Why Cybersecurity is The Hottest Career Path for Gen Z in 2025

Cybersecurity is exploding—and Gen Z is leading the charge. From law to design to policy, it’s a field that welcomes all kinds of skills (not just coding). Whether you're just getting curious or ready to dive in, these 7 insights will show you how to break in—no tech degree required.

When people think of cybersecurity, they often picture mysterious hackers in dark rooms. But as it turns out, today’s real cybersecurity pros come from everywhere—finance, ethics, engineering, policy, and even marketing.

In a recent Extern webinar, three leading voices in the industry shared what it really takes to build a cybersecurity career in 2025 and beyond. You’ll hear advice from:

• Steve Suarez – CEO of Horizon X Consulting and former Global Head of Innovation at HSBC
  
  
• Rebecca Krauthamer – CEO of Q-Secure, working on ethical tech and post-quantum cryptography
  
  
• Dr. Saloni Das – Director of R&D at Castle Shield and expert in cryptographic systems
  
  

💸 Why Cybersecurity Is One of the Best Careers for Gen Z Right Now

Forget Wall Street—Gen Z is eyeing cybersecurity, and for good reason.

📈 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity jobs are projected to grow 32% by 2032—that’s over 6x faster than the average job.

💰 And they pay. The average entry-level salary for cybersecurity analysts is around $85,000, with some roles at top firms starting north of $100K.

🌍 As more of our lives go online, the demand for digital defense is skyrocketing. AI, quantum computing, and ransomware are making headlines—and companies are scrambling for talent who can keep up.

But here’s what makes it especially Gen Z:

• It’s mission-driven. You're not just working a job—you’re protecting people and privacy.
  
  
• It’s flexible. Remote-friendly, project-based, and full of opportunities to freelance or consult.
  
  
• It’s creative. From ethical hacking to storytelling around risk, cyber needs thinkers and communicators—not just coders.
  
  

🔐 Gen Z wants impact, autonomy, and income—and cybersecurity checks all three.

Whether you're majoring in poli-sci or just good at spotting phishing scams, this is your chance to join one of the most future-proof industries out there.

‍

‍

How to Break Into Cybersecurity: 7 Things You Need to Know, According to Pros

Their biggest message? You don’t need to be a coding wizard to get started.

🔐1. You Don’t Need a Tech Background to Break Into Cybersecurity

“Even without a technical background, you can absolutely get into cybersecurity.” — Steve Suarez, Horizon X Consulting

The stereotype of cybersecurity being reserved for coders and engineers is outdated. Today, the field is as much about strategy, communication, ethics, and human behavior as it is about firewalls and code. Steve Suarez, CEO of Horizon X Consulting, emphasized that passion and adaptability are often more important than technical expertise.

Rebecca Krauthamer, CEO of Q-Secure, and Dr. Saloni Das, Director of R&D at Castle Shield, both echoed this point. They noted that many successful cybersecurity professionals come from backgrounds in law, journalism, business, and even education. Why? Because cybersecurity is ultimately about people—protecting them, educating them, and building systems that work for real-world needs.

There are growing opportunities in areas like:

• Cyber policy and law: Shaping how governments and corporations manage risk and regulate technology.
• Risk analysis and compliance: Helping companies identify vulnerabilities and ensure they meet data protection standards.
• Cybersecurity awareness training: Developing programs that teach employees how to recognize and avoid threats.
• Ethical tech design: Guiding how technologies are built with privacy and fairness in mind.

And yes, even creative roles are in demand. Content creators who can write clearly about cyber threats, designers who visualize complex systems, and marketers who communicate security tools to the public are all part of this ecosystem.

Start here: Identify what you're already good at—writing, analyzing, communicating, designing—and consider how it could apply in a cybersecurity context. Then, build on it with a free online course or an entry-level externship. With the right mindset and some initiative, you can break in—no computer science degree required.

📈 2. Cybersecurity Is One of the Most Valuable Career Paths Today

"Cybersecurity is a $24 trillion problem by 2027." — Steve Suarez

Cybersecurity is no longer a niche concern for IT departments—it's a top priority for governments, Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, and even startups. As we become increasingly reliant on digital systems, the threat landscape continues to expand. Everything from healthcare records to banking apps to national infrastructure needs protection, and the shortage of qualified professionals has turned this into one of the fastest-growing job sectors in the world.

