Type Of Cyber Security

Overview of cybersecurity domains, common job roles, and beginner suitability.

Type
Network Security
Description
Protects network infrastructure from intrusions and attacks.
Roles
Network Security Engineer, SOC Analyst, Firewall Administrator
Beginners
Yes – Start with basics of networking and firewalls
Type
Web Application Security
Description
Secures websites and web applications from vulnerabilities.
Roles
Web App Pentester, Application Security Engineer, Bug Bounty Hunter
Beginners
Yes – OWASP Top 10 is a good starting point
Type
Endpoint Security
Description
Protects individual devices (PCs, mobiles) from threats.
Roles
Endpoint Security Analyst, IT Security Administrator
Beginners
Yes – Easy to understand via antivirus, EDR tools
Type
Mobile Security (Android/iOS)
Description
Focuses on securing mobile apps and OS against malware and exploitation.
Roles
Mobile Security Researcher, Android Pentester, iOS Security Analyst
Beginners
Moderate – Better after basic pentesting
Type
Cloud Security
Description
Secures cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Roles
Cloud Security Engineer, Cloud Architect, DevSecOps Engineer
Beginners
No – Requires cloud and networking background
Type
IoT Security
Description
Protects Internet of Things devices from remote attacks.
Roles
IoT Security Analyst, Embedded Security Engineer
Beginners
No – Needs hardware and embedded systems knowledge
Type
Operational Security (OPSEC)
Description
Manages processes and decisions around protecting sensitive data.
Roles
OPSEC Analyst, Risk Management Specialist
Beginners
Yes – Learn basic data handling and privacy
Type
Information Security (InfoSec)
Description
General protection of information assets from unauthorized access.
Roles
InfoSec Analyst, Compliance Officer, ISO Auditor
Beginners
Yes – A good entry point into cybersecurity
Type
Application Security
Description
Involves secure coding, code review, and protecting software during development.
Roles
AppSec Engineer, Secure Code Reviewer, Software Security Consultant
Beginners
No – Requires programming knowledge
Type
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Description
Controls user access to systems and data.
Roles
IAM Analyst, Identity Governance Engineer
Beginners
Moderate – Learn access control models first
Type
Cryptography
Description
Uses encryption to protect data confidentiality and integrity.
Roles
Cryptographer, Crypto Analyst, PKI Specialist
Beginners
No – Needs strong math background
Type
Incident Response
Description
Detects and responds to security breaches and threats.
Roles
Incident Responder, SOC Analyst, Digital Forensic Expert
Beginners
Yes – Start in SOC roles
Type
Penetration Testing (Red Teaming)
Description
Simulates attacks to find weaknesses before attackers do.
Roles
Penetration Tester, Red Team Operator, Ethical Hacker
Beginners
Yes – With basic hacking knowledge
Type
Blue Teaming
Description
Defends systems and detects attacks in real time.
Roles
Blue Team Analyst, Threat Hunter, SOC Analyst
Beginners
Yes – Good for defense-focused beginners
Type
Digital Forensics
Description
Investigates cybercrimes by analyzing digital evidence.
Roles
Forensic Analyst, Cybercrime Investigator
Beginners
No – Requires forensic tools knowledge
Type
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
Description
Ensures security practices comply with legal and regulatory standards.
Roles
GRC Analyst, Compliance Manager, Risk Analyst
Beginners
Yes – Suitable for non-technical entry