Explore Your Path in Cybersecurity

From entry level analysts to ethical hackers, discover how you can protect the digital world

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Why Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is one of today’s most dynamic and essential fields. As our world becomes increasingly digital, protecting sensitive data, systems, and people from online threats has never been more critical. Cybersecurity offers endless possibilities for growth, challenge, and purpose.

High Demand & Growth

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing career paths worldwide. Every organization, from schools to governments, needs skilled professionals to defend their systems. The field continues to expand as technology evolves, creating a steady demand for experts who can outsmart cyber threats.

Real-World Impact

A career in cybersecurity means protecting real people and communities. Professionals in this field stop hackers, safeguard hospitals and businesses, and defend critical infrastructure that keeps our world running. It’s not just about technology; it’s about making a difference.

Strong Salaries & Skills

Cybersecurity careers combine technical knowledge with strategic thinking, and they’re well-rewarded. Entry-level professionals can earn competitive salaries, and experienced experts are among the most sought-after specialists in the tech industry. The skills you gain are adaptable across countless sectors.

Career Path Overview

Entry Level

Start your cybersecurity journey by mastering the basics of network defense, system monitoring, and threat detection.
Develop the foundation you need to protect digital systems and grow into advanced roles.

  • Protects networks and systems from security breaches

  • Investigates online crimes, digital fraud, and hacking attempts by analyzing data and tracing cybercriminal activity.

  • Monitors systems for suspicious activity and responds quickly to security breaches to minimize damage and downtime.

  • Implements and maintains basic security controls such as firewalls, passwords, and access permissions across networks.

  • Reviews information systems to ensure compliance with security standards and identifies weaknesses in policies or processes.

Intermediate

Take your skills further by solving real-world security challenges, managing incidents, and advising organizations.
At this stage, you build expertise through certifications, projects, and professional experience.

  • Advises organizations on risk management and best practices

  • Simulates cyberattacks to identify and fix vulnerabilities before malicious hackers can exploit them.

  • Advises organizations and law enforcement on cybercrime prevention, response, and investigation strategies.

  • Oversees daily security operations, manages firewalls and antivirus systems, and ensures compliance with internal security protocols.

Advanced

Lead complex security strategies, design resilient infrastructures, and anticipate future cyber threats.
Advanced professionals shape cybersecurity policies, architectures, and organizational defenses.

  • Designs secure systems or simulates cyberattacks to find vulnerabilities

  • Leads cybersecurity teams, develops security strategies, and aligns protection measures with business goals.

  • Designs and implements encryption systems that protect sensitive data and ensure secure communications.

  • Designs enterprise-level security frameworks and ensures that technology systems are built with protection at their core.

How To Get Started

High School Classes

Math and Science Courses
Computer Science Courses
Any Technology Courses

Scholarships

University Majors

Information Technology
Cybersecurity/Information Security
Business Technology Management
Computer Science
Computer Engineering
Software Engineering

Communications Security Establishment (CSE)
Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Public Safety Canada (PS)
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Federal Student Work Exchange Program (FWEP)

Women in Cybersecurity
RBC Graduate Scholarship

Certifications

Cybersecurity Student Internships

ISC Certifications (e.g., CISSP)
ISACA Certifications (e.g., CISM, CISA)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
CompTIA Security+ (Security+)
Offensive Security Certifications (e.g., OSCP)

Required Skills

Problem solving

The ability to solve technical problems efficiently.

Analytical skills

These include the ability to conduct risk analysis, enabling the identification, assessment, and mitigation of potential risks through the implementation of well-defined strategies and control measures. 

Coding proficiency

Familiarity with coding and command-line usage. Knowledge of coding languages, such as Python and JavaScript is beneficial.

System and application management

Competence in configuring and maintaining organizational PCs, virtual machines, and personal mobile devices.

Automation skills

The ability to automate tasks is essential for reducing human errors and potential threats.

Security awareness and control

A cybersecurity professional should possess knowledge of routers, firewalls, cloud platforms, and the internet of things (IoT). Further, understanding policies is crucial to prevent violations and protect against malicious attacks.