Computer and information systems professionals

How to become a cybersecurity specialist

Official title: Cybersecurity specialists

Also called: Cybersecurity analyst, Cybersecurity consultant, Cybersecurity specialist, Information technology (it) security specialist, Information technology (it) project manager - cybersecurity, Network security analyst, Systems security analyst, Systems security planner, Internet security analyst, Network security engineer, Systems security engineer, Informatics security analyst

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.

Main tasks

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

How to become one

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.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Ways in

University: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada

Pay · Outlook

Median pay: $96,564 a year The middle half earn $74,997 to $120,003.
About 31,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 40,400 are projected by 2033. (+27%)
Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.

Questions people ask

How do I become a cybersecurity specialist?

How much does a cybersecurity specialist earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $96,564 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $74,997 to $120,003.

Is a cybersecurity specialist a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 27% by 2033, from about 31,800 to about 40,400 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become a cybersecurity specialist?

Not always. 59% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees.

Sources

Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03