Menu
  • All Courses
    • Accounting
    • Administration
    • Animal Care
    • Arts
    • AWS
    • Azure
    • Beauty
    • Bookkeeping
    • Building & Construction
    • Business
    • Business Administration
    • Change Management
    • Child Care
    • Cloud Computing
    • Coding
    • CompTIA
    • Counselling
    • Culinary Arts
    • Cyber Security
    • Data Science & Analytics
    • Dental Assisting
    • Design
    • Digital Marketing
    • Digital Media
    • Education
    • Event Management
    • Excel
    • Eyelash Extension
    • Fashion Design
    • Graphic Design
    • Health
    • Hospitality
    • Hospitality & Tourism
    • Human Resources
    • Interior Design
    • IT
    • Leadership
    • Legal
    • Life Coaching
    • Logistics
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Mental Health
    • MYOB
    • Networking
    • Nursing
    • Nutrition
    • Outdoor and Adventure Education
    • Payroll
    • Photography
    • PMBOK
    • PRINCE2®
    • Programming
    • Project Management
    • Psychology
    • Sales
    • Six Sigma
    • Small Business
    • Software Development
    • Sports & Fitness
    • Systems Administration
    • Technical Support
    • Travel
    • UX/UI
    • Veterinary
    • Web Design
    • Web Development
    • Work Health & Safety
    • Xero
  • Search Courses
  • Fees Free Courses
  • Workforce Training
  • Targeted Training Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF)
  • Education Providers
  • Advertise with Us
  • Affiliates
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  1. Home
  2. Industry Insider
  3. The Top 5 In-Demand Cybersecurity Careers in NZ
Career AdviceIndustry InsiderStudy TipsResources
Published 5 May 2021

The Top 5 In-Demand Cybersecurity Careers in NZ

by Hania Syed

Demand for cybersecurity talent has never been stronger. If you’ve got a solution-oriented mindset, a knack for technology and an appetite for excellence, one of these five booming cybersecurity jobs could be for you.

The top five in-demand cybersecurity careers in NZ

  • Cybersecurity analyst
  • Security consultant (management)
  • Chief information security officer (CISO)
  • Security auditor
  • Information assurance manager

Unlike what you see in the media, cybersecurity specialists aren’t hoodie-wearing enigmas that dwell in the shadows. There’s actually a great deal of nuance between cybersecurity jobs and plenty of room for diverse job seekers.


Where we get our data from

Industry and government reports point towards a clear need for cybersecurity talent. Read the Cybersecurity Talent Report by Hays or the Cybersecurity Skills Report by the Greater Wellington Regional Council for detailed insights.

1. Cybersecurity analyst

Cybersecurity analysts are the backbone of many organisations, establishing security frameworks to protect information systems and networks from being accessed by unauthorised parties. It’s possible to work as an entry-level analyst, all the way up to heading up an organisation’s cybersecurity department.

Cybersecurity analysts make between $92,000 and $137,000 per year, and with the current shortage of talent, there’s plenty of room to go far in the field.


average salary
$0k
lower range
 
average salary
$0k
higher range

To make it as a cybersecurity analyst, you should have the following skills:

  • Analysis and diagnosis of problems
  • Up-to-date understanding of cybersecurity threats
  • Knowledge of security operations and investigations

There are no specific qualifications required to become a cybersecurity consultant or analyst – any IT-related education will be handy. An industry-based certification can also help you climb up the ladder.

2. Security consultant (management)

Security consultants are the front line of defence across government departments, private corporations and more. They work to identify weaknesses in IT security systems, reducing the chance of being compromised in the first place.

Security consultants are typically mid-career cybersecurity professionals with 3-7 years of experience in the field. 

Security consultants make between $92,000-$137,000 a year, meaning even entry-level workers can expect to take home a generous paycheck. The role also sees high demand due to a current shortage of talent. 


average salary
$0k
lower range
 
average salary
$0k
higher range

Some of the skills you should have to be a security consultant include:

  • Knowledge of internet threats and hacking tools
  • Ability to use software and penetration tools like AppScan and Metasploit
  • Knowledge of coding languages such as Java or C++

A degree or diploma in network engineering, computer science or cybersecurity will help you get started, as well as a relevant industry-based certification.

3. Chief information security officer (CISO)

CISOs are senior-level executives in charge of establishing and maintaining the enterprise vision, strategy and program. They also maintain the integrity and security of IT systems throughout an organisation.

The average salary for a CISO is $182,466. The role is set to see continued growth, with Hays reporting that “the role of CISO has progressed in the corporate hierarchy” and that 53% of surveyed organisations now have a CISO at the helm.  


$0k
average salary

Some of the skills a successful CISO must have under their belt include:

  • Incident management (including identification, remediation and post-incident recovery)
  • Risk management
  • Knowledge of regulations and compliance

To work your way into this high-level position, you need to have a good deal of experience behind you already. This might include starting in an entry-level analyst position, working to detect and prevent cyber threats. Many CISOs also have a Master’s degree as well as leadership experience. 

