3 people huddled around a computer
There are more than five billion internet users across the globe. In such a deeply connected world, bad actors are bound to engage in criminal activity online. While some target individual users, many target organizations to steal valuable information at a large scale.

Professionals in the cybersecurity industry proactively combat attacks by designing, implementing, and maintaining security solutions that work against it—such as policies, protocols, software, and systems.

If this sounds like your next potential career move, discover some of the opportunities you can take advantage of across industries and sectors, what type of work you might do, and the qualifications you’ll need to succeed in the field:

Industries that hire cybersecurity

What companies hire for cybersecurity? With the rise of AI and more companies than ever undergoing a digital transformation, cybersecurity professionals are needed in many sectors, including:

Cyber skills and qualifications by industry

Cybersecurity is and will continue to be an in-demand career field. According to Jon Quinn, Cybersecurity Product Marketing Manager at Lighthouse Labs, this is especially true for blue teams or cybersecurity professionals with a defensive focus, which lends itself to any industry or size of company.
“Organizations who develop a cybersecurity team will typically start with a defensive team before exploring offensive talent,” he says.

Here are just a few of the opportunities that exist in various industries.

Cybersecurity in the healthcare sector

Cybersecurity professionals help organizations comply with laws and regulations like the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPED), which requires healthcare organizations to protect patients’ private information against known security threats.

They also train employees to avoid phishing scams that lead to security breaches and help ensure that IoT (Internet of Things) devices remain secure and uncompromised to deliver uninterrupted patient care.

Common cybersecurity roles in healthcare include: - Roles as systems analysts and administrators who test and maintain systems to identify and protect against threats

  • Program and project managers who develop security protocols and align them with enterprise goals

  • Architects who curate and oversee cybersecurity systems

  • Compliance officers and legal advisors who verify that policies and procedures are legally compliant

Candidates generally need a degree or training in computer science or a related field, an understanding of cybersecurity laws, and project management skills. Beyond these technical qualifications, employers generally look for a host of essential soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and critical thinking.

Thinking about a future in cybersecurity? Chat with our Learning Advisors for personalized guidance.

Healthcare companies hiring for cybersecurity roles

Healthcare companies known to hire cybersecurity professionals include:

Cybersecurity positions at these companies allow professionals to do what they love and help others at the same time.

Cybersecurity in government agencies

Government agencies rely on security professionals to protect classified files about national security and other government-related issues.

Additionally, government cybersecurity professionals protect the private information of citizens, respond quickly to governmental data breaches and cyber threats, and ensure that critical systems stay up and running to deliver public services.

Government agencies typically hire for roles like:

  • Information systems security manager

  • Security architect

  • Intelligence officer

  • Cyber defence incident responder

  • Network exploitation analyst

  • Cyber defence forensics analyst

Many of these positions require core competencies in computer forensics, computer network defence, system administration, data and threat analysis, risk management, systems integration, and software testing.

Government agencies hiring for cybersecurity roles

A few of the government agencies and services hiring cybersecurity professionals include:

These agencies typically hire for a wide range of roles, including managers, analysts, officers, and architects.

Cybersecurity in banking and financial services

Cybersecurity positions at financial institutions help organizations maintain legal compliance with data privacy laws. They also shield customer accounts from unauthorized exposure and use and help banking systems run smoothly so customers always have access to their funds.

Cybersecurity experts are needed in the banking sector to work as threat hunters and remediation specialists, spotting and mitigating vulnerabilities before bad actors can exploit them. Tight security controls keep financial devastation at bay for both institutions and individuals.

Additionally, network security engineers and analysts develop and implement comprehensive strategies for cloud environments, conduct risk assessments, and oversee security monitoring to prevent cyberattacks from happening.

Many institutions want candidates with:

  • Hands-on experience with cloud security architecture

  • Knowledge of current and upcoming technologies

  • Experience working with datasets and analysis tools

Candidates must also possess strong interpersonal and leadership skills and balance big-picture thinking with problem-solving on a granular level.

Banks and financial services organizations hiring for cybersecurity roles

Some of the financial institutions where cybersecurity professionals land jobs include:

If you love working with mobile applications, this is a great industry in which to pursue employment. This is because many people access their banking information through smartphone and tablet apps, and banking institutions have an obligation to keep those apps as secure as possible to avoid data breaches and other security issues.

According to Simon Bacher, CEO and co-founder of Ling App, the most sought-after cybersecurity skills include knowledge of ethical hacking, aptitude in secure coding practices, expertise in cloud security, and a strong understanding of the Internet of Things (IoT) security. Especially in sectors focused on consumer data handling, such as ed-tech, fintech, or e-commerce, these skills are paramount.

Get an in-depth look at what our Cybersecurity Program has to offer by downloading our detailed curriculum.


Cybersecurity in military and defence

These cybersecurity jobs help promote homeland security by protecting national secrets and classified documents. They also ensure that defence systems stay ready to go in case of an emergency.

Some of the cybersecurity roles you may encounter include:

  • Cyber operator

  • Internet security analyst

  • Network support analyst

  • Computer incident response specialist

  • Cyber reporter

  • Systems auditor

Professionals who work in cybersecurity in the military are tasked with collecting, processing, and analyzing network data to identify vulnerabilities, manage the environment, and thwart sophisticated cyberattacks.

Along with your technical skills, you’ll need the ability to work with extremely sensitive information in a restricted-access environment with strict security protocols. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are a must, and project management capabilities will help you do your job well.

