Cybersecurity vs web development: Which career to choose? By: Kiana Seitz September 10, 2024 Estimated reading time: 10 minutes. Cybersecurity and web development teams play different but essential roles in today’s organizations. One protects a company’s digital assets and information, and the other creates web-based software, applications, and websites. In Canada, the tech industry is expected to grow by 1.3% throughout 2024 to nearly 1.4 million jobs. This article comprehensively compares cybersecurity and web development careers, covering key differences in roles, skills, and job prospects. It highlights the education and training requirements for each field, discusses career opportunities, and offers guidance on choosing the right path based on your interests and strengths. Keep reading to discover the key differences between cybersecurity and web or software development to decide which tech career path is right for you. What is cybersecurity? Cybersecurity relates to network security and protecting computers and digital data from threats. Cybersecurity experts can play both a proactive role (developing computer systems and software to protect digital assets from perceived threats) and a reactive role (responding to active threats to mitigate damages). Because digital threats constantly evolve as hackers find new ways to penetrate digital systems, cybersecurity professionals must keep their education and knowledge of the industry up-to-date to succeed. What is web development? Web development involves making stuff work online, such as building websites, apps, and other internet systems. It includes back-end software development (including the frameworks and structure of the system or site) and front-end development (the part of the website or app that the user sees and interacts with). Web developers play a critical role in an organization as their work directly impacts how users (internal and external) interact with an organization. While web development “generalists” exist, many developers will choose a specialty: Coding-focused (so they need to know programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) Visual (graphic design) UX or UI (relating to the interface design and usability) Platform-focused (such as web applications, websites, or database computer systems) Learn more about a web developer career path. Differences and similarities between cybersecurity vs. web development Both cybersecurity and web development team members belong under the tech umbrella, with a few distinctions. Here are a few ways they differ and how they are similar: Similarities Collaboration Both are highly collaborative roles that require liaising with team members outside and within the IT team. Companies with web developers and cybersecurity specialists often collaborate to protect the digital assets the developers are creating. Soft skills Both jobs require advanced problem-solving and analytical skills (to thwart digital threats or to use programming languages to develop a solution that meets your stakeholder's needs). Strong communication skills and teamwork are also necessary for both roles. Learn more about the soft skills employers are looking for. Salary The more experience you have in either of these industries, the more you’re likely to earn. However, in most cases, Cybersecurity Specialists and Web Developers earn similar wages (an average of $92,000 - $93,000) Continuous learning The tech industry's complexities and fast-evolving nature require regular upskilling for both web development and cybersecurity careers. Web development is a more stable industry with fewer changes, meaning upskilling isn’t needed as often as cybersecurity jobs. However, upskilling is important for those in both career paths if you want to further your career trajectory. Differences Urgency: Both roles include strategy, development, maintenance, and action. In cybersecurity roles, there are times when actions contain a higher level of urgency (such as to thwart an incoming attack). Web Developers have less frequent urgent requirements, except when a site crashes or requires a critical fix (such as to a payment gateway). Educational requirements: Cybersecurity Specialists usually require more education and schooling, with most jobs requiring a Bachelor’s degree. Web development jobs typically only need an associate’s degree. However, entry-level jobs in both industries can be obtained with an intro course or bootcamp-style education and hands-on experience in these specialties. Cybersecurity vs. web development careers Field Cybersecurity Web Development Responsibilities Proactively protect an organization’s software systems. Mitigate and stop active cyber threats. Create websites, web applications, or digital systems. Utilize internet technologies to enhance user experience. Sample job titles Cybersecurity Engineer Cybersecurity Analyst Network Architect Data Consultant Information Security Analyst Security Operations (SOC) Analyst Penetration Tester Incident Responder/Handler Software Developer Front-end Developer Back-end Developer UX/UI Designer Full Stack Developer JavaScript Developer Web Designer Educational requirements Bachelor’s degree (usually in computer science) Cybersecurity diploma from a bootcamp Cybersecurity certificate like CompTIA Associate’s degree Related web and software development education Web development diploma from a bootcamp Core skills Network security Coding Operating systems Risk management Cloud security Digital forensics Penetration testing Blockchain security Read more about cybersecurity skills Application development UX/UI Modern programming languages, frameworks, and libraries Read more about web developer skills Soft skills Communication Problem-solving Critical thinking