Cybersecurity offers plenty of opportunities for professionals with skills like communication, project management, or compliance expertise. Non-technical roles focus on strategy, risk management, training, and policies - essential for building strong security programs.
Key Career Paths:
- Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC): Create policies, assess risks, and ensure regulatory compliance. Average salaries range from $112,000 to $200,000+.
- Security Awareness Training: Educate employees to prevent breaches caused by human error. Perfect for those with teaching or communication experience.
- Cybersecurity Project Management: Oversee security initiatives, manage timelines, and align technical solutions with business goals.
Why Non-Technical Roles Matter:
- 90% of breaches involve human error - non-technical professionals address this by managing risks, training teams, and aligning security with business needs.
- The cybersecurity job market is growing fast, with 3.5M unfilled positions worldwide.
Skills You Need:
- Communication, critical thinking, project management, and regulatory knowledge.
- Certifications like CRISC, CISA, or PMP can boost your career prospects.
Cybersecurity isn’t just about tech - it’s about understanding people, risks, and business operations. Ready to start? Leverage your current skills, connect with industry professionals, and gain hands-on experience to make your transition.
Outside of the Shell: Cybersecurity Careers and Paths for the Non-Technical People
What Are Non-Technical Cybersecurity Roles
Non-technical cybersecurity roles are a vital part of any organization's security strategy. While technical experts focus on securing systems and networks, non-technical professionals handle policies, manage risks, ensure compliance, and support incident response efforts.
In simpler terms, technical roles deal with the "how" of cybersecurity, while non-technical roles focus on the "why" and "what." They establish training programs, enforce compliance, and align security strategies with broader organizational goals. This balance ensures that cybersecurity extends beyond just IT systems and integrates into the organization's overall operations.
Mark Raeburn from Accenture captures this dynamic perfectly:
"Attitude is often more important than skill and you can certainly learn on the job."
This highlights the importance of qualities like adaptability, business understanding, and a willingness to grow - skills that are often just as critical as technical expertise.
Why Non-Technical Roles Matter
Non-technical cybersecurity professionals play a strategic and often preventative role. Consider this: the federal government faces annual financial losses from fraud ranging between $233 billion and $521 billion. By developing policies, managing compliance, and implementing risk strategies, these professionals help mitigate such staggering costs.
Their work ensures that cybersecurity efforts align with organizational goals while meeting legal and regulatory standards. Beyond compliance, they focus on creating a security-conscious workplace, emphasizing employee education and fostering a culture where security becomes everyone's responsibility.
Common Features of Non-Technical Roles
Non-technical cybersecurity roles often demand exceptional communication skills. These professionals need to explain complex security concepts to people who may not have a technical background. Analytical thinking and problem-solving are also essential, as they assess business processes, regulatory requirements, and risks to identify gaps and improve training initiatives.
Another defining aspect is the ability to bring expertise from other disciplines into a cybersecurity context. As one expert explains:
"Working in a nontechnical cybersecurity role means bringing your field skills, experience, and qualifications to the role. For example, a cybersecurity legal professional is, first and foremost, a lawyer who has passed the bar."
This means that individuals from fields like law, business, education, or project management can transition into cybersecurity with additional training, leveraging their existing knowledge rather than starting from scratch.
Here's a quick breakdown of how technical and non-technical roles differ:
| Technical Roles | Non-Technical Roles |
|---|---|
| Require programming and coding skills | Focus on policy, strategy, and management |
| Involve hands-on tasks like malware analysis and digital forensics | Emphasize risk assessment, compliance, and education |
| Develop and implement security tools | Bridge technical concepts with business priorities |
| Best for those who enjoy coding and technical problem-solving | Ideal for strong communicators and strategic thinkers |
The demand for non-technical roles is growing rapidly. For instance, the job market for information security analysts is projected to grow by 33% between 2023 and 2033. This trend highlights the increasing need for professionals who can connect technical solutions with organizational strategies.
Non-technical cybersecurity roles require a deep understanding of how businesses operate and a strategic mindset. Rebecca Cox from HSBC emphasizes the importance of curiosity in these roles, as well as strong communication skills, which help make cybersecurity more accessible. These qualities set the stage for exploring specific non-technical career paths in the field.
3 Non-Technical Cybersecurity Career Paths
Cybersecurity isn't just for tech experts. There are plenty of roles in this field that don't require coding or deep technical knowledge. Instead, they focus on strategy, communication, and management. Here are three career paths where you can thrive without a technical background.
Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC)
GRC professionals are the architects of an organization's cybersecurity framework. They design policies, assess risks, and ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA or SOX. Their work helps businesses stay legally compliant while meeting their strategic goals.
In this role, you might conduct risk assessments, develop security policies, monitor regulatory compliance, and report findings to leadership. You'll analyze processes, pinpoint vulnerabilities, and create strategies that protect the company while aligning with its objectives.
The pay is impressive. GRC analysts make an average of $112,000 annually, while managers earn around $179,000, with top earners exceeding $200,000. This field is particularly appealing for professionals with business expertise, as it values analytical thinking and the ability to translate complex rules into practical actions. Given that many organizations face staffing shortages in this area - one-third lack a chief risk officer, and two-thirds have understaffed IT teams - there's a strong demand for skilled individuals.
To succeed, you'll need to think critically, understand how different departments function, and communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders.
Security Awareness Training and Education
Security awareness trainers are on the front lines of preventing cyberattacks by teaching employees how to recognize and avoid threats. Since human error plays a role in over 90% of security breaches, this role is vital.
Your responsibilities might include developing training materials, running workshops, and measuring the success of these programs. Working closely with HR, you'll create content that resonates with diverse teams and track metrics to evaluate its impact.
The results of effective training can be dramatic. For example, a Mimecast study showed that phishing awareness jumped from 33.0% to 81.2%, BYOD awareness rose from 28.1% to 86.6%, and password security knowledge increased from 12.5% to 54.6% after training. This role is perfect for those with a background in education, communications, or training. Strong presentation skills, creativity, and an understanding of adult learning principles are key to success.
Cybersecurity Project Management
Cybersecurity project managers bridge the gap between business objectives and security goals. They oversee projects from start to finish, managing budgets, timelines, and teams to deliver results.
As organizations ramp up their security efforts, demand for this role is growing. In 2023 alone, cybercrime cost U.S. businesses over $12.5 billion - a 22% increase from the previous year. Typical tasks include creating project plans, coordinating with technical teams, managing vendor relationships, and keeping stakeholders informed. You might lead efforts like implementing security tools, improving compliance processes, or enhancing incident response protocols.
The job outlook is strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in project management jobs between 2022 and 2032. Additionally, Cybersecurity Ventures reports 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions worldwide, highlighting the demand for skilled professionals. Success in this role requires excellent communication, organizational skills, and the ability to balance business needs with technical challenges.
Interestingly, Frost & Sullivan found that 30% of cybersecurity professionals come from non-technical backgrounds. If you have project management experience and gain some cybersecurity knowledge, you'll bring a sought-after combination of skills to the table.
These career paths show that you don't need to be a tech wizard to make an impact in cybersecurity. Up next, we'll dive into the skills and certifications that can help you succeed.
sbb-itb-8a31326
Required Skills and Certifications
Breaking into non-technical cybersecurity roles requires a mix of specific skills and credentials - many of which you might already have. Here's what employers are looking for and how you can position yourself as a strong candidate.
Core Skills You Need
Communication is a must-have. You'll need to break down complex security concepts for executives, draft clear policies, and present findings to audiences with varying levels of technical expertise.
Critical thinking plays a huge role in assessing risks, identifying vulnerabilities, and developing effective strategies. Rebecca Cox, Global Head of Cybersecurity at HSBC, highlights another essential trait:
"Curiosity – something I'd classify as both a skill and mindset – is something we always look for in employees. Being curious helps someone to learn, change and adapt, which is fundamental to any role."
This curiosity is especially valuable in non-technical roles, where understanding how security affects various business functions is crucial.
Project management skills are vital for coordinating security initiatives. You’ll juggle timelines, budgets, and the expectations of multiple stakeholders while ensuring that objectives are met.
Regulatory expertise is another key area. Familiarity with frameworks like GDPR and CCPA can help you bridge the gap between legal compliance and practical business processes.
Collaboration is essential. You'll need to work closely with IT teams, executives, and department heads to implement and maintain effective security measures.
Adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning are non-negotiable. Cybersecurity threats evolve constantly, and staying up to date with industry trends and technologies will be critical for long-term success.
To solidify these skills, pursuing relevant certifications can make a big difference.
