Explore career options in the growing field of cybersecurity with this library of resources.
As more and more business is conducted on the cloud, cybersecurity has become a primary concern for companies across multiple industries. If you're interested in a fast-paced, well-paid career focused on protecting a company's valuable data and systems, consider a career in cybersecurity.
To make it easier to take the next step, below you'll browse a wealth of free cybersecurity resources covering career paths, popular credentials, and how-to guides for landing your next cybersecurity job. As you're exploring this impactful career, consider bookmarking this page to refer to it later throughout your professional journey.
If you'd like to build in-demand cybersecurity skills today, enroll in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. Learn foundational cybersecurity practices, identify common risks, and explore how to protect networks, devices, data, and people in this impactful program.
professional certificate
Get on the fast track to a career in cybersecurity. In this certificate program, you'll learn in-demand skills, and get AI training from Google experts. Learn at your own pace, no degree or experience required.
4.8
(46,535 ratings)
1,064,552 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Computer Security Incident Management, Network Security, Security Controls, Cyber Attacks, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Threat Detection, Cybersecurity, Debugging, Linux, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Python Programming, Threat Modeling, Event Monitoring, Threat Management, Relational Databases, Vulnerability Management, Security Awareness, Incident Response, SQL, Interviewing Skills, Artificial Intelligence, Dashboard, Data Ethics, Cyber Security Strategy, Professional Networking, Stakeholder Communications, Operational Risk, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Splunk, Technical Documentation, Network Analysis, TCP/IP, Incident Management, Continuous Monitoring, Record Keeping, Network Monitoring, Planning, Resilience, Professional Development, Communication, Social Media Content, Applicant Tracking Systems, Generative AI, Problem Solving, Prompt Engineering, Security Management, Computer Security, Information Systems Security, Enterprise Security, Cyber Security Assessment, Data Security, Risk Management Framework, Information Privacy, Operating Systems, Linux Commands, Databases, File Systems, Authorization (Computing), Command-Line Interface, User Accounts, Risk Management, Compliance Auditing, Information Assurance, System Monitoring, Infrastructure Security, Application Security, Hardening, Computer Networking, Network Protocols, Network Architecture, Network Model, Cloud Security, Network Administration, Vulnerability Assessments, Encryption, Authentications, Cyber Risk, Malware Protection, NIST 800-53, Cryptography, Personally Identifiable Information, Scripting, File Management, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, IT Automation, Data Structures, Automation
Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand from employers.
According to research from The Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), 46 percent of surveyed enterprises have unfilled cybersecurity jobs in 2024 [1]. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 33 percent job growth between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average across all occupations [2]. Between May 2023 and April 2024, 469,930 jobs opened for workers with cybersecurity-related skills [3].
If generous financial compensation is a high priority in your career considerations, a career in cybersecurity could be a good fit. The median annual pay for information security analysts in the United States was $124,910 as of May 2024, according to the US BLS [2].
Learn more about what you can expect to earn as a cybersecurity professional with these pay guides:
Empower your job search with this collection of resources on getting started in cybersecurity:
Based on the job outlook, it's a great time to enter the field of cybersecurity. Discover what it takes to start your career with this helpful guide: How to Get into Cybersecurity
Fifty-six percent of cybersecurity specialists have a bachelor's degree, and 23 percent have an associate degree [4]. Relevant areas of study include computer science, computer information systems, and information technology.
In cybersecurity, the right credential can help set you apart from other job seekers and make your resume more attractive to hiring managers. You can learn more about how to set yourself up for success with a degree or certification in cybersecurity in the following articles:
Cybersecurity is a broad field with many areas of specialization. Whether you're looking for an entry-level job or ready to advance into a new area of information security, you have options. Explore some possibilities with these resources:
These are some job titles you might consider if you're just getting started in cybersecurity. Remember that many cybersecurity professionals get started in information technology (IT) roles to gain experience before moving into security:
professional certificate
Launch your career as a cybersecurity analyst. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from Microsoft. No prior experience required.
