,500 and take 2-10 months to earn.
What jobs can you get as a cybersecurity engineer?
Many well-paying, in-demand career opportunities exist for workers with cybersecurity degrees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that information security analysts earned a median annual salary of $124,910 as of May 2024. The BLS projects 29% growth in the need for these professionals between 2024 and 2034 due to the increasing number of cyberattacks and retirements within the field.
Gaining cybersecurity experience may qualify you for more senior roles, such as computer and information systems manager. These professionals use their cybersecurity and information technology expertise to recommend hardware and software upgrades to senior managers. The BLS reports that information systems managers earned a median salary of $171,200 as of May 2024.
Find the right career path for you by exploring these and other opportunities while in school. Career advisors can help you develop a custom-tailored career path and choose courses that align with your goals.
Get started on edX
Now that you know how to become a cybersecurity engineer, find the right course or program to start your education on edX.
Frequently asked questions
Last updated September 17, 2025