Updated February 2024
Almost everyone is familiar with the idea of cybersecurity. Many of us have had our emails or social media accounts hacked or lost personal information in corporate data breaches.
Over the last few years, we’ve seen some major companies fall prey to cyber attacks, including Twitter, T-Mobile, Genworth Financial, and 23andMe.
How is it possible that even these organizations can't stay ahead of the hackers? It all comes down to talent.
We simply don’t have enough qualified people. There is a huge demand for cybersecurity specialists in Canada and across the globe.
Interested in IT security? This is the ideal time to start a career in this field. Here’s what you should know about cybersecurity jobs, training, skills, and salaries.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Demand for Cybersecurity Jobs in Canada
- What's Driving the Demand
- Most-Wanted Cybersecurity Positions
- Average Salary for Cybersecurity Jobs in Canada
- What Skills Do You Need for a Career in Cybersecurity?
- Cybersecurity Training
Demand for Cybersecurity Jobs IN Canada
What is the actual demand for cybersecurity jobs in Canada? Over the last few years, there have been many surveys and research reports done on this topic.
Here are a few of the latest stats:
- The Conference Board of Canada estimates that demand for cybersecurity pros will grow by almost three per cent annually between 2023 and 2028
- In a 2023 survey by TechTarget's Enterprise Strategy Group, 71 per cent of organizations claimed to be impacted by the shortage of cyber talent--up from 57 per cent in 2021
- The Government of Canada Job Bank expects the shortage of cybersecurity workers to continue right through 2031
what's driving the demand
Since 2020, more people have been working remotely and using online technologies for everything from shopping and entertainment to news and medical consultations. That means the threat surface for cyber criminals has expanded enormously over the past few years.
After all, the more we rely on technology, the more vulnerable we become to cyber criminals.
High-profile attacks have raised both public and corporate awareness of the importance of cybersecurity. This has prompted organizations to invest more in security measures--and try to hire more IT security professionals.
Most-Wanted Cybersecurity Positions
Given the massive demand for cybersecurity pros, it’s no surprise that there are opportunities in all departments and at all levels. From entry-level roles to senior executive positions, the industry is wide open.
According to TECHNATION, cybersecurity roles with the highest number of openings across Canada include:
- Operational technology systems analyst
- Security automation engineer
- Supply chain security analyst
- Cybersecurity operations analyst
- Information systems security developer
Average Salary for Cybersecurity jobs in Canada
The median salary for cybersecurity professionals in Canada is about $91,000, based on Job Bank data.
Those just starting out in the field make about $60,000, while the highest earners make over $143,000.
It's worth noting that the Conference Board says roles that require cybersecurity skills pay an average of 70 per cent more than all other job postings in the country.
What skills do you need for a career in cybersecurity?
Today's cybersecurity professionals need very specific technical skills to predict, detect, and mitigate data breaches. These include an understanding of:
- Current cybersecurity threats
- Best practices in cybersecurity for multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Unix
- Network monitoring and security tactics
- Best practices for web application security
- Cloud security
- Digital forensics
- The tools and techniques for ethical hacking
- Disaster recovery and system restoration procedures
But technical skills aren't the end of it, as Herzing instructor and experienced security analyst Sergio Gonzalez points out.
"The skills that are in demand are more related to being independent and proactive than any specific technical skills. Employers know that newcomers might not be familiar with the particular tool that company uses, but they expect you to be able to adapt with little training. They’re looking for people who can adapt quite quickly to a new environment," he explains.
"I'm trying to teach skills like critical thinking, problem solving, being autonomous, being independent. And those are more difficult to teach because you don't learn those skills in one month. It takes practice, practice, practice."
Cybersecurity Training
There is no shortage of cybersecurity training options. Do a quick online search and you’ll find dozens of programs, from two-week boot camps to four-year university degrees.
Looking for something in the middle?
Herzing College's cybersecurity program is delivered online and takes just 12 months to complete. It’s an accelerated diploma that includes 940 hours of hands-on cybersecurity training (labs) and 100 hours of internship.
"We teach a lot of things in one year and it’s quite fast-paced. That’s probably one of the biggest challenges students have. They finish one course and then the very next day they start a new course on a totally different topic," says Sergio.
"For example, right now they are learning Windows security. Next week they will be in Linux security, then cloud security, then network security. And these all use different skills and different tools."
Herzing graduate Ayodele Daini, who now works in IT security for a major Crown corporation, agrees that the program is intense but worthwhile.
"The workload is very heavy and it drains students. It makes you feel like your head is going to explode at times because you have a lot to take in," he says.
"[But] I am very familiar now with the fundamentals of security. I am very good with network security and using virtual machines. I also developed skills in forensic auditing. It gave me a very solid background in cybersecurity."
How do you get started?
If you’re interested in cybersecurity training, we strongly suggest talking with a qualified admissions advisor.
Admissions will guide you through training options, careers, tuition costs, and available financial aid. They can also help you determine if this program fits your strengths and goals.
Click below to explore Herzing’s cybersecurity training program and chat live with an advisor. We're here to help!