4.7
(2,070 ratings)
109,532 already enrolled
Beginner level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Computer Security Incident Management, Network Security, Active Directory, Penetration Testing, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Generative AI, Cloud Security, Security Management, Compliance Management, Threat Modeling, Threat Management, Azure Active Directory, Cryptography, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Authentications, Records Management, Cyber Security Strategy, MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Vulnerability Management, Disaster Recovery, Data Governance, Data Management, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Security, Security Controls, Information Privacy, Cyber Security Policies, Business Continuity Planning, Cloud Computing Architecture, Information Assurance, Regulatory Requirements, Security Strategy, Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Threat Detection, Microsoft Azure, Firewall, General Networking, Computer Networking, Virtual Machines, Virtualization, Network Protocols, Network Architecture, Cloud Services, Network Monitoring, Digital Transformation, Multi-Factor Authentication, Identity and Access Management, System Monitoring, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Regulatory Compliance, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Cyber Attacks, Endpoint Security, Malware Protection, Event Management, Internet Of Things, Application Security, Vulnerability Assessments, Asset Management, Infrastructure Security, User Provisioning, Single Sign-On (SSO), Software As A Service, User Accounts, Enterprise Security, Cloud Management, Authorization (Computing), Encryption, Information Systems Security, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, System Testing, Security Testing, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Incident Response, Cyber Security Assessment, Operating Systems, Data Storage, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Servers, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Storage, Information Technology, Computer Systems, Computer Security Awareness Training, Information Systems, Computer Architecture
Consider these mid-level roles after gaining some work experience in security or IT:
specialization
Master the industry-standard cybersecurity skills. In this Certified Ethical Hacker course, learn the concept of Ethical Hacking, including penetration testing, footprinting, reconnaissance, scanning networks, enumeration, system hacking, malware threats, sniffing, social engineering, web application hacking, and much more required for the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v12 exam.
4.7
(205 ratings)
10,549 already enrolled
Intermediate level
Average time: 2 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Network Security, Vulnerability Assessments, Cyber Attacks, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Threat Detection, Cyber Security Assessment, Penetration Testing, Mobile Security, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Android (Operating System), Distributed Denial-Of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Cloud Security, Security Testing, Malware Protection, Cryptography, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Git (Version Control System), Problem Solving, Information Systems Security, Network Analysis, Human Factors (Security), Web Servers, Application Security, Security Awareness, Web Applications, Virtualization, Virtual Machines, SQL, Encryption, Internet Of Things, Wireless Networks, Scenario Testing
You'll find a variety of areas in which you could specialize as a cybersecurity expert. Here are a few advanced roles to explore:
professional certificate
Advance your IT career with Azure Security skills. Prepare for the AZ-500: Microsoft Azure Security Technologies certification exam.
4.5
(113 ratings)
12,235 already enrolled
Intermediate level
Average time: 6 month(s)
Learn at your own pace
Skills you'll build:
Network Security, Data Security, Active Directory, Vulnerability Assessments, Threat Detection, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Kubernetes, Identity and Access Management, Cloud Security, Microsoft Azure, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Security Management, Threat Modeling, Event Monitoring, Group Policy, Azure Active Directory, System Monitoring, Multi-Factor Authentication, Continuous Monitoring, Application Security, Cyber Governance, Authorization (Computing), Data Governance, Authentications, Key Management, Firewall, Cloud Storage, Databases, Data Loss Prevention, Data Encryption Standard, OAuth, Security Controls, Web Applications, Single Sign-On (SSO), Encryption, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Zero Trust Network Access, Containerization, Infrastructure Security, Virtual Machines, Self Service Technologies, Hybrid Cloud Computing, User Provisioning, User Accounts, Security Engineering, Incident Response, Interactive Data Visualization, Malware Protection
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ISACA. "Nearly Two-thirds of Cybersecurity Pros Say Job Stress is Growing, According to New ISACA Research, https://www.isaca.org/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/ 2024/nearly-two-thirds-of-cybersecurity-pros-say-job-stress-is-growing-according-to-new-isaca-research." Accessed May 4, 2025.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Information Security Analysts, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm." Accessed May 4, 2025.
CyberSeek. "Hack the Gap Tool Index, https://www.cyberseek.org/index.html#aboutit." Accessed May 4, 2025.
Zippia. "Cybersecurity Specialist Education Requirements, https://www.zippia.com/cyber-security-specialist-jobs/education/." Accessed May 4, 2025.
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