Technical vs. Managerial Skill Path in Cybersecurity

Career growth in cybersecurity does not have to mean moving into management. Unlike some industries where becoming a manager is the default progression, cybersecurity and tech have strong pathways for individual contributors who want to stay hands-on. Professionals can advance to roles like distinguished architect, principal engineer, or lead roles without ever stepping into management. The key is that you have a choice in staying technical or becoming a leader and both paths are valuable.

I have worked on both sides: I started in hands-on roles, testing applications, scanning networks, and being a technical lead. I spent years in offensive security, including working on a bug bounty team. Eventually, I transitioned into management as a people leader. At first, I missed the hands-on work, but I realized something important. Security is not just about tools, it is about building people and teams.

Yes, a strong security program is built on technology, but it is also built on well-trained, motivated professionals who are constantly learning and growing. Whether you choose to stay technical or move into leadership, the most important thing is ensuring that the people doing the work have what they need to be effective while aligning security efforts with broader organizational strategy and goals. A security program succeeds when individual contributors and people leaders work together, combining technical expertise with strategic oversight to protect the organization.

So how do you decide which path is right for you? Let’s break it down.

Why Distinguish Between Technical and Managerial Skill Paths?

Technical and managerial paths require different skill sets and perspectives:

• Technical roles involve deep specialization. These professionals focus on hands-on work, such as penetration testing, threat hunting, system hardening, or cloud security. They are responsible for executing security operations, identifying vulnerabilities, and mitigating threats.
• Managerial roles require broader oversight and leadership. These professionals guide security teams, align security with business strategy, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.

Both types of professionals are essential to an organization’s security posture. Without skilled technical experts, security initiatives would lack execution, and without strong leadership, teams would struggle to effectively prioritize security goals.

Choosing the right path depends on individual strengths and interests. Someone passionate about coding, troubleshooting, or systems design may thrive in a technical role, while those interested in policy, budgeting, and stakeholder communication may be better suited for a leadership position. The best security programs recognize the value of both paths and create opportunities for professionals to grow in their chosen direction.

Technical Skill Path Overview

Common Responsibilities

• Conducting penetration tests and security assessments
• Developing security tools and automation
• Monitoring and responding to security incidents
• Reverse engineering malware and analyzing exploits
• Designing and securing cloud environments

Common Technical Roles

• SOC Analyst – Monitors threats, investigates alerts, and responds to incidents
• Security Engineer – Builds and implements security controls across an organization
• Ethical Hacker – Finds security weaknesses before attackers do
• Cloud Security Specialist – Secures cloud environments, configures identity and access management (IAM), and protects data
• Malware Analyst / Reverse Engineer – Dissects malware to understand how it works and how to defend against it

Pros of Staying Technical

• You stay hands-on, continuously learning and solving security problems
• Specialized skills are in high demand, leading to strong job security and career growth
• Deep expertise can lead to well-paying roles in offensive security, vulnerability research, or cloud security

Cons of Staying Technical

• Keeping up with new attack methods and tools requires constant learning, which requires time and funding 
• Career growth can sometimes be limited if companies push manager roles for advancement instead of allowing for progression in individual contributor roles
• You may not have direct influence over security strategy or high-level decision-making

Key Certifications for Technical Roles

• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) – Core certification for penetration testers
• GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN) – Covers penetration testing methodologies
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – A broad cybersecurity certification useful in both technical and leadership roles
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty – Focuses on cloud security best practices
• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) – Covers detecting, responding to, and mitigating cyber threats and attacks.