4. Security auditor

Security auditors test IT systems to pinpoint weaknesses. This includes looking at firewalls, encryption protocols and other computer security measures. This role overlaps a great deal with penetration testing – while auditors maintain security standards, penetration testers aim to expose vulnerabilities within said standards. 

The average salary for a security auditor sits at around $95,000, and ongoing job opportunities are expected to be strong. 


$0k
average salary

As a security auditor, you’ll likely need the following skills:

  • Experience with risk management and mitigation
  • Ability to develop security recommendations
  • Up-to-date knowledge of threats and tactics

Security auditors are typically mid-career professionals with some experience as a systems, network or security administrator. A qualification and an industry-specific certification will also go a long way. 

5. Information assurance manager

Information assurance managers are tasked with protecting sensitive information. They are responsible for implementing security policies to mitigate risk and monitoring software and hardware to spot suspicious activity. This role comes with a lot of responsibility and is therefore suitable for seasoned information technology experts.

The average salary for information assurance managers is $120,536. This is an increase of 14% over the past five years, indicating strong ongoing growth. 


$0k
average salary

As an information assurance manager, you should possess the following skills:

  • Ability to plan disaster recovery
  • Leadership and management
  • Knowledge of latest cybersecurity threats

A Bachelor’s Degree in IT or network security is common among information assurance managers. A certification in security or systems management can also help you stay up to date.

There’s no better time than now to carve out your career in cybersecurity. Take the first step by familiarising yourself with some cybersecurity training pathways.

The Best Cybersecurity Courses
Hania Syed

Hania Syed is a Melbourne-based Freelance Writer with a passion for marketing and storytelling. When she’s not writing, she can be found exploring the city’s cafes or libraries.

Want to read more?

Here's some more articles similar to this one.

Resources

Quiz: Where is Your Skills Gap?

Why Take Action to Fill Your Own Skills Gap? Quiz: Find Your Skills Gap Six Skill Buckets for the Future of Work ‘Skills gap’ has been a buzz word across all industries…

by Penny Cannata 10 Nov 2020
Career Advice

The 11 Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand [2022 Edition]

When it comes to earning the big bucks, some jobs far outstrip others.  The average income in New Zealand sits at a modest $52,382. Meanwhile, a handful of in-demand, highly skilled roles…

by Adele Cochrane 11 Feb 2021
Industry Insider

“How I Built a Thriving Beauty Business”: Joelle Moke Shares Her Beauty Career Journey

Owning a thriving beauty salon or spa would be a dream come true for many people.  Imagine the fulfilment you’d get from watching your business grow as revenue streams in, and you…

by Laura Squair 12 Feb 2021

Latest Articles

Career Advice

The 10 Best Working From Home Jobs That Will Earn You a Living (2022)

Working from home jobs are rapidly becoming the norm all over the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has left a distinct mark on workplaces, with people realising productivity can happen outside of the…

by Penny Cannata 17 Jan 2022
Career Advice

8 Best Career Paths for People with Depression and Anxiety

Work is stressful. But when you’re living with depression, anxiety, or other mental illness impacting your mental health, your job can leave you feeling beyond defeated. Running around, meeting deadlines, sending emails…

by Alyssa Forato 12 Jan 2022
Career Advice

How to Become an Executive Assistant: Advice From an EA

Life as an executive assistant is fast-paced, exciting, varied and can bring in some pretty competitive coin. And with no linear career pathway to this role, opportunities to start a job as…

by Laura Squair 15 Jul 2021

More from Blog

Career AdviceIndustry InsiderStudy TipsResources
  • Popular Subjects
  • Study Locations
  • Qualification Levels
  • Popular Blogs
  • Accounting
  • Administration
  • Beauty
  • Bookkeeping
  • Business
  • Counselling
  • Culinary Arts
  • Event Management
  • Health
  • Human Resources
  • Management
  • MYOB
  • Payroll
  • Prince2
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Small Business
  • Sports & Fitness
  • Web Development
  • Xero
  • View More
  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Manukau
  • Nelson Bays
  • New Lynn
  • Tauranga
  • Wellington
  • Whangarei
  • View More
  • Certificate
  • Certificate IV
  • Certificate | Short Courses
  • Diploma
  • Graduate Diploma
  • Bachelor
  • Postgraduate
  • Short Courses
  • View More
  • 8 Best Career Paths for People with Depression and Anxiety
  • The 10 Best Working From Home Jobs That Will Earn You a Living (2022)
  • The 11 Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand [2022 Edition]
  • View More

Newsletter Sign Up

We'll email you updates on job trends, career advice, study tips, news and more.
Copyright © 2018 Training.co.nz About Contact Privacy Advertise Affiliates Terms Candlefox.com Training.com.au Tafecourses.com.au Coursesonline.co.uk

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

Training.co.nz
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Additional Cookies

This website uses the following additional cookies:

(List the cookies that you are using on the website here.)

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!