When I first started exploring career options, I kept hearing about cybersecurity. Friends told me it was a “future-proof” path, LinkedIn was full of job postings, and industry experts claimed it was one of the fastest-growing fields. But, like anyone else considering a major career move, I asked myself: Is cybersecurity a good career choice?
After years of diving into the field—studying, earning certifications, and gaining hands-on experience—I can confidently share my perspective. This article isn’t just theory; it’s built on my own journey, including my mistakes, lessons, and successes. So, if you’re on the fence about pursuing cybersecurity, I’ll break down everything you need to know.
Is Cyber Security a Good Career?
Yes—absolutely. From my personal experience, cybersecurity offers stability, growth potential, and a chance to work on challenging problems that matter in the real world. Here’s why I believe this field is worth considering:
- High Demand: As businesses and governments increasingly rely on digital systems, the need for cybersecurity professionals is skyrocketing. India alone is expected to have around 1 million cybersecurity job openings by 2025 (DSCI Report).
- Job Security: Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Companies need skilled experts to protect against ransomware, data leaks, and phishing attacks—making this a stable career choice.
- Diverse Opportunities: From network security analysts to penetration testers, the field offers roles across industries like banking, healthcare, IT, and government.
- Lucrative Salary: Cybersecurity professionals earn highly competitive salaries, even at entry-level positions.
Is Cybersecurity a Good Career for Girls?
I heard the stereotype quite often when I was new to this space: Cybersecurity is a male-dominated space. And to be fair, the first boot camp that I attended had only two women in a group of thirty. That fact may be daunting. Yet here is the reality: cybersecurity is indeed a great profession among girls.
Why? These days, organizations are aggressively advocating diversity in technology. It has become apparent to companies that women have a different approach to problem-solving, particularly in risk-taking and security policy formulation. Actually, one of my mentors was a woman penetration tester who showed me how to deal with problems in a new way- her instructions altered my vision of my personal career development.
If you’re a girl considering cybersecurity:
- Don’t let the “boys’ club” myth scare you.
- Seek out mentorship programs like Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS).
- Remember: diversity is your strength, not your weakness.
I’ve seen firsthand how women are excelling in roles like security analysts, ethical hackers, and compliance managers. And trust me, the industry needs more of you.
Is Cybersecurity a Good Career with AI?
I was excited and feared when AI began to headline the news. Hype because AI would be faster in detecting threats and making smarter automation. The anxiety that I felt was that I was questioning the possibility of the human cybersecurity professional being rendered unnecessary by AI.
This is what I have learned: AI does not bring us to the sidelines- it collaborates with us.
An example of this is when I was working on a project related to intrusion detection, AI tools were used to detect suspicious activity in real time. However, it remained the responsibility of my team and me to interpret the alerts, remove false positives, and take suitable action. Those alerts would have been irrelevant without human judgment.
AI is transforming cybersecurity in ways like:
- Threat prediction: AI can analyze massive datasets and predict attack patterns.
- Automation: Routine tasks like log monitoring are faster and more efficient.
- Adaptive defenses: Systems that learn and evolve as hackers change tactics.
So, if you’re asking, is cybersecurity a good career with AI?—the answer is yes, absolutely. In fact, AI is creating new job opportunities, particularly for professionals who possess a solid understanding of both cybersecurity and machine learning fundamentals. I’ve started brushing up on AI concepts myself, and it’s already boosted my value as a professional.
Benefits of Cyber Security as a Career
From personal experience, choosing cybersecurity has offered several unique advantages:
1. High Demand and Growth Potential
With digitalization surging globally, cybersecurity professionals are in constant demand. This growth provides opportunities for career advancement, specialization, and even remote work options.
2. Diverse Roles and Responsibilities
Cybersecurity isn’t one-dimensional. You can specialize in network security, cloud security, ethical hacking, incident response, or security architecture. This variety keeps the work exciting and challenging.
3. Competitive Salary
The cybersecurity salary is attractive across all levels of expertise. Even entry-level roles can pay significantly higher than many traditional IT jobs, and experienced professionals can earn six-figure salaries.
4. Problem-Solving and Impact
Working in cybersecurity gives a sense of purpose and impact. Every time you prevent a breach or secure a system, you’re protecting people’s data, financial assets, and even national security. It’s a career that’s intellectually stimulating and meaningful.
Different Cyber Security Job Roles and Salary
One of the things I love about this field is that it doesn’t lock you into a single role. When I first entered cybersecurity, I thought the only options were becoming a “hacker” or a “security analyst.” But the truth is, the industry is full of exciting career paths—each with different responsibilities and salary ranges.
1. Cybersecurity Analyst
This is where many people, including myself, start. Analysts monitor networks, investigate alerts, and implement basic security measures.
- Average Salary: Around $70,000 – $110,000 per year.
- My experience: This role gave me the foundation to understand real-world attacks and defense mechanisms.
2. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
If you enjoy problem-solving and thinking like a hacker, this job is perfect. Pen testers simulate attacks to find weaknesses before criminals do.
- Average Salary: $80,000 – $130,000 per year.
- From my lab experiences, running penetration tests gave me that adrenaline rush—you’re basically paid to “break” things legally.
3. Security Engineer
These professionals design and build security systems. They handle firewalls, endpoint protection, and sometimes even develop custom tools.
- Average Salary: $90,000 – $150,000 per year.
- When I shadowed a senior engineer, I realized how technical and rewarding this role can be.
4. Incident Responder
This is the “firefighter” of cybersecurity. Incident responders jump in during breaches, contain the damage, and prevent future attacks.
- Average Salary: $85,000 – $140,000 per year.
- I remember working on a simulated ransomware attack—it was stressful, but solving it felt like saving a company’s life.
