Can you work remotely in cybersecurity?
In the age of the internet, many people are looking for jobs that can be done remotely. Cybersecurity is no exception.
Deciding whether or not to work from home in cybersecurity is a difficult decision that depends on many factors. There are many amazing benefits to working remotely if you can find such a role. You can avoid the commute, save money on office expenses, work from anywhere and have a more flexible schedule. Some people find that working from home increases their productivity.
However, there are also some challenges, such as feeling isolated from team members and struggling to focus in a home environment.
Another option can be partial remote or hybrid work concepts. It allows to get the most benefits and try to balance out the negatives of fully remote work. What if you want to find a fully remote job in cybersecurity? Is it possible? Let’s find out
Do fully remote cybersecurity jobs exist?
There used to be a lot of debate in the cybersecurity community about whether or not fully remote cybersecurity jobs are a thing. Many cybersecurity roles ranging from entry-level positions to more senior roles can be done fully remote. Hard to say otherwise when you mostly only need a laptop and a VPN connection to work from home.
However, technical feasibility is not enough. Most companies were really hesitant about remote work (especially for cybersecurity roles). One of the biggest concerns was and still remains is ensuring the security of organizational data when employees are working remotely.
The ongoing pandemic has resulted in unprecedented changes in the way we work and live. One of the most significant changes has been the accelerated transition to remote work in all domains, including cybersecurity.
Even though some companies are calling their workforce back into the office, many continue to hire for full time remote cybersecurity internships, junior, senior and management positions. Now we even have remote first companies that have security teams distributed all around the world.
What cybersecurity jobs can be done remotely / work from home?
Cybersecurity is one of the hottest topics in the tech world, and for good reason. The number of cyber attacks is on the rise, and they’re becoming more and more sophisticated. That’s why businesses are looking for top-notch cybersecurity professionals to help protect their data and systems. In the USA alone there were 600,000 unfilled cybersecurity positions at the beginning of 2022. This number can rise to 3.5 million by 2025. [Source]
If you’re looking for a remote cybersecurity job, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you’ll need to have a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and practices. Second, you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with non-technical staff and clients. And third, you’ll need to be comfortable working with a variety of tools and technologies.
Below are some of the cybersecurity jobs that can be done fully remotely.
1. Cybersecurity Analyst
As a cybersecurity analyst, you’ll be responsible for identifying and investigating security threats.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need to have a strong understanding of security technologies and a good ability to think analytically.
SOC (Security operations center) Security analysts: These analysts monitor activity on networks and systems to look for signs of security threats. They may also investigate security incidents and gather evidence for legal cases.
Working remotely as a Cybersecurity Analyst
If a company has infrastructure in place to enable it, Security Analysts can easily work from home. Typically Security analysts have little meetings. Therefore, it is an ideal work from home role.
2. Cybersecurity Engineer
As a Cybersecurity Engineer, you’ll be responsible for implementing, and testing security solutions. Some security engineers will also build, and maintain security systems. This includes things like intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and signing infrastructures. In some companies (especially the ones without a dedicated Security Architect role) engineers are also responsible to design security solutions.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need to have a strong technical background and a good understanding of security principles and technologies.
Working remotely as a Cybersecurity Engineer
For most security engineers there is no need to be present in the office. Their work can be done fully remotely and does not require extensive communications with other stakeholders. Therefore, working from home is a viable option. There are also a lot of companies hiring for remote security engineering roles.
3. Cybersecurity Consultant
As a cybersecurity consultant, you’ll be responsible for providing advice and guidance to clients on security matters and best practices. You may work with businesses to assess their security needs and recommend solutions.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need to have a good understanding of security principles and practices. In addition, you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with clients.
Working remotely as a Cybersecurity Consultant
Big part of Cybersecurity Consultants work is meeting clients and doing on site interviews. While it is possible to do it remotely, most clients prefer consultants to be on site. Therefore, it might be hard to find a cybersecurity consultant job which is fully remote. Some companies hire for remote Cybersecurity Consultant positions. However, occasional travel might still be required.
4. Information Security Officer
As a cybersecurity manager, you’ll be responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures. In addition you will be overseeing the security of an organization’s data and systems.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need to have a strong understanding of security principles, practices and security regulations which concern your industry.
Working remotely as an Information Security Officer
This is a critical compliance role and many companies might require office presence. At the bare minimum office visits might be required for different kinds of audits and interactions with government officials.
Fully remote Information Security Officer roles still exist but they might be harder to find.
5. Cybersecurity Researcher
As a cybersecurity researcher, you’ll be responsible for identifying and investigating new security threats. You’ll also be responsible for developing new security solutions.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need to have a strong technical background and a good ability to think analytically.