Managerial Skill Path Overview

Common Responsibilities

• Overseeing security teams and setting strategy
• Managing budgets, risk assessments, and compliance initiatives
• Developing security policies, standards, and governance frameworks
• Aligning security initiatives with business priorities and regulatory requirements
• Working with executives to advocate for security funding and resources

Common Managerial Roles

• Security Manager – Leads security operations and oversees security programs
• Director of Information Security – Manages security programs across business units
• Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) – Owns the company’s security program and engages with executive leadership
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Manager – Ensures compliance with security frameworks and regulations

Pros of Moving into Management

• You have greater influence over security decisions and strategy
• Leadership roles open the door to director, VP, or CISO positions
• You can shape the security culture of an organization by mentoring, hiring, and developing training programs

Cons of Moving into Management

• Less time for hands-on security work, as the focus shifts to strategy and management
• Increased pressure to justify security budgets and risk decisions to executives
• Managing people comes with challenges, and success depends on how well you develop your team

Key Certifications for Managerial Roles

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) – Focuses on enterprise security leadership
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) – Strong for auditing and compliance roles
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) – Covers global data privacy laws
• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – Covers cloud security risk management
• CISSP – One of the most widely recognized security leadership certifications

Key Skill Sets for Technical Experts

Stepping into a managerial role requires a shift in focus from technical execution to leading teams, managing risk, and aligning security initiatives with business objectives. Strong security leadership ensures that technical teams are supported while also advocating for security at the executive level.

• Leadership & Communication – Effective security leaders motivate teams, influence stakeholders, and communicate risks and solutions clearly. They must be able to translate complex security concepts into business terms that executives and board members can understand. Soft skills like emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and active listening are just as critical as technical knowledge.
• Policy & Compliance – Security managers must be familiar with frameworks like NIST, ISO 27001, and regulatory requirements such as GDPR and HIPAA. They oversee security audits, ensure compliance, and establish policies that align with business goals while mitigating risks.
• Financial Acumen – Budgeting, vendor management, and return on investment (ROI) analysis are critical for managerial roles. Security leaders must be able to justify spending on security initiatives, make data-driven risk assessments, and ensure that security investments provide tangible value to the organization.

Both technical and managerial career paths require continuous learning and a commitment to improving security posture, but the focus and skill sets differ. Whether you choose to stay hands-on or move into leadership and develop soft skills, the key is to hone expertise in the areas that align with your career goals and the impact you want to make in cybersecurity.

Transitioning from Technical to Managerial

Moving into management is not a switch you can flip overnight. The best security leaders start as strong technical professionals before developing leadership skills.

Steps to Transition

• Take on leadership responsibilities by mentoring junior team members, leading projects, and driving security initiatives
• Learn about risk management and compliance by getting familiar with NIST, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA
• Improve executive communication by learning how to explain security risks in a business context
• Pursue leadership certifications like CISM or CISSP to build foundational management skills
• Find a mentor who has successfully made the transition and can provide guidance

When I moved from technical management to people leadership, I realized that investing in my team was more important than anything else. A good manager is not just a decision-maker. A good manager removes roadblocks, supports the team, and ensures that people have what they need to grow. At the same time, I began to see how security fits into the broader business strategy. Security is not just about technical execution, it has to align with business goals, risk management, and regulatory requirements.

There is a balance. While it is critical to keep teams sharp and ensure they have the right training and tools, it is just as important to understand the business impact of security decisions. I learned that leadership is about bridging the gap between technical execution and business strategy by translating security risks into business terms, advocating for security initiatives at the executive level, and ensuring security remains a business enabler rather than an afterthought.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity careers do not follow a single path. Some professionals stay very technical, mastering offensive security or defending infrastructure. Others step into leadership, guiding security teams and shaping strategy. Both paths are valuable.

What matters is finding the right fit for you. If you love hands-on security work, stay technical and push yourself to become an expert. If you are drawn to leadership, develop the skills to guide teams and advocate for security at the highest levels.

Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field, and staying ahead requires continuous learning. Whether you’re refining your technical expertise or preparing to lead at a higher level, the key to success is adaptability and ongoing skill development.

What’s your next step? Are you deepening your hands-on security knowledge, or are you transitioning into leadership? No matter which path you choose, Cybrary provides the training, certifications, and resources to help you advance your career.

Take the next step today and invest in your professional growth with Cybrary!