Expert Interview | Demystifying Cybersecurity Careers Part 1

This talent gap poses a substantial challenge to Canada’s digital economy, as the accelerated adoption of digital technologies across all sectors has expanded the “attack surface” for cyber threats. With the increasing magnitude of these threats, the need for cybersecurity professionals has never been more urgent. Factors contributing to this shortage include burnout among existing professionals, a lack of students entering the cybersecurity field, and stiff competition from higher-paying cybersecurity jobs in other countries, particularly in the United States (ICTC)​​​.

Understanding the Key Roles in Canadian Cybersecurity

As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the roles within cybersecurity teams have become increasingly specialized. Different regions across Canada have unique needs and challenges, making it essential to understand which roles are most critical in this diverse landscape. In the first question of our interview, Claudiu sheds light on the roles that are particularly vital to strengthening cybersecurity in Canada.

What are the Critical Cybersecurity Roles in Canada?

Claudiu: “In Canada, and particularly in Ontario, there are specific demands for cybersecurity skills that make certain roles especially vital. Operational technology (OT) is increasingly important, as it involves securing the hardware and software that control physical processes in industries like manufacturing and utilities. As these systems become more connected, the need for cybersecurity professionals who understand both OT and its unique security challenges has grown significantly.

Alongside these specialized roles, generalist positions are also critical in Ontario. Generalists, with their broad knowledge of various cybersecurity areas, are essential in adapting to the diverse needs of different industries. They often oversee a wide range of security measures, making them key players in environments where flexibility and a broad skill set are required. Both specialized and generalist roles are crucial for anyone aiming to make a meaningful impact in Canada’s cybersecurity landscape.”

Of course, understanding the roles is just one part of the equation. Equally important are the specific skills required to excel in these roles. In the next part of our conversation, Claudiu delves into the essential technical, domain, and human/soft skills that professionals need to succeed in Canada’s cybersecurity sector.

What are the Critical Cybersecurity Skills in Canada?

Claudiu: “In Canada, the essential cybersecurity skills continue to revolve around the core pillars of information security—confidentiality, integrity, and availability. These principles form the technical foundation that every cybersecurity professional needs to master. However, as the field evolves, it’s equally important for professionals to stay open to recertification and continuous learning to keep up with the latest developments.

Beyond technical skills, specialists must excel in research, analysis, and reporting. Research is crucial for staying ahead of emerging threats, analysis helps in identifying vulnerabilities and assessing security measures, and effective reporting ensures that findings and recommendations are clearly communicated to both technical and non-technical audiences. Together, these skills are vital for making a meaningful impact in the cybersecurity landscape.”

While skills are a crucial aspect, the effectiveness of these roles and skills largely depends on how well cybersecurity teams are structured and organized. This brings us to the next important point: the composition of cybersecurity teams. In the following question, Claudiu explains how teams are typically composed and the key functions they need to perform to tackle the complex challenges of modern cybersecurity.

What is the Ideal Composition of Cybersecurity Teams?

Claudiu: “Cybersecurity teams are typically structured around three primary functions: information security (infosec), compliance, and IT. Infosec teams focus on safeguarding data and systems, compliance teams ensure adherence to legal and regulatory standards, and IT teams manage the technical infrastructure. Within these areas, teams are often further divided into specialized subgroups, such as committees or working groups, which focus on specific tasks like incident response or policy development.

As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, the composition of these teams is becoming more specialized. New roles like threat analysts, resilience experts, and liaison officers are increasingly common. Threat analysts work to identify and mitigate potential threats, resilience experts ensure that organizations can recover quickly from cyber incidents, and liaison officers facilitate communication between technical teams and other departments. These roles reflect the growing need for a comprehensive, proactive approach to cybersecurity.”