Steve Suarez, CEO of Horizon X Consulting, highlighted the scale of this issue, noting that it's projected to become a $24 trillion problem globally by 2027. That number includes not only the cost of breaches, but also the ripple effects on businesses, economies, and even national security.

Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated. From phishing and ransomware to quantum threats and AI-generated exploits, the need for adaptive, creative, and well-trained professionals has never been more urgent. For example, Microsoft processes more than 80 trillion security signals per day—a staggering volume that shows just how active and relentless threat actors are.

The cost of a single data breach now averages $4.4 million, according to IBM. That’s not just a financial loss; it’s customer trust, reputation, and operations are all at risk. As a result, organizations are investing heavily in proactive defense strategies, threat detection, and cybersecurity education.

For students and early-career professionals, this presents a rare moment of opportunity. You don’t need to wait for a traditional internship or have years of experience to contribute. Roles in security analysis, incident response, risk management, and cybersecurity communications are opening up fast—and many companies are eager to train new talent who bring fresh perspectives.

Takeaway: It’s not just a career path—it’s a calling. Your skills can make a real-world impact, and the door is wide open.

Read more about internship alternatives in tech.

📂 3. Side Projects Can Help You Launch Your Cybersecurity Career

You don’t need an official job title to prove your potential in cybersecurity. In fact, some of the most impressive portfolios come from individuals who took the initiative to build, write, or solve something on their own time. All three panelists—Steve Suarez, Rebecca Krauthamer, and Dr. Saloni Das—emphasized that showing how you think is just as powerful as telling people what you’ve studied.

Employers in cybersecurity aren’t just hiring for degrees. They’re hiring for demonstrable problem-solving, curiosity, and initiative. Whether you’re reverse-engineering malware, writing a blog post that simplifies a recent attack, or contributing to an open-source security project, you’re building the kind of evidence that hiring managers want to see.

Side projects are also an opportunity to explore your niche. Interested in social engineering? Try building a phishing awareness toolkit. Curious about vulnerabilities? Learn how to set up your own safe test environment and run penetration tests on simulated systems. Want to improve communication skills? Translate complex security threats into infographics or videos for general audiences.

These kinds of projects are especially helpful if:

• You’re transitioning from a non-technical field and want to prove your relevance
• You’re applying to internships or externships that ask for “experience”
• You want to build a cybersecurity portfolio that stands out from a stack of resumes

Side projects can be anything from:

• Writing a Medium article on a real-world cybersecurity event
• Completing a Capture the Flag (CTF) challenge and documenting your process
• Contributing to GitHub repositories focused on security tools or libraries
• Creating a cybersecurity awareness presentation for your school or club

Action step: Write a blog post about a recent breach, solve a security challenge, or build a small tool that addresses a cyber problem. Document what you learn. Even if it’s imperfect, showing your process and growth matters.

With each side project, you’re not just building skills—you’re building credibility. The work you do outside the classroom may be the strongest proof of your readiness to take on real-world challenges.

If you want structured support while still working on real-world problems, Externships offer a guided way to build portfolio-worthy experience.

💬 4. Strong Communication Skills Give You an Edge in the Cybersecurity Field

"If you can explain complex problems in simple language, you're already ahead." — Rebecca Krauthamer, Q-Secure

In a field filled with technical jargon and rapidly evolving threats, strong communication skills are a game-changer. Rebecca Krauthamer, CEO of Q-Secure, emphasized that cybersecurity isn't just about solving problems—it's about making those solutions understandable and actionable across teams, departments, and even industries.

Many cybersecurity roles require you to brief executives, train employees, or collaborate with cross-functional teams. Being able to clearly explain how a cyberattack happened—or how it can be prevented—can set you apart just as much as any technical skill.

Strong communicators are especially valued in roles like:

• Cybersecurity education and awareness training
• Technical writing and documentation
• Security product marketing and customer support
• Policy advising and regulatory consulting

Even if you're not planning to become a full-time writer, being able to simplify a vulnerability report, present a risk mitigation plan, or walk someone through security best practices makes you more effective—and more employable.

