Reinventing Your Tech Career: Training for Cybersecurity’s High-Demand Roles
Cyber threats lurk around every digital corner, ensuring that cybersecurity engineers are always in the spotlight.
But that’s not the only reason they do.
Earning a lucrative $97,000-$159,000 annually (SimpliLearn, 2025) while facing a staggering 750,000 unfilled positions in the U.S. alone (Cybersecurity Ventures, 2025), these experts are now quite in demand!
Amid the wave of tech layoffs reshaping the industry, a golden opportunity emerges: a career pivot into this high-demand field.
The Techronicler team gathered top tech thought leaders and HR experts to answer a critical question: Which professionals can transition into cybersecurity, and what actionable tips can guide them to success?
Dive into their expert insights and unlock your path to a thriving future!
Read on!
Kaz Marzo - Image Acquire
A few years back, we transitioned our photography platform to a cloud-based system, and during that shift, we brought in a cybersecurity consultant—formerly a laid-off QA engineer—who had retrained in threat detection. That pivot saved our data during an attempted breach just months later.
Professionals with backgrounds in software engineering, QA, IT support, DevOps, and even network administration are well-positioned to transition into cybersecurity. Their foundational tech skills—like scripting, system architecture, and troubleshooting—are highly transferable. The key is to identify how their current skill set aligns with cybersecurity roles. For example, QA engineers already think like attackers—testing for flaws—making them natural fits for roles like penetration testing or vulnerability assessment.
I recommend starting with a foundational certification like CompTIA Security+ or Google’s Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, and leaning into hands-on platforms like TryHackMe or Hack The Box. Most importantly, join a community. Cybersecurity is collaborative by nature, and being part of the conversation accelerates both learning and opportunity.
Kaz Marzo
Position: Operations Manager, Image Acquire
Matt Erhard - Vancouver Recruiters
We’ve worked with several candidates in recent months at Summit Search Group who were in this exact situation. Making a pivot into cybersecurity can be a very smart career move in the current environment, and is a very doable switch for professionals from a range of other tech backgrounds. Here are my comments for your article:
The tech professionals who are best positioned to pivot into cybersecurity are those whose roles already involve some kind of security thinking. For instance, network engineers already have knowledge of traffic flows and network protocols, which is excellent preparation for firewall management, work with IDS/IPS systems, and other network security tasks.
Similarly, those with a background in DevOps can often transition smoothly into DevSecOps roles, while software engineers or software developers have an innate understanding of code-level vulnerabilities that makes them ideal for application security or penetration testing roles.
One of the great things about cybersecurity from a professional’s standpoint is that it’s a diverse field. My first advice for tech professionals who want to make this transition is to identify the specific roles that have the most overlap with your current skill sets. You can then fill in any skill or knowledge gaps by earning entry-level certifications like CompTIA Security+, which don’t require experience in the security field to obtain them.
Matt Erhard
Managing Partner, Vancouver-Recruiters
Kyle Sobko - SonderCare
Tech layoffs may offer an opportunity for anyone willing to consider a move to cybersecurity, and especially for people with IT support, software development, or network administration experience. Skills such as problem-solving and the curiosity to truly look closely can be applied to cybersecurity positions, which involve protecting the integrity and confidentiality of data and systems.
For anyone interested in a move, I encourage them to obtain a hands-on certification such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or Certified Ethical Hacker. These are trustworthy certifications that have some respect in the industry.
Also, it is important to develop practical skill experience through labs, internships, and/or entry-level positions to fill in the knowledge gaps. I usually suggest making a set weekly time to continue learning, and to join groups to network with other cybersecurity professionals to keep up with an ever-evolving threat and tool landscape.
Kyle Sobko
CEO, SonderCare
Christos Kritikos - Emerging Humanity
A lot of people in DevOps, QA, or software engineering are already halfway there when it comes to cybersecurity – they know how systems are built and where they tend to break.
If I were making the switch, I would start by learning the basics like threat modeling, then maybe look into Security+ or CISSP just to get grounded.
But honestly, the real learning comes from doing – mess around with a home lab, join a Capture the Flag event, ask people in the field what their day actually looks like.
And do not be afraid to follow your curiosity, even if it feels like a rabbit hole. That little voice asking “what if someone did this…” – that is not a distraction, that is gold in cybersecurity
Christos Kritikos
Startup Product Executive, Emerging Humanity
Miriam Groom - Mindful Career Coaching
Tech professionals with experience in networking, software engineering, IT support, cloud infrastructure, or data analysis are well-positioned to pivot into cybersecurity.
