How to Become a Cybersecurity Technician

Key takeaways

• You can become a cybersecurity technician by earning a degree in an area such as computer science or information technology and earning relevant certifications.

• The average cybersecurity technician salary data is around $124,910, based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for information security professionals, a category that includes cybersecurity technicians [1].

• Becoming a certified cybersecurity technician can help you attain an advanced role in the field.

Cybersecurity technician jobs entail implementing and maintaining security measures to keep systems secure and responding quickly to any incidents. Learn more about working as a cybersecurity technician and the skills you will need for this role.

If you’re ready to get your start, earn a Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, where you will have the opportunity to develop in-demand skills such as threat detection and management, network protocols, intrusion detection and prevention, and more.

What is a cybersecurity technician?

A cybersecurity technician ensures that sensitive data remains secure from cyberattacks so business operations can continue safely and efficiently. By implementing and maintaining security measures, monitoring for potential threats, and quickly responding to incidents, cybersecurity technicians help organizations mitigate the risk of falling victim to a cyberattack.

What does a cybersecurity technician do?

Key responsibilities that may fall under the cybersecurity technician job description include conducting security audits to identify weaknesses in an organization’s technology infrastructure and developing strategies to reduce these risks. This may involve installing and configuring firewalls and intrusion detection systems to protect against these security breaches. To protect sensitive data, including customer information and intellectual property, cybersecurity technicians implement encryption protocols, access controls, and measures to prevent data loss. Finally, cybersecurity technicians may also work to educate employees to raise awareness and stress the importance of topics such as strong passwords, safe web browsing, and the risks associated with phishing emails.

Required skills for cybersecurity technician jobs

To become a cybersecurity technician, you can benefit from strong technical skills and a diverse set of workplace skills. Aptitude in the following areas can help prepare you for a role as a cybersecurity technician.

Technical skills

• Cybersecurity methodologies: A common expectation for cybersecurity technicians is understanding documentation protocols, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework, and workflow frameworks like the Definition of Done (DoD).

• Information security fundamentals: Besides knowledge of information security threats, vulnerabilities, and attacks, cybersecurity technicians are typically familiar with different types of malware, cryptography, and public key infrastructure concepts, as well as identification, authentication, and authorization concepts.

• Application and device security: Cybersecurity technicians may also need to be familiar with the security design and testing techniques for various applications. This includes mobile devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), operational technology (OT) systems, and their respective security measures.

• Monitoring, assessment, and troubleshooting: You will likely need knowledge of network security assessment techniques and tools, such as threat hunting, threat intelligence, vulnerability assessment, ethical hacking, and penetration testing, to name a few. Additionally, you’ll need the ability to troubleshoot, monitor, and analyze suspicious network traffic.

• Network security: As a cybersecurity technician, you’ll benefit from understanding network security controls, wireless network fundamentals, wireless encryption, and other security measures. Becoming familiar with virtualization, cloud computing, and cloud security fundamentals may also be helpful.

• Incident handling and response: You’ll need to be comfortable with incident handling and response processes. It can also be beneficial to develop familiarity with digital evidence, computer forensics, and forensic investigations.

• Risk management and continuity planning: Understand disaster recovery, risk management, and business continuity concepts. As a cybersecurity technician, you may also be responsible for knowledge of data security controls, data backup and retention methods, and data loss-prevention techniques.

Workplace skills

• Analysis and problem-solving: As a cybersecurity technician, a significant part of your job will involve evaluating computer systems and networks for potential weaknesses, assessing risk, and investigating security incidents. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for effectively implementing security measures. They can also help you make more informed recommendations for improvements.

• Communication and collaboration: Part of your role may be to educate employees and other nontechnical staff about cybersecurity best practices. This may involve holding training sessions to raise awareness of potential threats and equipping employees with knowledge on preventing a security breach. Communicating effectively can help ensure your audience can effectively connect with your messaging.

• Attention to detail: The subtlety of cyberattacks can make them challenging to detect. The ability to pay careful attention to networks and systems while identifying small changes is important for a cybersecurity technician.

