This article is part of an IT Career News series called Your Next Move. These articles take an inside look at the roles related to CompTIA certifications. Each article will include the responsibilities, qualifications, related job titles and salary range for the role. As you consider the next move in your IT career, check back with CompTIA to learn more about your job prospects and how to get there.
When entering the world of cybersecurity, there are many different ways to begin and advance your career. The CompTIA Cybersecurity Career Pathway can be a great resource to determine where you’re at. If you want to protect organizations from cyberattacks and threats, and follow the right path, then cybersecurity manager could be your next move.
What Is a Cybersecurity Manager?
A cybersecurity manager is in charge of the overall cyber safety of an organization. This is an advanced-level job role that includes managing a staff of cybersecurity professionals. Here are a few ways a cybersecurity manager supports an organization:
- Leads all facets of day-to-day cybersecurity operations
- Provides subject matter expertise in designing and implementing security safeguards to cloud, on-premises, endpoint, edge and mobile infrastructure
- Manages cybersecurity budget and creates metrics to track performance
- Maintains security protocols and policies
- Manages teams and projects
When it comes to project management, the cybersecurity manager determines the overall goals and plans of a cybersecurity department, along with being quick-minded when comes to discovering problems and resolving them efficiently.
How To Become a Cybersecurity Manager
Organizations are typically looking for someone with around 0-2 years' experience in a job role such as a cybersecurity analyst, penetration tester, network administrator, IT support specialist or a related job role. Some job postings seek candidates with 0-5 years of experience. Applicable industry-recognized certifications and training such as CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+), CISM or CISSP are great ways to stand out. As for education, a high school diploma, vocational training or a bachelor’s degree in a related field is what we usually see in cybersecurity manager job descriptions.
Cybersecurity managers should possess some important professional skills, including the ability to:
- Anticipate problems, communicate them and resolve appropriately
- Work independently and as part of a team
- Manage multiple concurrent objectives or activities, and effectively make judgment calls
- Take ownership of issues and responsibility for customer satisfaction and the overall success of services provided
In addition to credentials and important professional skills, a cybersecurity manager should have knowledge and experience in:
- Information security
- Information systems
- Project management
- Linux
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework
- Risk Management Framework
Presenting a good mix of professional and technical skills are often seen as beneficial when job hunting, as it can help a future cybersecurity manager assess how the organization operates and how to approach protecting the organization from cyberattacks and threats. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ can help you get started. Check out the CompTIA Career Roadmap to see what other certifications can help you become a cybersecurity manager.
In addition to certifications, CompTIA offers a full suite of training products to help you learn the skills you need to become a cybersecurity manager:
- CertMaster Learn: Learn at your pace with interactive lessons and videos.
- CertMaster Labs: Get hands-on practice using real software applications.
- CertMaster Practice: Test your knowledge and find out if you’re ready for the exam.
- The Official CompTIA Study Guide: Learn and review exam objectives with our comprehensive textbook.
- CompTIA Tech Career Academy: Learn the skills, get certified and receive practical career advice from experts in our eight-week program.
- CompTIA Live Online Training: Train in real time with experienced instructors online.
Want to see more? Check out our available training options offered in the CompTIA store.
The Details
Cybersecurity Manager Salary Range
According to CyberSeek, the median advertised salary for a cybersecurity manager is $138,070. This is measured in accordance with online job openings from January 2022 through December 2022. Although, many factors do influence wages including location, job-level, industry sector, employer size, specialty skills, years of experience and more.
Cybersecurity Manager Jobs
CyberSeek has collectively stated that there are 22,535 total job openings for a cybersecurity manager measured between a 12-month period as of 2022. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) mentions that a 16% increase in employment is expected based off a 10-year projected growth rate from 2021-2031. Cybersecurity manager positions offer both work-from-home or hybrid opportunities.
Job Titles Related to Cybersecurity Manager
+ Means More
At CompTIA, + means IT careers. That means you can consider us your partner on your journey to becoming certified, finding, interviewing for and winning that new job role.
- We help you save money. Getting a CompTIA certification is an investment in your career but getting a discount can help. There are several ways you can save money on your CompTIA purchases.
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- We help you land your next job. CompTIA certifications hold great value in the IT industry and are highly sought-after by recruiters. They signify a proven competence and expertise in various tech disciplines, making individuals who earn these certifications stand out in the job market.
Need more job inspiration? Check out CompTIA’s Tech Job Report video series now premiering on CompTIA Connect. Learn more about the latest data and trends in tech hiring and the implications for employers and the U.S. workforce with new episodes each month.
Read about more IT jobs featured in Your Next Move.
Will your next move be cybersecurity manager? If so, download the exam objectives for CompTIA Security+ to learn more.