Working remotely as a Cybersecurity Researcher
Cybersecurity researchers can be self-employed or working for a company.
Working remotely as a self employed Security Researcher is similar to working as a Bug Bounty Hunter. There is no office to go to and it can be done from anywhere.
On the other hand, being employed as a Cybersecurity Researcher might require occasional office visits. This is especially true for cybersecurity researchers who work with hardware. They face similar constraints as penetration testers who work with hardware.
6. Cybersecurity architect
As a Cybersecurity Architect you will design and oversee the implementation of security measures and systems.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need to have a strong technical background in all technologies which are part of your architecture. You will need to always keep a big picture (e.g. your complete system) in mind while designing particular security solutions for parts of your system. In addition you will need to have strong interpersonal skills to clearly communicate your ideas to other stakeholders.
Working remotely as a Cybersecurity Architect
Technical part of the Cybersecurity Architecture work can be done fully remotely. There is no need to be in the office to work on requirements, refine architecture or develop security measures.
However, a big part of Cybersecurity Architects work is communication and meetings with stakeholders. While it is possible to conduct these interactions remotely via video conference tools, some companies / managers prefer to have Architects on site at least part time for these activities.
7. Penetration Tester
Penetration testing, also known as pen testing or ethical hacking, is the practice of testing a computer system, network or web application to find vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. As a penetration tester, you would use your knowledge of hacking techniques to try and gain access to sensitive data or systems and write reports on your findings.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need to have a strong technical background and in-depth understanding of technologies which you will test.
Working remotely as a Penetration Tester
There are different types of penetration testing and your ability to work remotely highly depends on the type of penetration testing required.
Application, operating systems, web or any other software penetration testing can be done remotely and does not require in office presence.
Internal network penetration testing can be done remotely. However, it requires additional setup to make it possible (e.g. providing a VPN for penetration testers to get access inside the tested network).
External network penetration testing can be done remotely with little to no additional setup to enable it.
To do hardware penetration testing you need a hardware target and specific testing devices (e.g. to test fault injection). This kind of testing is sometimes done on a prototype device which is not allowed to be taken outside of the secured premises. This can limit a role to completely on site or a hybrid model.
8. Bug Bounty Hunter
Bug bounty hunting is a type of security testing in which individuals or organizations receive rewards for finding vulnerabilities in software or hardware. Keep in mind that Bug Bounty hunting has a very low barrier of entry and therefore is very competitive.
To be successful in this role, you’ll need to have the same skills as a penetration tester. But in addition you need to be extremely persistent. You’re likely to come across a lot of closed doors, but you need to keep trying to have a chance at finding vulnerabilities you’re looking for.
Working remotely as a Bug Bounty Hunter
Unlike other roles on the list Bug Bounty Hunting as a job started entirely remotely. There are usually no expectations for physical presence and it can be done almost from any county in the world.
Sometimes bug bounty platforms can organize special onsite events for selected Bug Bounty Hunters. In this case you will need to fly in to participate. Otherwise, it is completely remote.
Bug Bounty Hunters usually work on their own.
No need for collaboration and physical presence make it a very suitable choice for fully remote work.
9. Cybersecurity Manager or Cybersecurity Lead
As a Cybersecurity Manager you will oversee, manage and motivate a team of security professionals. In some organizations Cybersecurity Managers are also responsible for long term planning and technological leadership.
To be successful in this role, you need to have strong soft skills, know how to build effective teams and help members of the team grow and develop. Most importantly you need to be a leader.
Working remotely as a Cybersecurity Manager or Cybersecurity Lead
It can be one of the hardest jobs on the list to do fully remotely. Because being a manager requires a lot of interactions with the team, ability to read the mood inside and support teammates when needed. It can be quite challenging to do it fully remotely.
This is the main reason why it is harder to find fully remote Cybersecurity Manager positions. They still exist though. Especially at remote first companies.
Summary and future of Remote Cybersecurity Jobs
In conclusion, it is possible to find a remote job in cybersecurity. Companies have been hesitant about remote work in the past, but the pandemic has forced them to re-evaluate their stance.
Fully remote cybersecurity jobs definitely exist, and they are only becoming more prevalent as time goes on. There is a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. But companies are struggling to fill the roles locally and the workforce demands an ability to work remotely.
All it combined means that we should expect even more remote cybersecurity roles in the future. If you have the skills and knowledge, you can definitely find a rewarding remote cybersecurity position. Are you ready to find one? Then join our newsletter and receive the best hand picket Remote Cybersecurity Jobs directly in your inbox.