Steps to becoming a cybersecurity technician

Cybersecurity technicians typically have a higher education degree, with 56 percent holding a bachelor’s degree, 23 percent an associate degree, and 14 percent a master’s degree [2]. Degrees in areas such as computer science, computer information systems, or information technology (IT) are typical among those working in the profession. You can also choose from one of many degree programs designed specifically for someone looking to work in cybersecurity.

In addition to obtaining a post-high school education, you have other options to prepare for a job in this field. Examples include the following:

• Hands-on experience: Consider a cybersecurity internship to help you gain experience as you work toward a career in cybersecurity. IT experience, such as IT networking, systems engineering, security intelligence, and financial and risk analysis, can also help you earn experience that may help you secure a cybersecurity position.

• Cybersecurity technician certification: An industry-recognized certification can be essential to securing a role as a cybersecurity technician. Various certification programs cater to entry-level cybersecurity technicians and those with years of experience. Some popular options include Certified Cybersecurity Technician, Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA CySA+.

• Professional network: Given the ever-changing nature of cybersecurity, you must have a way to keep up with the latest developments in the industry. Cultivating a professional network can help you do this. Consider joining social media and local meet-up groups or following one or more popular cybersecurity influencers today. Finally, attend cybersecurity conferences and workshops to help you stay on top of what is trending in cybersecurity.

Is a 2-year degree in cybersecurity worth it?

A two-year degree, or an associate degree, is a viable option when pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Taking this educational path can help you develop the skills you need to start working in entry-level cybersecurity roles.

How long does it take to become a cybersecurity technician?

Depending on where you are in your journey to becoming a cybersecurity technician, the process could take several years or just a few months. You can likely become a cybersecurity technician quickly if you have a degree in a computer-related field, a couple of years of experience in a technical role, and a cybersecurity certification.

If you have yet to acquire these qualifications, don’t worry! Depending on your background, preparing for and completing certifications often takes only a few months. Consider starting in IT and moving into more advanced roles as you gain experience.

Where does a cybersecurity tech work?

You will likely have a range of choices regarding where to work as a cybersecurity technician. Nearly every industry uses the services of a cybersecurity technician, which can provide you with various options when seeking a position. Financial services, government, manufacturing, health care, and retail sectors particularly need quality cybersecurity professionals.

Cybersecurity professionals are concentrated in large organizations, with 59 percent employed at companies with 1,000 or more employees [2]. Almost 60 percent of those working in the field are at private companies, with 27 percent in technology and 15 percent in Fortune 500 companies and other professional organizations [2].

Cybersecurity technician salary and job outlook

The demand for information security professionals is expected to increase. The BLS projects a 29 percent increase in information security roles between 2024 and 2034 [1]. The rising threat of cyberattacks, the shift to remote work, and an increasing reliance on e-commerce account for much of the uptick in demand for cybersecurity professionals.

The need for cybersecurity professionals means you can expect a median annual salary exceeding the national average for all occupations. As of May 2024, information security professionals earned a median annual wage of $124,910 compared to the median yearly salary of $49,500 for all occupations [1].

Cybersecurity technician salary and job outlook are affected by several factors, like those of many professions, including your location, education, and experience. For instance, a cybersecurity technician’s average entry-level salary is $69,000 annually [3]. Meanwhile, a senior-level cybersecurity technician can make an average yearly salary of $125,000 [3]. Professionals living in Washington, D.C., Utah, and Oregon currently earn an average annual salary of over $100,000. In contrast, those living in Maine and New Hampshire earn less than $80,000 annually for the same role [3].

Read more: Pros and Cons of a Cybersecurity Career

Explore our free resources for cybersecurity technicians

Subscribe to our weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, for job search tips and updates on popular skills, tools, and certifications. Then, check out some of our other free resources to keep learning more about cybersecurity:

• Watch on YouTube: No Degree? How to Start a Career in Cybersecurity

• Take the quiz: Which Cybersecurity Course Should You Take? Find Out in 1 Minute

• Learn key terminology: Cybersecurity Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions

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