Choosing the right cybersecurity course: How to become a cybersecurity professional

Estimated reading time: 2.5 minutes

In summary:

• The demand for cyber security professionals across Canada is high and expected to grow in the years ahead.
• Skilled immigrants and refugees acquiring cyber security certification and training opportunities will help them achieve career success
• There are a wide range of training options in Canada, from no-cost to thousands of dollars, with online or in-person offerings, that can support your income growth and help you find competitive cyber security jobs. 

In a world of ever-changing and ever-present online threats, Canada needs more cyber security professionals.

Governments and businesses alike are realizing this and the demand for these skilled workers is projected to increase significantly, in the years ahead. According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, small and mid-sized organizations in particular have the greatest need for cyber security expertise and talent. The need is only growing more urgent as a recent federal government survey indicates.

Approximately one-in-five Canadian companies are experiencing a growing number of cybersecurity threats or attacks. Cyber security specialists, also sometimes known in Canada as systems security analysts, protect information technology (IT) systems and processes Canadians rely on from cyber and ransomware attacks. They also keep the digital infrastructure of our banking, telecommunications, electricity, health, transportation, safety, food supply systems, among others, safe from disruption.

Skilled immigrants and refugees can take advantage of growing career opportunities in Canada’s cyber security industry. Currently, there are approximately 25,000 cyber security jobs unfilled across the country. Newcomers already comprise approximately 40-50 per cent of Canada’s IT and tech sector workers with room for further growth. According to Windmill Microlending partner, Lighthouse Labs, the salaries of Canadian cyber security professionals range from approximately $65,000 per year (at the entry level) to more than $200,000 per year (for senior executive positions).

Want to learn more about the education, certifications or training you need to become a cyber security specialist in Canada? Download Windmill Microlending’s Educational Pathway for Skilled Newcomers, found here.

To achieve career success in this in-demand field, newcomers just need the right training and certifications to succeed.

Windmill Microlending connected with our academic partners to highlight some of their cyber security courses. Cyber security courses and training options in Canada range in cost from free to thousands of dollars. The duration for these courses varies from as little as three hours to as long as four years, delivered online or in-person. This blog post also provides links to information and resources about other cyber security courses, certification and training opportunities across Canada.

General Assembly: Secure Logins Workshop – Understand common security threats and how to build software that is safe. During this workshop, you will learn how to design a login page that protects users and their data from common attacks.

Time commitment: Approximately 3 hours

Lighthouse Labs: Cybersecurity Bootcamp – Offering an industry-aligned curriculum, mentorship and learning environment focusing on practical, hands-on skills needed to launch a cyber security career. The curriculum (modelled closely with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education Cybersecurity Workforce Framework) also prepares you for industry certifications such as CompTIA Security+, GSEC and others.

Time commitment: 12 weeks 

Windmill Microlending’s virtual Career Planning and Success Centre can offer you career development, financial planning, mentorship and networking tips and advice, as well as free downloadable resources, to support your professional journey in Canada. Click here to visit the Centre today.

Below, you will find some information on other cyber security courses, certification and training opportunities across Canada.

Toronto Metropolitan University: Accelerated Cybersecurity Training Program – Designed to give promising individuals from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants and refugees, the skills they need to launch careers in Canada’s cyber security sector.

CultureLink: Cybersecurity Training Program – Free 10-week training program designed for immigrants and refugees. It will give you the tools to start your cyber security career in Canada. Professionals from around the globe contributed to the development of this course which uses ISACA’s ITCA curriculum and follows ISACA standards to prepare you for the Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate.

EC-Council Training and Certifications – Offers a full array of training programs and certifications used by Canadian cyber security professionals and organizations.

Course Compare's Best Cybersecurity Training Courses in Canada

Government of Canada's Directory of Cyber Security Post-secondary Programs