Ethical and professional integrity Communication Creativity Detail-oriented Problem-solving Collaboration Organization Coding skills Python JavaScript Java C and C++ SQL HTML CSS JavaScript Python Ruby on Rails Plus any of 700+ other coding languages Tools used Firewalls Encryption Virus software Packet sniffers AI and machine learning Other security tools Content Management Systems (CMS) Ticket or bug tracker software Code editors Design software Average salary ($ CAD) $92,000 $93,000 Education and training requirements for web development and cybersecurity positions While entry-level jobs with less education and experience are possible in both specialties, typically, cybersecurity roles have higher educational requirements: A Bachelor’s degree (usually in computer science) is often a prerequisite for cybersecurity jobs. However, what really sets you apart is the specific cybersecurity education and experience you bring to the table, tailored to the specialty you wish to pursue. Web and software development roles often only require an Associate’s degree and related experience. That said, obtaining entry-level positions in cybersecurity and web development with some specialized bootcamp programs and an organization dedicated to mentoring beginners in the industry is possible. With good technical and IT knowledge and some reskilling, you could make a lateral move to these careers from another career path. Opportunities for advancement Both fields are ripe for career advancement and promotions. The key to earning a promotion in either of these fields include: Unleashing your leadership potential (by honing your communication skills and fostering teamwork) Proving your competence and ability to perform your job (often going above and beyond or taking initiative) Obtaining additional credentials and industry certifications (like CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner or getting certified in coding languages or technology) Keeping your knowledge up to date (reading industry news, upskilling…etc) Inquire about upskilling and reskilling through your employer Tech careers rapidly evolve as new technologies and threats emerge and customer needs change. This means investing in continuous education and learning in your chosen field. Currently, the cybersecurity industry is facing a skills gap. There aren’t enough people ready for the challenges of this career (as a new hire), and the current cybersecurity staff is not up-to-date with the skills employers need. Two-thirds of companies surveyed report skills gaps in their current team, and 41% struggle to find new hires with the necessary skills. That’s why organizations are investing in upskilling their current employees to meet the growing demand for skilled IT professionals. This strategy could be the key to closing the skills gap, helping businesses protect their digital assets, and creating web-based properties. Ask your employer to look into Lighthouse Labs for upskilling programs. We help organizations develop their existing team with in-demand skills that keep them competitive. Lighthouse Labs can also help your employer find additional new tech hires for your team who are ready and willing to work and have the up-to-date skills an organization needs. Learn more about upskilling or hiring through Lighthouse Labs. Can a web developer become a cybersecurity professional? The career path from a web developer to a cybersecurity professional is natural. Firstly, your background in IT and web development will be good foundational knowledge for your new cybersecurity role: Understanding system architecture and processes may make it easier for you to pick up cybersecurity terms and principles. Your existing knowledge of coding languages will be helpful when using those languages in cybersecurity applications. You likely already have the transferable soft skills required for cybersecurity (such as good communication, problem-solving, and teamwork). First, take our free Tech Skills Quiz online if you want to switch specialties from web development to cybersecurity: Take the 4-minute Tech Skills Quiz quiz 8 steps to transition from web developer to cybersecurity specialist After you get your quiz results, follow these steps: Assess which technical skills are transferable to cybersecurity. Discuss your career aspirations with your current employer (they may have resources to support your transition). Learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity. Take a Cybersecurity Bootcamp or specialized course. Obtain new certifications (such as CompTIA Security+, CEH, or CISSP) to add to your resume. Get hands-on experience through projects or practicum placements. Apply for a promotion or new role in cybersecurity. Is cybersecurity a good career choice for you? Read more about the cybersecurity career path. Should I learn web development before cybersecurity? Knowing web development or having a tech background is helpful, although not a requirement, for getting a cybersecurity job. Your computer sciences or IT background means you have a foundation in digital technology that will benefit you in your cybersecurity reskilling. For example, you can use your preexisting knowledge of coding languages and best practices for website design and structure to ensure that similar software systems you protect in your cybersecurity role are as secure as possible. When web development is not a necessary prerequisite for cybersecurity jobs Knowledge of web development or coding isn’t always required, depending on the cybersecurity specialty you're pursuing. Coding knowledge can be helpful but is not required in analyst, assessment, or compliance roles. In these situations, you could skip web development education and go straight to cybersecurity programs or