Build this skill: Start small. Write a blog post breaking down a real-world data breach. Make a short video explaining phishing to your peers. Volunteer to give a cybersecurity workshop at your school or club. Tools like Canva, Loom, or LinkedIn articles make it easy to start building a portfolio of clear, accessible content.

In a world where information overload is the norm, clarity is currency. If you can translate complexity into clarity, you won’t just be communicating—you’ll be leading.

‍

‍

🧮 5. A Love for Math = A Booming Career in Cybersecurity

"I love hard math problems. That's what drew me to advanced cryptography." — Dr. Saloni Das, Castle Shield

Cryptography is the foundation of cybersecurity—and one of the most intellectually demanding and rewarding fields in the space. At its core, cryptography is about designing and analyzing techniques that allow secure communication in the presence of adversaries. It combines principles of mathematics, computer science, and logic to solve real-world problems with major global implications.

Dr. Saloni Das, Director of R&D at Castle Shield, has dedicated her career to advancing cryptographic systems that can withstand future threats—including those posed by quantum computing. Her work in post-quantum cryptography is at the cutting edge of research, ensuring that even the most powerful computers can’t compromise sensitive data.

For students with a passion for puzzles, logic, and abstract thinking, cryptography offers a way to apply those skills in high-impact, high-stakes settings. It’s a space where theoretical understanding meets practical defense—where math can literally protect lives, identities, and infrastructure.

And you don’t have to be in a PhD program to get started. There are growing communities and resources that make cryptography more accessible than ever:

• Join cryptography challenges like Cryptohack or CTFtime
• Study classic algorithms like RSA, AES, and Diffie-Hellman
• Explore open-source cryptographic libraries like libsodium or OpenSSL
• Take free online courses in cryptography through platforms like Coursera or edX

Try this: Test your skills with platforms like Cryptohack or CTFtime. Consider contributing to open-source cryptographic libraries, even in small ways—documentation, tutorials, or code reviews all make a difference.

Whether you're interested in national defense, blockchain, secure messaging, or digital identity, cryptography is a door-opener. And if you're like Dr. Das—someone who loves hard math problems—you might just find your dream role behind that door.

🎓 6. You Can Break into Cybersecurity From Any Background

"I was selected into a PhD program because of my curiosity and commitment to learning." - Dr. Saloni Das

This mindset is often more valuable in cybersecurity than a traditional resume. Many professionals in the field didn’t start with computer science degrees or formal security training. What they shared was an eagerness to ask questions, seek out resources, and follow their interests wherever they led.

Cybersecurity is vast and multifaceted. That means there’s space for people at all entry points. Whether you're pivoting from another career, transitioning from a different major, or just beginning your exploration, there are accessible pathways to gain experience and grow your skills.

You can start by:

• Taking a free online course: Websites like Coursera, Cybrary, and edX offer introductions to cybersecurity fundamentals.
• Exploring self-paced certifications: Consider beginner-friendly certifications like CompTIA Security+, Google Cybersecurity Certificate, or IBM’s Cybersecurity Analyst program.
• Joining a virtual externship: Programs like Extern provide real projects from real companies, designed to help you gain portfolio-ready experience.
• Participating in online communities: Spaces like Reddit’s r/cybersecurity, Discord channels, or LinkedIn groups can be great for support, advice, and inspiration.

What matters most is your willingness to start—even without all the answers. There’s no one right way in. Dr. Das’s story is proof that if you're curious, open to learning, and willing to take that first step, you can carve your own path into cybersecurity.

Next step: Don’t wait for a perfect opportunity. Momentum comes from movement—and your first step could lead to something big..

🔎 7. Cybersecurity Needs Creative, Ethical Thinkers 

"We're building ethical tech that protects people, not just networks." — Rebecca Krauthamer

Ethics may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of cybersecurity—but it’s quickly becoming one of the most important areas of focus. As technology advances, so does its potential to impact lives in unintended or harmful ways. Rebecca Krauthamer, CEO of Q-Secure, reminds us that cybersecurity isn’t just about securing servers or locking down data. It’s about safeguarding people and the systems they rely on every day.

From AI-driven surveillance to algorithmic bias and the growing reach of quantum computing, ethical questions are at the heart of today’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges. How do we balance privacy with public safety? Who gets to decide what constitutes a threat? How do we ensure that digital protections don’t come at the cost of individual rights?