Certifications That Help
Certifications not only validate your skills but also provide structured learning and can boost your earning potential by 15-20%. Here are some of the most sought-after options:
- CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control): This certification focuses on managing enterprise IT risk. It requires passing an exam, paying a $50 application fee, and demonstrating relevant experience. Exam fees are $575 for ISACA members and $760 for non-members.
- CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor): Ideal for professionals in auditing, control, and information systems security, this certification is a great fit for those with strong analytical skills and a knack for evaluating risks.
- CISM (Certified Information Security Manager): Designed for management-focused roles, this certification emphasizes aligning information security with business objectives.
- PMP (Project Management Professional): This certification is especially valuable for cybersecurity project management roles. With cybersecurity jobs projected to grow by 32% between 2022 and 2032, project management expertise is increasingly in demand.
- Security awareness training certifications: Perfect for those interested in education-focused roles, these credentials showcase your ability to create and deliver effective training programs.
When selecting certifications, align them with your career goals and current skill set. Reviewing job postings for your target roles can help you identify the most relevant options. Additionally, many employers are willing to cover certification costs, so the initial investment shouldn’t hold you back.
With a global cybersecurity skills gap of four million unfilled positions, there’s a wealth of opportunities for professionals who are ready to invest in the right skill set and certifications. Your non-technical background could even be an advantage, offering fresh perspectives to tackle today’s security challenges.
How to Transition Into Non-Technical Cybersecurity
Breaking into cybersecurity without a technical background is absolutely possible. The key lies in leveraging your existing strengths, building meaningful connections in the industry, and gaining hands-on experience to prove your capabilities.
Use Your Current Skills
Start by identifying the skills you already excel at - whether it’s communication, project management, or business strategy - and think about how they can bridge the gap between technical teams and business operations. Rebecca Cox, Global Head of Cybersecurity at HSBC, highlights this approach:
"To kickstart a career in cybersecurity, start by identifying your strengths and leveraging your previous experience".
For instance, professionals like Robert, who transitioned from marketing, and Matt, who came from business management, successfully applied their ability to communicate clearly and focus on details to cybersecurity roles. Similarly, Nathan used his production management expertise to work as a Cybersecurity Specialist, collaborating with IT teams to evaluate risks and improve processes.
Dominic Vogel, President of Vogel Leadership and Coaching, underscores the importance of communication in this field:
"The essential skill [is] the ability to communicate, to connect, actually get that level of conversation going with the executive".
Jeremy Shaki, CEO and co-founder of Lighthouse Labs, also emphasizes the value of transferable skills:
"Business acumen and how you share and communicate, but also how well you know the domain itself, where the threats may be, where the problems may be, and how you think about that is very important as a transferable skill".
When updating your resume, focus on showcasing how your skills have delivered results in previous roles. Don’t just list tasks - highlight the impact you’ve made. Pairing this with industry connections and practical experience will help you make a smooth transition into cybersecurity.
Build Industry Connections
Once you’ve identified your transferable skills, it’s time to grow your network. Joshua Weiss, CEO of TeliApp, puts it plainly:
"Networking plays a HUGE role. Going to networking events, conventions, industry conferences, etc. presents enormous opportunities for candidates to become friendly with other people in the industry who may be able to assist when they begin their careers".
Frank Cicio, Founder and CEO of iQ4, adds:
"Yes, having certifications is important, but the industry is surprisingly small and relationship-driven. Attend conferences, local cybersecurity meetups, or even virtual webinars. Engage with professionals on LinkedIn. When someone recognizes your name because you asked smart questions or showed genuine curiosity, you're already ahead of the pack. Many entry-level hires happen through these informal networks before a job is even posted".
LinkedIn is an excellent tool for connecting with cybersecurity professionals. Start by following and engaging with their content. You can also find cybersecurity events through platforms like Infosec-Conferences, Cyber Events, and Security Conference Finder. Many cities host local meetups where professionals share insights, discuss current challenges, and network.
Get Hands-On Experience
Networking can open doors, but practical experience is what truly validates your skills. Volunteering, internships, and contributing to open-source projects are all great ways to gain experience and build your portfolio.
For example, some organizations provide free cybersecurity services to charities that lack the budget for professional help. Additionally, many cybersecurity companies and programs offer internships specifically designed for career changers. Open-source projects are another excellent way to practice and refine your abilities.
Structured training programs can also be incredibly helpful. Take MSU Denver's Cybersecurity Online Training, for example. It offers flexible courses covering topics like network security, risk management, and intrusion detection, as well as certifications to help you establish your credentials.
