If you’ve spent years in IT and are looking for a fresh challenge that builds on your expertise, cybersecurity offers a compelling career progression. Cybersecurity could be the perfect next step for your career. The digital security landscape is growing rapidly, and your deep IT knowledge positions you well to make a meaningful impact.
Here is all you need to know about cyber security certifications and how you can find the right path.
Why Does Cyber Security Matter?
Cyber security is more than a few firewalls and passwords. It’s an industry that is only growing and responsible for protecting sensitive information, protecting operations, and keeping businesses safe.
From finance to healthcare to education, cyber security is highly important. Professionals in this space are responsible for identifying vulnerabilities, responding to incidents, protecting networks, and helping organisations stay compliant with evolving regulations.
With demand for certified cyber experts soaring, adding recognised qualifications to your skillset can significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential.
How to Progress Your Cyber Security Career as an IT Professional
Building on your IT expertise, you can focus on cybersecurity roles that match your interests and skills. The key is building on what you know and strategically upskilling with certifications that employers value.
You don’t need to start from scratch. Many cyber roles are a natural next step for IT professionals like you. By completing targeted training and courses you can bridge the gap between general IT and cyber-specific responsibilities. From there, you can move into roles like Security Analyst, SOC Analyst, or even IT Specialist with security oversight.
How Much Can You Make In Cyber Security in Australia?
According to stats on Talent, the average annual income for cyber security in Australia is $135,914, which would equate to $69.70 per hour. However, for entry-level jobs, you could be looking more around the $87,000 mark per year.
Choosing the Right Cyber Security Career Path
One of the great things about a career in cyber security is its variety. There are countless paths for you to choose from, depending on what you are interested in. Reflect on your current skills and interests to identify which areas suit you best. To get your thinking, here are some questions you can ask yourself to help narrow down what career you want in cyber security:
- Do you prefer high-pressure, incident-response environments or strategic, governance-driven roles?
- Would you rather specialise in a particular domain or maintain a broad security portfolio?
- What leadership aspirations do you have for the future?
Your IT background will help you navigate these choices more effectively, and certifications can guide your focus toward roles that align with your strengths and goals.
Many cyber professionals start in one area and shift as their interests evolve. The key is to keep learning, stay curious, and gain experience through certifications and practical training. Cyber security thrives on diverse backgrounds.
Cyber Security Pathways
Here are some of the top three pathways and certificates that might interest you now or in the future as you progress in your cyber security career development.
1. CISSP
CISSP or Certified Information Systems Security Professional is one of the most well-known and widely recognised courses in the industry. CISSP validates your ability to safeguard critical infrastructure and data, and it’s ideal for those who want to be information security officers, security consultants, or cyber security architects.
CISSP covers the following learning areas:
- Security and Risk Management
- Asset Security
- Security Architecture and Engineering
- Communications and Network Security
- Identity and Access Management
- Security Assessment and Testing
- Security Operations
- Software Development Security
2. CISM
CISM or Certified Information Security Manager is designed for those who have 3-5 years of experience in the field. This is designed for those who are looking at leadership roles and will help you demonstrate your ability to manage and develop enterprise-level security programs.
This course is suited to those who want to move beyond hands-on technical work and lead strategic security initiatives.
3. SABSA
The SABSA Foundation is a 5-day course designed for those involved in designing security architectures and aligning them with business goals.
With SABSA, there are five career streams:
- Advanced Risk, Assurance & Governance
- Advanced Architectural Design
- Advanced Architecture Programme Management
- Advanced Incident, Monitoring & Investigations Architecture
- Advanced Business Continuity & Crisis Management
Get Certified with ALC
Your IT experience is a valuable asset as you explore cybersecurity. Whether you want to refresh your skills or gain new certifications, ALC offers tailored courses designed to help IT professionals pivot successfully into cyber roles.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. The demand for cyber security professionals is growing rapidly, and there’s never been a better time to invest in your future. ALC can get you started in your cyber security career journey.
You can Contact Us for any questions you have about your learning experience. Get started with your training today!