entry-level roles. However, any tech education still has value to you and an employer, even if you don’t directly need that knowledge for your cybersecurity role. The more you know about tech, the better prepared you’ll be to develop strategies that have a greater impact and work with stakeholders in other departments. This well-rounded educational background sets you apart from others, potentially earning you promotions over someone without your diversity of knowledge. Career opportunities in cybersecurity and web development As our world continues its digital transformation, the need for highly skilled cybersecurity and web and software development professionals is expected to grow. As the need for these skills grows, we expect more employers to dedicate resources to upskilling and reskilling their current teams to meet the demand. This is especially true as the cost of hiring a new employee can be upwards of $7,500 to $28,000 if organizations can find new candidates with the mix of education and experience needed to fill the skills gaps on their current team. Career opportunities in both these fields may include: In-house work - Working for one employer Freelancing - Working on contract for different companies for varying durations (sometimes project-based) Consultancy - Working for a cybersecurity or web development agency or consultancy and being hired out to their client companies where needed. Student case study: Meet Micah Micah B worked in desktop IT support before he reskilled in the Lighthouse Labs Web Development Bootcamp. His past experience benefited him, and within a month of graduating, he landed a web development engineer role at Amazon. “Lighthouse Labs was a transformative experience in my life - both the course experience and the career improvement that came from it were incredibly rewarding. [...] The work itself is different and much harder than I expected, but is compelling and satisfying so I'm happy!” Read Micah's story The future of web development careers Web developers are in high demand, and the future looks promising. While a degree is usually required, related experience can be valuable. The job outlook in the US is expected to grow by 16%, which is higher than the average. In Canada, it’s projected that 10,400 new jobs will be needed (2022-2031), and 12,700 job seekers will be available to fill them. Meeting the demands for cybersecurity professionals The global workforce currently employs 4.7 million cybersecurity professionals.&text=U.S.), yet 3.4 million more are needed to meet the demands of various industries, including private and public organizations, corporations, the government, and the military. Over 41% of international cybersecurity practitioners and decision-makers surveyed by ISC2 believe this staffing shortage is partially due to their organization struggling to find enough qualified talent. Additionally, 92% of staff feel their team has one or more essential skill gaps. Who earns more? Cybersecurity specialists or web developers? How much you can expect to earn as a cybersecurity specialist or web developer will be based on many factors: Educational level achieved Your years of hands-on experience Your earned credentials Your client or employer’s industry Your geographical region The following chart illustrates sample salaries for entry-level, mid-career, and senior-level jobs in cybersecurity and web development in Canada: How much can you expect to make? Job Title Salary Cybersecurity Cybersecurity Analyst (Entry-level) $63,000 - $90,000 per year Incident Responder (Entry- to mid-level) $66,000 - $101,000 per year Ethical Hacker/Penetration Tester (Entry- to senior-level) $74,000 - $114,000 per year Cybersecurity Consultant (Mid- to senior-level) $72,000 - $104,000 per year Security Architect (Mid- to senior-level) $104,000 - $135,000 per year Chief Information Security Officer (Senior-level) $72,000 - $118,000 per year Web Development Junior Web Developer (Entry-Level) $40,000 - $56,000 per year Web Developer (Entry- to mid-level) $49,000 - $74,000 per year Senior Web Developer (Senior-level) $70,000 - $98,000 per year Which is better: web development or cybersecurity? Your choice between these two rewarding career paths is a personal one. Here are some reasons you may choose one or the other: Choose a cybersecurity career if you: Are naturally inquisitive and enjoy continuous learning Thrive on complex problems and critical thinking Have a strong ethical foundation and sense of responsibility Don’t want to learn to code using programming languages (some cybersecurity specialties don’t require it) Choose a web development career if you: Want a fast learning curve Want a more effortless ability to transfer to a cybersecurity or other IT specialty in the future Have creativity as a core soft skill Have a predisposition to quickly learning new languages (as coding will be a big part of your education) Where to start your cybersecurity or web development career First, take the Tech Skills Quiz for personalized career path recommendations based on your current skills and interests. Once you understand your future, enroll in the corresponding bootcamp to get the education and hands-on experience you’ll need to land your first entry-level job. Still not sure if cybersecurity or web development is best for you? Take our Tech Skils Quiz to find out. Get started Lighthouse Labs can prepare you for a rewarding career in either of these in-demand jobs. Here are some success stories from our recent cybersecurity and web development graduates: Matt’s transition to cybersecurity while remaining in BFSI Xyrelle’s career change from a correctional officer to a software developer Explore our Cybersecurity and Web Development Bootcamps to kickstart your tech career!