Cyber security career planner

This guide shows you some cybersecurity career options from entry-level to technical expert.

It includes what each job is about, what to study, and how much you might earn in New Zealand.

It also includes a list of some example NZ cybersecurity companies.

Example careers

What you do

Teach people how to stay safe online.

Topics to study

Online safety and digital hygiene

Social engineering (phishing, scams)

Communication and presentation skills

Training

Google Cybersecurity Certificate

CyberSmart NZ

Average NZ salary

$55,000 – $70,000

What you do

Make sure organisations follow laws and rules about data protection.

Topics to study

NZ Privacy Act

ISO 27001

Basic risk assessment

Training

Diploma in IT or Business

Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)

Average NZ salary

$65,000 – $85,000

What you do

Monitor systems, detect threats, and respond to incidents.

Topics to study

Networking and operating systems

SIEM tools (like Splunk)

Threat detection

Training

Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity

CompTIA Security+

Certified SOC Analyst (CSA)

Average NZ salary

$85,000 – $100,000

What you do

Test systems for weaknesses, ethically hack to find and fix flaws.

Topics to study

Linux

Scripting languages

Web application security

Training

IT degree

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

eJPT

Average NZ salary

$90,000 – $120,000+

What you do

Design secure networks and systems.

Topics to study

Cloud security (AWS, Azure)

Firewalls

Encryption

Secure coding

Training

Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity/Engineering

CISSP

AWS Security Certs

Average NZ salary

$110,000 – $140,000+

What you do

Deconstruct viruses to understand how they work.

Topics to study

Assembly language

Malware analysis tools (IDA Pro, Ghidra)

Training

Advanced cybersecurity training

GREM certification

Average NZ salary

$120,000 – $150,000+

Next steps

Choose 1-2 roles that excite you most.

Start studying online or enrol in a relevant course.

Follow cybersecurity influencers on social media for hints and tips.

Join NZ cybersecurity events or Discord communities to connect with others.

Your future in cyber starts now – stay curious, stay secure!

Example cybersecurity companies

Here’s a curated list of some of the cybersecurity companies operating in New Zealand, including their locations and the types of roles they typically hire for.

This list is not exhaustive, and is merely to give you an idea of what cybersecurity careers are available in NZ.

Overview

A leading provider of cybersecurity services across New Zealand and Australia, offering consulting, incident response, penetration testing, and managed security services.

Typical roles

Security Consultants

Penetration Testers

Incident Responders

Security Engineers

Training recommendations

Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity or Computer Science

Certifications like CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Overview

Offers managed services focusing on third-party risk management and cybersecurity solutions.

Typical roles

Risk Analysts

Compliance Officers

Security Consultants

Training recommendations

Bachelor’s in Risk Management, Cybersecurity, or related field

Certifications like CISM, Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Overview

Provides information, physical, and cybersecurity services, including consulting and managed security solutions.

Typical roles

Security Consultants

Risk Analysts

Compliance Specialists

Training recommendations

Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity, Risk Management, or related field

Certifications like Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), CISSP

Overview

One of New Zealand’s largest IT services companies, providing a range of services including cybersecurity solutions.

Typical roles

Security Analysts

Network Security Engineers

Security Consultants

Training recommendations

Bachelor’s in Information Technology or related field

Certifications like CompTIA Security+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security

Overview

Provide cybersecurity and cyber resilience services to government, enterprises, SMEs, and Not-for-Profit organisations. Partnered with One NZ.

Typical roles

Cybersecurity Analysts

Security Engineers

Network architects

Training recommendations

Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity, Risk Management, or related field

Certifications like Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), CISSP

Overview

A cybersecurity company specializing in anti-malware solutions and ransomware decryption tools.

Typical roles

Malware Analysts

Software Developers

Security Researchers

Training recommendations

Bachelor’s in Computer Science or Software Engineering

Certifications like GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM)

Overview

A state-owned enterprise offering telecommunications and cybersecurity services, including managed security and consulting.

Typical roles

Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analysts

Security Consultants

Infrastructure Security Engineers

Training recommendations

Bachelor’s in Network Engineering or Cybersecurity

Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP

Overview

Provides cyber security services to all New Zealanders – from individuals to small and medium businesses and organisations, large enterprises, government, and nationally significant organisations.

The NCSC is run by the NZ Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB).

Typical roles / Training recommendations

See https://beyondordinary.nzic.govt.nz/

Overview

Provides a full suite of cybersecurity services to medium and enterprise-level organizations across various industries.

Typical roles

Security Analysts

Cloud Security Engineers

Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Specialists

Training recommendations

Bachelor’s in Information Security or related field

Certifications like CISSP, Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

Overview

Provides cyber resilience training, consultancy services, and certifications for non-technical individuals and small to medium businesses.

Typical roles

Cyber Resilience Specialist

Cyber Resilience Advisor

Training recommendations

Bachelor’s or Certificate in Cybersecurity, Risk Management, or related field

Certifications like Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), CRiSC

Note: this page was generated with the assistance of AI tools. While the content has been checked as far as possible, some details may be out of date or incorrect.