How to Get into Cybersecurity in NZ (With Insights from a Cybersecurity Specialist
Michael Yi
Cybersecurity is an industry that calls to the inquisitive – those with a knack for technology and an insatiable appetite for solving problems. If you’re looking for a change of pace and a chance to fully utilise your talents, you’ve likely already thought about getting into cybersecurity.
After all, there’s been heaps of buzz about the industry lately. But how can you cut through the noise and actually figure out what opportunities could be right for you?
We’ve got the complete breakdown of becoming a cybersecurity professional.
What do cybersecurity professionals do?
Cybersecurity is all about protecting network and computer systems from threats. This can be done proactively (through developing and implementing high levels of IT security or testing existing security measures for vulnerabilities) or retroactively (in the form of responding to and eliminating threats once they have occurred).
As we found out from speaking to a real-life cybersecurity professional, there’s a lot of variety within the field too. From ethical hacking to digital forensics, there are dozens of different pathways to consider.
What’s the job outlook for cybersecurity professionals?
2.14 million
CYBERSECURITY SPECIALISTS ARE NEEDED IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION ALONE
61%
OF BUSINESS LEADERS SAY IT’S ‘DIFFICULT’ OR ‘VERY DIFFICULT’ TO FIND CYBERSECURITY TALENT
In fact, experts warn that cybersecurity attacks will only increase. According to Accenture, hackers are deploying increasingly sophisticated attacks, exploiting corporate emails and wielding online extortion tactics.
2.14 million cybersecurity specialists are needed in the Asia Pacific region alone to combat these threats. On top of this, 45% of business leaders say they find it “difficult” to find cybersecurity talent, while 16% say it’s “very difficult”. This leaves plenty of room for newcomers to make their mark.
What’s the salary like for a cybersecurity professional in New Zealand?
Due to the massive skills shortage and ever-growing demand, cybersecurity professionals are often compensated handsomely. This figure ranges between $92,000-137,000 a year. Even entry-level workers tend to take home a generous paycheck!
What are some different cybersecurity roles?
Cybersecurity is a diverse world. Some roles you might want to consider include:
- Information security analyst
- Network security manager
- Information systems manager
- Penetration tester
- Security engineer
What does it take to be a cybersecurity professional?
What courses can help you become a cybersecurity professional?
Cybersecurity is a field in which a degree isn’t strictly necessary. Instead, it’s more about what you can actually bring to the table. Here’s a rough guide of the steps you might want to take:
1. The right education
A certificate, diploma or degree in an IT-related subject can help you get started. This might be in computer science, network engineering, cybersecurity or the like. It’s also worth noting that 16.2% of cybersecurity professionals today have a diploma, 9.5% have obtained a certificate, and 13.8% only have their year 12 certificate. This goes to show that a high-level degree isn’t the only way to get started!
2. The proper certifications
Due to the sensitive information you’ll be dealing with on a daily basis, having the right certifications and clearances are paramount. A relevant industry-based certification can help to complement your formal education.
3. The relevant experience
Experience is king in cybersecurity. This could be through work experience, a structured internship, a hackathon, or any other form of practical hands-on learning.
Ready to explore your education options to start in this exciting and lucrative field? Find out which qualifications we recommend based on your experience level.
Browse Results
Cyber Security Essentials Pathway
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Cloud Starter Collection
If you are looking for a career change into the Tech industry, or you are currently working in IT and want to up-skill and specialise, our pathway of four international vendor certifications from CompTIA, AWS and Microsoft are what you need to unlock y…
CompTIA Security+
If you are looking for a career change into the Tech industry, or you are currently working in IT and want to up-skill and specialise, our international vendor certification from CompTIA are what you need to unlock your potential and Reload your mind!…
Cyber Security Analyst Career Pathway
If you are looking for a career change into the Tech industry, or you are currently working in IT and want to up-skill and specialise, our pathway of four international vendor certifications from CompTIA are what you need to unlock your potential and R…
Cyber Security Analyst Pathway with CCNA
If you are looking for a career change into the Tech industry, or you are currently working in IT and want to up-skill and specialise, our pathway of four international vendor certifications from CompTIA are what you need to unlock your potential and R…
Cyber Security Foundation Pathway
If you are looking for a career change into the Tech industry, or you are currently working in IT and want to up-skill and specialise, our pathway of four international vendor certifications from CompTIA are what you need to unlock your potential and R…
Cyber Security Analyst AI Pathway
Why choose the Cyber Security Analyst AI Pathway? Whether you have experience of IT and Cyber Security or are completely new to both, the four course Cyber Security Analyst AI Pathway will ensure that you learn the fundamentals of computing, networking…
Cyber Security AI Pathway
Why choose the Cyber Security AI Pathway? For those with experience in IT, the Cyber Security AI Pathway will help you gain the most requested certifications for the skills that employers need. With certifications from tech and cyber giants such as Com…
CompTIA PenTest+ Certified Professional
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Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
If you are looking advance your career in the Tech industry and want to up-skill and specialise, our vendor certification from (ISC)² are what you need to unlock your potential and Reload your mind! You will gain real world hands-on skills through our…
Cloud Security Specialist Pathway
If you are looking for a career change into the Tech industry, or you are currently working in IT and want to up-skill and specialise, our pathway of four international vendor certifications from CompTIA are what you need to unlock your potential and R…
Cyber Security Advanced Blue Team
If you are looking for a career change into the Tech industry, or you are currently working in IT and want to up-skill and specialise, our pathway of four international vendor certifications from CompTIA are what you need to unlock your potential and R…
GRC Professional Pathway
If you are looking advance your career in the Tech industry and want to up-skill and specialise, our pathway of 3 international vendor certifications from CompTIA, ISACA and (ISC)² are what you need to unlock your potential and Reload your mind! You wi…
Security Operations Analyst Pathway
If you are looking for a career change into the Tech industry, or you are currently working in IT and want to up-skill and specialise, our pathway of four international vendor certifications from CompTIA are what you need to unlock your potential and R…
Cyber Defense Specialist Pathway
If you are looking for a career change into the Tech industry, or you are currently working in IT and want to up-skill and specialise, our pathway of four international vendor certifications from CompTIA are what you need to unlock your potential and R…
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Pathway
If you are looking for a career change into the Tech industry, or you are currently working in IT and want to up-skill and specialise, our pathway of four international vendor certifications from CompTIA are what you need to unlock your potential and R…
Certified Cyber Security Professional +Job Placement Program
Our Certified Cyber Security Professional course is designed to prepare you for a career in one of the world’s fastest-growing technology sectors. This interactive online programme can help you build the practical skills and industry knowledge needed t…
CompTIA PenTest+ Certified Professional + Job Placement
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PMP and Change Management Collection
The PMP collection is for experienced project managers who are looking to validate their skills and document their knowledge. You will learn how to expertly plan projects, brief in and oversee tasks, and control budgets closely to show real value to th…
Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH)
Why choose the Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH)? The Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) course is a globally recognised certification program offered by EC-Council. The course explores the attack technologies commonly used by hackers and helps you know how…
