Publish on May 5, 2021

The Top 5 In-Demand Cybersecurity Careers in NZ

Guy Clennett

The 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.

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.

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. 

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.  

$182K

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. 

$95K

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. 

$120K

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.