Military and defence organizations hiring for cybersecurity roles

If you’re going into cybersecurity in the military and defence sector, you may have the chance to work for organizations like:

Keep in mind that some roles in this sector may require you to be a member of the military.

Cybersecurity in retail

In this industry, you’ll ensure that people can purchase the items they need (like groceries and prescriptions) without putting their personal information at risk. You’ll also help prevent cyberattacks that can take down companies and leave consumers at risk of identity theft.

Cybersecurity professionals may hold various positions within the retail sector, including:

  • Systems and infrastructure engineer

  • Risk expert

  • Incident response engineer

  • Security Operations Centre (SOC) analyst

  • Identity technical lead

  • Director of information security

Working in retail, cybersecurity demands robust leadership skills and the ability to work with cross-functional teams.

Additionally, these jobs require various technical skills, such as risk auditing and remediation, data governance and administration, working with multi-cloud environments, defining and enforcing access-control policies, and deploying and maintaining cyber deception tools and artifacts.

Retail stores and companies hiring for cybersecurity roles

Working in retail cybersecurity could land you a position at one of the world’s biggest enterprises, such as:

In these roles, you’ll help protect point-of-sale systems, prevent credit card information from being stolen, and strengthen the company’s overall IT infrastructure.

Cybersecurity in software and tech

Working as a cybersecurity specialist in the software and tech sector is a unique experience in that you’ll often be responsible for maintaining the security of specific applications and technology solutions. These roles are important because they protect users of these programs and solutions from the threat of bad actors.

You may find jobs with titles like:

  • Cybersecurity software specialist

  • Cloud cybersecurity software architect

  • Security backend developer

These positions require skill in developing, testing, and maintaining software applications, as well as designing and managing security monitoring and alerting systems. You’ll also likely need a strong understanding of cloud networking and security systems and a focus on detail, logic, and solution-oriented thinking.

Software and tech companies hiring for cybersecurity roles

Cybersecurity experts can often land jobs at some of North America’s most prominent tech companies, including:

The tech sector is especially exciting, as it’s full of companies committed to staying on the cutting edge of the field.

Navigating the cybersecurity job market

If you want to pursue a career in cybersecurity, your first step is to research entry-level positions and determine whether you already have the required skills. If not, consider building those skills through specialized certification programs.

Woman holding a laptop and smiling.

Become a Cybersecurity Professional in as little as 12 weeks!

Classes start soon and there's room for you.

Sign up now

As you learn, prioritize gaining familiarity with various cybersecurity tools and software programs and getting some hands-on project experience. When you’re ready to start job hunting, network with other professionals through social media and events.

Because cybersecurity is always evolving in response to new threats, it’s important to be a constant learner. Staying updated with the latest trends not only increases your value for employers but also ensures that you’ll achieve your goals of protecting people and organizations from would-be disruptors.

Over the past few years, the demand for cybersecurity personnel has skyrocketed, according to Bacher.

“In Ling App, for instance, we didn't have a dedicated cybersecurity team five years ago. Today, it's a vital part of our tech workforce. Given our heavy reliance on digital infrastructure, we believe this trend is going to continue, and investing in cybersecurity talent is of utmost necessity.”

Lighthouse Labs’ online Cybersecurity Program

Lighthouse Labs’ Cybersecurity Program prepares students for roles in cybersecurity in various industries. Whether attending a 12-week full-time Bootcamp or a 30-week part-time Flex Program, students will gain a unique mix of technical knowledge, real-world experience, and critical soft skills.

On-demand mentorship from industry experts in key areas like network security, encryption, incident response, forensics, threat-detection engineering, defence operation, and blue team fundamentals make Lighthouse Labs students some of the most sought-after in the job market and highly capable in their roles.

Lighthouse Labs cybersecurity grads work at innovative companies like:

  • Interac

  • PWC

  • Arctic Wolf

  • Innovaposte

  • Bulletproof

Ready to dive into the dynamic field of cybersecurity and make your mark in one of these industries? Lighthouse Labs' Cybersecurity Program is your first step towards becoming an in-demand professional.


Cybersecurity industries FAQs

What industries need cybersecurity the most?

According to wireless service giant AT&T, the industries with the greatest need for cybersecurity professionals are e-commerce, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government.

Who hires the most cybersecurity?

While not all companies provide concrete data, Deloitte is one of the world’s largest security consulting firms, with some 25,000-plus cybersecurity professionals worldwide.

What are the top 3 targeted industries for cybersecurity?

Based on the latest market research, the industries most at risk for security breaches are online retail, finance, and healthcare.

Which industries spend the most on cybersecurity?

The industries with the largest cybersecurity budgets are banking, manufacturing, professional services, and federal governments. According to statistical reports, tech and healthcare are also big spenders on cybersecurity.

Which companies need cybersecurity?

Companies large and small across the world hire cybersecurity professionals, including Bluewater Imaging, the Government of Canada (including CSIS and the Canadian Armed Forces), Loblaw, BMO, Walmart, and Microsoft.

What is the best company to work for in cybersecurity?

The best company to work for as a cybersecurity professional will depend on your unique mix of skills, preferences, and goals. You could work for a retail giant like Walmart, a tech company like Microsoft, a military organization like the Armed Forces, a financial institution like BMO, a government agency like CSIS or the CDC, or a healthcare organization like Bluewater Imaging.

Which industry is best for cybersecurity?

Again, the best industry for your cybersecurity skills will vary based on your goals, previous experience, and preferences. In terms of job outlook, tech, healthcare, banking, manufacturing, professional services, and federal governments spend the most on personnel and tools.