Cybersecurity professionals are increasingly being called on to answer these questions. And that means students who are thoughtful, socially conscious, and ethically grounded have an important role to play in shaping the future of the industry.

Ethical thinking is crucial in roles like:

• Privacy policy and data governance
• Digital rights advocacy and tech law
• AI safety and algorithm auditing
• Security UX design and accessibility

These roles require not just technical know-how but also empathy, judgment, and cross-disciplinary thinking. Whether you come from a background in philosophy, law, sociology, or political science, your voice is needed at the table.

Explore this path: Learn about ethical hacking, privacy law, and digital rights. Follow groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation , the Center for Humane Technology, or the Future of Privacy Forum. In the era of AI and quantum innovation, ethics isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s mission-critical. If you want to build a better digital future, cybersecurity offers one of the most direct ways to do it.

6 Cybersecurity Creators You Should Be Following

If you're looking to deepen your cybersecurity knowledge, stay updated on industry trends, or find inspiration, these five content creators offer invaluable resources:

1. NetworkChuck

NetworkChuck delivers high-energy tutorials on topics ranging from Linux and networking to ethical hacking and AI tools. His content is especially appealing to beginners, offering a blend of motivation and practical guidance. Whether you're exploring cybersecurity fundamentals or seeking to enhance your skills, NetworkChuck's videos provide a solid starting point.

2. Sandra Liu

Sandra Liu, known for her platform "Cybersecurity With Sandra," is a cybersecurity practitioner turned content creator dedicated to guiding individuals through the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape. Her content focuses on career development, certification guidance, and practical advice for those entering the field. Sandra's approachable style and comprehensive resources make her a valuable mentor for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

3. Cybersecurity Girl (Caitlin Sarian)

Caitlin Sarian, popularly known as "Cybersecurity Girl," is a cybersecurity influencer with over a decade of experience in the industry, including roles at EY and TikTok. She is passionate about educating the public on online safety, promoting diversity in STEM, and empowering women to pursue careers in cybersecurity. Through her platform, Caitlin offers accessible content on digital security, AI risks, and career development, aiming to make cybersecurity knowledge attainable for all

4. John Hammond

John Hammond is renowned for his detailed walkthroughs of Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, malware analysis, and reverse engineering. His content is geared towards individuals seeking to understand the intricacies of cybersecurity threats and defenses. John's clear explanations make complex topics accessible to a broad audience.

5. The Cyber Mentor

Led by Heath Adams, The Cyber Mentor focuses on penetration testing, ethical hacking, and career development. The channel offers practical tutorials, live hacking sessions, and advice on breaking into the cybersecurity field. Heath's approachable teaching style makes advanced topics digestible for learners at all levels.

6. LiveOverflow

LiveOverflow specializes in in-depth explorations of binary exploitation, reverse engineering, and CTF competitions. His content is ideal for viewers interested in the technical aspects of cybersecurity. LiveOverflow's videos often delve into the nuances of vulnerabilities and exploit development, catering to those aiming to deepen their technical expertise.

By following these creators, you can enhance your understanding of cybersecurity, stay informed about the latest developments, and gain practical skills to advance your career.

‍

‍

📌TL;DR - Cybersecurity Careers for Gen Z: High-Paying, Fast-Growing and Future-Proof

Breaking into cybersecurity doesn’t require a perfect resume or a linear path. What truly matters is your mindset. If there’s one theme that emerged from every expert in this webinar, it’s that curiosity, courage, and consistency matter more than credentials. Whether you're writing your first blog post about a cyber breach or diving into a cryptography challenge for fun, every step you take builds both skills and visibility.

You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room, but you do need to show up. Start asking smart questions. Follow people who inspire you. Share what you’re learning—even if it feels small. That’s how momentum begins.

The cybersecurity world isn’t just looking for polished professionals. It’s looking for thinkers, builders, communicators, and ethical leaders ready to protect people and systems in a complex digital world.

• Be curious. Let your questions guide your career—curiosity is your greatest tool in a constantly evolving field.
• Be bold. Take initiative. The best opportunities often come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
• Be visible. Document your journey. The more you share what you're learning and building, the more you stand out—and inspire others along the way.