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
Cybersecurity Awareness Advocate
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
Security Compliance Advocate
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
Cybersecurity Analyst
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
Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
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+
Security Engineer
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+
Malware Reverse Engineer
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.
CyberCX
Auckland // Wellington // Christchurch
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)
CyberGrape
Oakura
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)
InPhySec (Fujitsu Cyber)
Wellington
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
Datacom Group
Auckland // Wellington // Christchurch
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
DEFEND
Auckland // Wellington // Christchurch
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
Emisoft
Nelson
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)
Kordia
Auckland // Wellington // Christchurch
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
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
Auckland // Wellington
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
Tesserent
Auckland // Wellington // Christchurch
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)
Outfox
Wellington // National via remote working
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.