5. Cybersecurity Consultant
Consultants advise businesses on their overall security posture. They often work with multiple clients, making this role diverse and flexible.
- Average Salary: $95,000 – $160,000 per year.
- Personally, I’ve always admired this role because it combines technical expertise with business communication.
6. Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
This is the top leadership position in cybersecurity. CISOs oversee entire security teams, strategies, and budgets.
- Average Salary: $150,000 – $250,000+ per year.
- While I’m not there yet, my long-term goal is to work toward this leadership role.
In-Demand Courses or Certifications for Cybersecurity
When I was new to the field of cybersecurity as a career, I frequently asked my mentors, What courses or certifications do I need to get? With time, I came to know that the right certifications do not just put a plus in your resume but provide you with practical application to perform well in the profession.
The field of cybersecurity is wide, and the appropriate certification usually varies according to your interests: do you want to be a penetration tester or a network security engineer, or would you like to be a cybersecurity consultant? A list of some of these most popular cybersecurity courses and certifications today looks like:
1. CompTIA Security+
This is a beginner-friendly certification that covers the fundamentals of network security, threat management, and risk mitigation.
- Why it’s useful: It’s globally recognized and often the first step for newcomers entering the cybersecurity field.
- Personal insight: I took this course early on—it helped me understand basic threats and security protocols before diving into more advanced topics.
2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
The CEH certification teaches you to think like a hacker. You learn techniques used in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and ethical hacking.
- Why it’s useful: It’s ideal for those who want to work as ethical hackers or penetration testers.
- Personal insight: Running my first simulated attack during this training was a game-changer—it gave me confidence to handle real-world security challenges.
3. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
This is an advanced certification focused on penetration testing and practical hacking skills.
- Why it’s useful: Employers highly value OSCP-certified professionals because it demonstrates hands-on capabilities in real-world scenarios.
- Personal insight: Preparing for OSCP was intense, but it taught me to think critically under pressure—a skill that has been invaluable in my career.
4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
CISSP is more strategic and managerial, perfect for those aiming for leadership roles in cybersecurity.
- Why it’s useful: It covers security management, risk assessment, and policy development, preparing you for roles like CISO or security consultant.
- Personal insight: I pursued this certification later in my career, and it opened doors to strategic decision-making roles.
5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CISA focuses on auditing, control, and assurance for information systems.
- Why it’s useful: It’s ideal for cybersecurity professionals interested in compliance and governance roles.
- Personal insight: Working alongside a CISA-certified colleague taught me how critical auditing is for protecting an organization’s infrastructure.
6. Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT)
PNPT is an emerging certification designed for practical network testing skills.
- Why it’s useful: If your goal is hands-on penetration testing in corporate environments, this is a strong choice.
- Personal insight: I found PNPT particularly useful for understanding client-side security challenges and real-world corporate network structures.
Pros and Cons of a Cybersecurity Career
Now, let’s get real. Every career has its ups and downs. From my own journey, here are the pros and cons of a cybersecurity career.
Pros
- High demand: Cybersecurity professionals are needed everywhere, from startups to governments.
- Great pay: Salaries consistently outpace many other IT roles.
- Diverse roles: You can specialize in ethical hacking, forensics, compliance, cloud security, and more.
- Remote opportunities: Many jobs can be done from home.
Cons
- Stress levels: Protecting networks and responding to incidents can get intense. I remember my first penetration test—I barely slept until it was done.
- Continuous learning: Hackers evolve daily, which means you must keep upgrading your skills.
- High responsibility: One mistake could expose sensitive data. That weight can be heavy.
From my experience, the pros far outweigh the cons—but you need to be someone who enjoys challenges and thrives under pressure.
FAQs
1. What is the average cybersecurity salary?
Cybersecurity salaries are highly competitive. Entry-level positions often start around $70,000 per year, while experienced professionals and specialized roles like penetration testers or CISOs can earn $150,000–$250,000+ annually (Glassdoor Salary Report).
2. Is cybersecurity a good career with AI?
Yes! AI and machine learning are becoming integral to cybersecurity. Roles like AI security analyst or threat intelligence specialist combine cybersecurity expertise with AI skills, offering high demand and future-proof career paths.
3. What are the pros and cons of a cybersecurity career?
Pros:
- High job security and demand
- Attractive salaries
- Diverse and challenging roles
- Opportunities for growth and specialization
- Work that makes a real-world impact
Cons:
- It can be stressful due to high responsibility
- Continuous learning is required
- Some positions involve high-pressure situations (Pros and Cons of Cybersecurity)
4. How do I start a career in cybersecurity?
To start:
- Learn foundational skills in IT and networking.
- Complete cybersecurity certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH.
- Gain practical experience through internships, labs, or entry-level IT roles.
- Build a portfolio showcasing hands-on projects or penetration testing exercises.
5. Is cybersecurity a stressful career?
It can be, especially in roles like incident response or penetration testing, where quick decisions are required. However, the stress is balanced by the intellectual challenge, problem-solving opportunities, and a rewarding salary.
6. Is it too late to start a career in cybersecurity?
Not at all. People of all ages have successfully transitioned into cybersecurity. The field values skills, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities over age. Continuous learning and practical experience are key.
Conclusion
So, circling back: Is cybersecurity a good career? After living through the challenges, the growth, and the satisfaction of protecting digital systems, my answer is a resounding yes.
- For girls: it’s an empowering, rewarding path.
- With AI, it’s only getting stronger and more exciting.
- In terms of salary, it’s one of the most financially rewarding careers I’ve seen.
- Even with its challenges, the sense of purpose and career growth make it worthwhile.
If I could go back in time, I’d still choose cybersecurity—without hesitation. Because it’s not just a job. It’s a mission. A chance to defend what matters in a digital-first world.