To stand out, build a portfolio that showcases your expertise. Include case studies, policy documents, or security assessments you’ve worked on. This tangible evidence of your skills often makes a stronger impression than certifications alone. Tailor your resume to highlight your training, certifications, and hands-on experience.
Frank Cicio shares this insight:
"Communicating clearly and collaborating well with teams is a huge part of success in this field".
Conclusion: Start Your Cybersecurity Career Journey
The cybersecurity industry is in urgent need of professionals who bring a range of perspectives and experiences. If you come from a non-technical background, don’t view it as a setback - it’s actually a strength. Your unique insights can set you apart in a competitive job market. Experts agree: curiosity and a fresh perspective are highly valued in this field.
To get started, focus on building a strong foundation. Begin with cybersecurity awareness training to learn practical skills like managing passwords, spotting phishing attempts, and understanding basic security concepts. From there, consider enrolling in beginner-friendly courses that cover areas such as risk management, compliance, policy creation, and incident response. The good news? Coding skills aren’t a requirement to succeed. With structured learning and hands-on practice, you can steadily build your expertise.
Certifications are an excellent way to prove your knowledge and commitment. Start with beginner-level credentials like Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) from ISC², CompTIA Security+, or the entry-level Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). These certifications show employers that you have a solid grasp of the basics and are serious about your career in cybersecurity.
Networking can also play a huge role in your journey. Platforms like LinkedIn are great for connecting with professionals in the field. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and join online communities to expand your network. Interestingly, cybersecurity roles take 21% longer to fill than other tech positions, and many jobs are filled through professional connections before they’re even advertised.
Employers are looking for more than just technical skills. They value enthusiasm, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn. Your transferable skills - whether in governance, risk, compliance, training, or project management - are incredibly relevant and can open doors to various roles in cybersecurity.
The field is ready for your contributions, and the first step is within reach. With the right mindset and preparation, you can build a fulfilling career that not only highlights your strengths but also helps protect organizations from ever-evolving threats. Take that first step today.
FAQs
What non-technical skills are important for cybersecurity roles, and how can I showcase them to employers?
Non-technical skills like problem-solving, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and decision-making play a crucial role in various cybersecurity roles, including governance, risk management, and security awareness training. These abilities are essential for tackling complex issues, collaborating with others, and making sound decisions under pressure.
To highlight these skills effectively, draw on real-life examples from your past experiences. For example:
- Problem-solving: Share a situation where you identified a significant issue and successfully resolved it.
- Communication: Talk about how you’ve explained complex concepts to diverse audiences in a clear and relatable way.
- Adaptability: Provide an example of how you adjusted to a new challenge or environment with ease and success.
When preparing for interviews, consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This approach helps you structure your answers, making it easier to showcase your contributions and impact. Additionally, earning certifications or completing training in areas like risk management or compliance can demonstrate your commitment and readiness to thrive in the cybersecurity field.
What steps can someone without a technical background take to start a career in cybersecurity?
Breaking into cybersecurity without a technical background is entirely achievable by focusing on roles that match your existing strengths. Positions in areas like governance, risk management, compliance, or security awareness training often rely on skills such as communication, problem-solving, and project management - skills you may already have.
To get started, consider building a solid foundation with beginner-friendly certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). These certifications introduce essential cybersecurity concepts and can give your resume a competitive edge. Pair this with hands-on experience, whether through internships, volunteer work, or personal projects, to demonstrate your commitment and practical understanding.
Networking plays a huge role in this field. Engage with cybersecurity professionals by attending industry events, joining online communities, or connecting on platforms like LinkedIn. Staying informed about the latest trends and continuously sharpening your skills will not only help you stand out but also ease your transition into this dynamic field.
What are the top certifications for non-technical cybersecurity roles, and how can they boost your career?
Some of the top certifications for non-technical roles in cybersecurity include CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control), and Security+. These certifications highlight your skills in areas like security management, risk assessment, compliance, and security awareness - key elements for positions in governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC).
Earning these certifications does more than validate your knowledge; it boosts your credibility with employers and positions you as a strong candidate in the field. They signal that you grasp essential cybersecurity concepts and can play a vital role in safeguarding organizations, even without a technical background. For those transitioning into cybersecurity, these credentials can serve as an excellent foundation for building a fulfilling career.
