How to Become a Cybersecurity Technician

Cybersecurity is a growing field that offers the opportunity to earn a higher-than-average median salary and work in various industries. Cybersecurity technicians typically take on a variety of responsibilities and are expected to have a level of training and expertise that affords them the confidence to handle the wide range of security-related issues that might come their way. 

To become a cybersecurity technician, you will likely need formal education in a computer and information technology-related field. This might include a bachelor’s or associate degree, industry certifications, or even a master’s degree. Work experience and a robust professional network can also help you secure a position as a cybersecurity technician.

Discover more about how to become a cybersecurity technician and learn about the skills, salary, and job outlook for this essential role. 

What is a cybersecurity technician? 

A cybersecurity technician ensures that sensitive data remains secure from cyberattacks so that 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. 

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 a cybersecurity technician

To become a cybersecurity technician, you can benefit from not only strong technical skills but 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 an understanding of 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: In addition to 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), and operational technology (OT) systems, along with 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 having an understanding of 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 concepts related to disaster recovery, risk management, and business continuity. Knowledge of data security controls, data backup and retention methods, and data loss-prevention techniques may also fall under your responsibility as a cybersecurity technician.

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. As such, having strong analytical and problem-solving skills is essential to implementing security measures effectively. 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 supplying employees with knowledge on how they can potentially prevent a security breach. The ability to communicate 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 [1]. Degrees in areas such as computer science, computer information systems, or information technology 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 also 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. A variety of certification programs cater to both 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, it’s important that you 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 of the cybersecurity influencers that are popular today. Finally, attend cybersecurity conferences and workshops to help you stay on top of what is trending in cybersecurity.

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. If you have a degree in a computer-related field, a couple of years of experience in a technical role, and a cybersecurity certification, you can likely become a cybersecurity technician quickly.

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.d. Consider starting out in information technology (IT) and moving into more advanced roles as you can experience. 

Where does a cybersecurity tech work?

You will likely have a range of choices when it comes to choosing 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 are among the sectors that are particularly in need of quality cybersecurity professionals.

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

Cybersecurity technician salary and job outlook

The demand for information security professionals is expected to increase. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, it’s growing at a much faster rate than average, potentially reaching 33 percent by 2033 [2]. The rising threat of cyberattacks, along with 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 that is more than double the national average for all occupations. As of May 2023, information security professionals earned a median annual wage of $120,360 compared to the median annual salary of $48,060 for all occupations [2].

Cybersecurity technician salary and job outlook are, like those of many professions, affected by a number of factors, including your location, education, and experience. A cybersecurity technician’s entry-level salary, for instance, is $79,000 per year on average. Meanwhile, a senior-level cybersecurity technician can make an average yearly salary of $109,000 [3]. Professionals living in Washington, Washington DC, Utah, and Oregon currently earn an average yearly salary of over $100,000. In contrast, those living in Maine, New Hampshire, and Hawaii earn less than $80,000 on average per year for the same role [3]. 

Build skills to advance your cybersecurity technician career on Coursera.

Cybersecurity technicians play an important role in protecting organizations from threats and reducing the potential impact of breaches, should they occur. Learn more about skills that can help you succeed in this growing field with a beginner-level Professional Certificate on Coursera. The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate can help you understand the importance of cybersecurity practices and gain hands-on experience with Python, Linux, and SQL.