These roles already develop the foundational skills—like threat modeling, scripting, and system architecture—that are essential in security operations.
What’s often missing is domain-specific knowledge (e.g., risk assessment, incident response, compliance frameworks), which can be bridged through certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH.
At Mindful Career, we coach professionals to leverage their transferable skills while filling targeted gaps. Start by identifying your security-adjacent strengths, then shadow internal security teams or contribute to open-source projects to gain practical experience.
Join cybersecurity forums and attend virtual CTFs (Capture the Flag challenges) to immerse yourself in the community.
Most importantly: show employers your adaptability and learning velocity—two traits more valuable than having “perfect” credentials on day one.
Miriam Groom
CEO & Organizational Psychologist, Mindful Career Coaching
Jaime Lightfoot - Lightfoot Labs
Cybersecurity is a newer field, and while degrees and certifications are popping up left and right, it’s still more open to alternative paths than engineering or software. Use this to your advantage by practicing hands-on skills, and then showcasing those skills.
How do you know which skills, tools, and certs to focus on? Cybersecurity is a huge field, so it’s crucial to narrow in on a specific role. Reverse engineer job listings and speaker bios within that niche to identify the most impactful skills.
Take advantage of online CTFs, nearby BSides conferences, and other free online resources to build those qualifications. Lastly, showcase that knowledge through blog posts or videos chronicling your learning journey, create talks or resources for others, and participate in local meetups and conferences. This solidifies your knowledge, grows your network, and builds a portfolio for your job search.
Jaime Lightfoot
Security Researcher, Lightfoot Labs
Balázs Keszthelyi - TechnoLynx
Considering the current trend of tech layoffs, many professionals from software development, data analysis, and IT support backgrounds can successfully transition into cybersecurity roles. Their existing skills in problem-solving, coding, and understanding system architectures provide a solid foundation for learning cybersecurity principles.
For those looking to make this shift, I recommend the following tips:
- Invest in Education: Enrol in relevant courses or certifications, such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). These credentials are highly regarded in the industry and can significantly boost employability.
- Gain Practical Experience: Engage in hands-on projects or internships, even if they are unpaid. This real-world experience is invaluable and demonstrates a commitment to potential employers.
- Network Actively: Join cybersecurity forums, attend industry conferences, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building a network can open doors to job opportunities and mentorship.
Balázs Keszthelyi
Founder & CEO, TechnoLynx
Chris Camacho - Abstract Security
Having helped hundreds of professionals break into cybersecurity through NinjaJobs—from SOC analysts to CISOs—I’ve seen firsthand that roles in IT, systems engineering, networking, and even risk and compliance are strong springboards into security.
The key is translating transferable skills—like scripting, troubleshooting, or audit workflows—into security contexts. My advice: Pick a specialty that excites you (e.g., threat detection, cloud security, identity) and focus your training there.
Don’t try to boil the ocean. Get hands-on via platforms like TryHackMe or join open-source security communities. Most importantly, reach out. This community thrives on mentorship. If you’re committed, there’s someone willing to help.
Chris Camacho
Co-Founder & COO, Abstract Security
Gregory Shein - Nomadic Soft
Product managers, QA testers, and IT support specialists are well-positioned to transition into cybersecurity due to their familiarity with systems, risk assessment, and operational workflows.
I’d advise them to start with practical certifications like CompTIA Security+ or GIAC, contribute to open-source security projects, and network aggressively within local cybersecurity meetups to gain real-world exposure.
Deepak Shukla - Pearl Lemon AI
Using their current abilities, such as their knowledge of networks, programming, and system architecture, and bringing them into line with cybersecurity concepts is crucial. To gain fundamental knowledge, I advise getting certified in areas like CompTIA Security+ or CISSP. For professional advancement, networking in cybersecurity communities is also essential.
Developing practical experience using websites such as TryHackMe or Hack The Box helps refine abilities in a real-world situation. Professionals can achieve success in cybersecurity by using their technological know-how to tackle unique issues.
On behalf of the Techronicler community of readers, we thank these leaders and experts for taking the time to share valuable insights that stem from years of experience and in-depth expertise in their respective niches.
If you wish to showcase your experience and expertise, participate in industry-leading discussions, and add visibility and impact to your personal brand and business, get in touch with the Techronicler team to feature in our fast-growing publication.
