Cybersecurity specialists
Cybersecurity specialists develop, plan, recommend, implement, improve and monitor security measures to protect an organization's computer networks, connected devices and information to prevent unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction of the information or of the systems on which the information resides.
Good
Market Demand
TEER 1
Skill Level
NS, QC, NB
Top Provinces
What They Do
- Confer with clients to identify and document requirements, assess physical and technical security risks to data, software and hardware
- Apply encryption protocols, and manage keys to ensure security of data is maintained while at rest and in transit
- Monitor access and credentials for information and systems
- Install, test and operate security software and tools such as anti-virus and automated threat detection/prevent systems to ensure security measures are in place and working as intended
- Monitor for cyber attacks, intrusions and unusual, unauthorised or illegal activity
- Plan and carry out security measures in response to cybersecurity events and incidents in accordance with an organization's incident response plan to protect information, data and systems
- Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.
Qualifications
- checkA bachelor's degree in computer science, computer security, computer systems engineering, information systems or completion of a college program in information technology, network administration or other computer science related program is usually required.
- checkCertification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.
Market Outlook by Province
Nova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Good for cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about cybersecurity specialists in Nova Scotia: Approximately 800 people work in this occupation. Cybersecurity specialists mainly work in the following sectors: Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 38%Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 9%Monetary Authorities - central bank and securities, commodity contracts and other intermediation and related activities (NAICS 521, 522, 523): 8%Utilities (NAICS 22): 6%Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 5% 84% of cybersecurity specialists work all year, while 16% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.Less than 5% of cybersecurity specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 86% compared to 51% for all occupations Women: 14% compared to 49% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: 12% compared to 27% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 36% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 22% compared to 20% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 24% compared to 10% for all occupations
Good
Outlook
Quebec
The employment outlook will be Good for cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about cybersecurity specialists in Quebec: Approximately 7,350 people work in this occupation. Cybersecurity specialists mainly work in the following sectors: Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 33%Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (NAICS 52, 53): 18%Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 9%Information and cultural industries (NAICS 51): 9% 83% of cybersecurity specialists work all year, while 17% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.7% of cybersecurity specialists are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 83% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 17% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 6% compared to 19% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 33% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 28% compared to 17% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 27% compared to 11% for all occupations
Good
Outlook
New Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Moderate for cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.Not many positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Cybersecurity specialists are employed in information technology consulting firms, information technology research and development firms, and information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.Increasing reliance on technology (including remote work) has led to more attempted network breaches on behalf of cyber criminals, leading to work for cybersecurity specialists in this area. Cloud and artificial intelligence security are also broadening the scope of work. It is important for cybersecurity specialists to maintain up-to-date knowledge on emerging systems, technologies and regulations. Knowledge and experience with network administration may be required.Experience and up-to-date skills in a programming language such as Python may enhance job prospects.Industry recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate maybe be required. Increased application of technology, including the automation of routine tasks, may change the role of cybersecurity specialists going forward. Here are some key facts about cybersecurity specialists in New Brunswick: Approximately 550 people work in this occupation. Cybersecurity specialists mainly work in the following sectors: Computer systems design services (NAICS 5415): 50%Insurance Carriers and related activities (NAICS 524, 526): 9%Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 9%Provincial and territorial public administration (NAICS 912): 6%Utilities (NAICS 22): 5% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 91% compared to 84% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 9% compared to 16% for all occupations77% of cybersecurity specialists work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 80% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 20% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: 12% compared to 30% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 36% compared to 23% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 34% compared to 16% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 8% compared to 7% for all occupations
Moderate
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 1 occupations typically require a university degree and qualify for Express Entry. These are high-priority for STEM and healthcare category draws.
Express Entry (FSW)
Provincial Nominee Programs
Category-Based Draws
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 21220 openings right now.
1Password
4 active roles
4 active roles · Ottawa, ON
Accenture
2 active roles · St. Catharines, ON
Blackpoint Cyber
2 active roles
Auvik Networks
2 active roles
TRM Labs
2 active roles
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Search Cybersecurity specialistsarrow_forwardCore Competencies
Digital Literacy
to operate security software and tools, such as anti-virus and automated threat detection
Systems Analysis and Evaluation
to assess information systems for cyber attacks, intrusions and unusual, unauthorised or illegal activity
Problem Identification
to identify security system weaknesses through penetration tests
Deductive Reasoning
to determine the appropriate security software or hardware based on client requirements, threat levels and network or system specifications
Attention to Detail
to develop detailed computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures and manuals
Knowledge in Computer, Technology and Information Systems
to understand complex computer terms, functionalities and theories to conduct research or create cybersecurity protocol software
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