Thinking about a career in cyber security but don’t have a tech background? You’re not alone, and you’re not out of luck. As Canberra’s cyber ecosystem continues to grow, local employers are increasingly looking beyond traditional pathways and welcoming talent from all walks of life.
We spoke with some of the capital’s leading cyber employers - Arc Professional Services, Opes Cyber, Ionize, Securus Consulting Group, and Viden - who shared candid advice on what really matters when breaking into the industry, the common misconceptions they see, and the skills that help candidates stand out.
It’s not all code and keyboards
A universal message across the board: you don’t need to be a coding wizard to work in cyber.
“Many people think you need to be a coder or have deep tech expertise,” said Arc Professional Services. “In reality, cyber security requires a blend of strategy, communication, policy, and technical thinking.”
Opes Cyber echoed this, noting that roles span far beyond hacking and programming. “Cyber security includes risk, compliance, operations, engineering, and even awareness training. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills are just as important as technical capabilities.”
Viden expanded on this, sharing what they look for in successful candidates. “We're seeking people with a great attitude and an appitude to learn. Cyber is a fast past and constantly changing landscape, so curious people with a passion for lifelong learning are the ones that we see are often the most successful.“
Soft skills are power skills
While technical foundations are valuable, it’s often soft skills that set candidates apart, particularly in Canberra’s public sector-driven cyber environment.
“Critical thinking, effective communication, adaptability, and collaboration - especially in multidisciplinary teams - are vital in environments like defence and government,” Arc said.
Opes added:
“Communication is huge, especially being able to explain security concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Resilience is another: cyber is a fast-moving field, and being comfortable with ambiguity and change is key.”
Your background might be more relevant than you think
Transitioning from another industry? You might already have a head start.
Defence, intelligence, law and customer service were frequently named as strong feeder industries. These sectors build traits like situational awareness, a compliance mindset and stakeholder communication - all critical in cyber.
Ionize shared examples of successful team members coming from fields as varied as astrophysics, tourism, project management and the ACT library service. The common thread? Attention to detail and a genuine interest in cyber.
Passion beats prestige
When it comes to qualifications, all employers agreed: hands-on aptitude and curiosity often outweigh formal education.
“Aptitude and practical problem-solving often outweigh formal education,” said Arc. “Certifications help but aren’t essential if the candidate shows adaptability and a strong understanding of security principles.”
Opes Cyber encouraged self-guided learning, labs, open-source contributions, and cyber competitions. Ionize noted that while a Cert IV is often a good foundation, passion and credibility are what truly matter to clients.
Advice for newcomers: start small and stay curious
If you’re new to cyber and wondering where to begin, the consensus is clear - get your hands dirty!
Start with foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+, explore free or low-cost online courses, and get involved in the local community. Canberra has an active cyber scene, with networking events and meetups offering invaluable exposure and learning opportunities.
Ionize suggests their security operations centre as a starting point. “It gives new starters exposure to real threats like phishing campaigns, teaches data interpretation, and builds foundational skills across the board.”
Opes recommends identifying what excites you about cyber - whether it’s risk, governance, or incident response - and then building skills in that direction.
Don’t just apply, show what you bring
A common misstep? Underselling your experience or applying too generically.
“Overlooking the importance of security clearance eligibility or not tailoring resumes to highlight how their prior experience applies to cyber roles,” is a major issue, said Arc.
“People often focus on what they don’t know, rather than highlighting relevant strengths like risk management, incident response, or policy knowledge from previous roles,” said Opes. “Be targeted, and show the connection between where you’ve been and where you’re headed.”
“Employers notice when you’re proactive,” Opes continued. “Share examples of self-study, projects, Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges…”
Looking ahead
So, where are the opportunities heading?
“The biggest opportunities are going to be for those that are adaptable and able to work in any situation, with generalists that can wear many hats being key to the future of the industry,” says Securus Consulting Group.
Risk management, compliance, and advisory roles - especially in defence and critical infrastructure, are booming. Security engineers and architects with cloud experience are in demand, as are professionals who can combine technical knowledge with strategic insight and stakeholder communication.
As cyber becomes ever more critical to national security and business resilience, Canberra remains at the forefront. And whether you’re coming from a call centre or a courtroom, there’s space for you in the field.
If you'd like to learn more, you can explore types of cyber careers, cyber courses and available cyber vacancies.
