Cybersecurity specialists

Strong job outlook

Overview

Cybersecurity specialists develop, plan, recommend, implement, improve and monitor security measures to protect an organization's computer networks, connected devices and information to prevent unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of the information or of the systems on which the information resides. They are employed in information technology consulting firms and in information technology units throughout the public and private sectors.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Confer with clients to identify and document requirements, assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware

  • Apply encryption protocols, and manage keys to ensure security of data is maintained while at rest and in transit

  • Monitor access and credentials for information and systems

  • Install, test and operate security software and tools such as anti-virus and automated threat detection/prevent systems to ensure security measures are in place and working as intended

  • Monitor for cyber attacks, intrusions and unusual, unauthorised or illegal activity

  • Plan and carry out security measures in response to cybersecurity events and incidents in accordance with an organization's incident response plan to protect information, data and systems

  • Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.

Job titles

  • application security engineer
  • communicator research operator - Canadian Armed Forces
  • cyber operator - Canadian Armed Forces
  • cybersecurity analyst
  • cybersecurity consultant
  • cybersecurity specialist

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2023 edition

Annual salary

Low

$52,140

Median

$98,732

High

$144,386

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

Strong job outlook

British Columbia

331

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer security, computer systems engineering, information systems or completion of a college program in information technology, network administration or other computer science related program is usually required.

  • Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

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