10 Common Myths About Cyber Security Jobs (Debunked) | EP 10

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Transcripts

Hey, have you ever heard that cyber security is just about hacking? Or that you need to be some kind of coding wizard to get into it? Well, I’ve spoken to a ton of people, and those myths are just the beginning. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about cyber security careers, and today, we’re going to set the record straight.

I’m Nathan from StationX, where we help you build your cyber skills and land the career you want. In this episode of Cyber Security Diaries, I’ll be debunking the biggest myths about cyber security jobs—misconceptions that could be holding you back.

Stick around, because the last myth could completely change your view on what it takes to break into cyber security. Let’s get into it

1. Myth: Cyber Security Jobs Are Mostly About Hacking

“The first myth we need to tackle is that cyber security jobs are all about hacking. This misconception comes up often, but the reality is that hacking—or penetration testing—is just one small part of the field. While ethical hacking can be exciting, most professionals work in areas like risk management, securing networks, incident response, and educating users. It’s about building defenses to keep attackers out, not just breaking into systems. So if you’re considering a career in cyber security, understand that it’s much more diverse than just hacking—it’s about safeguarding data and staying ahead of threats.”

2. Myth: Cyber Security Is Only for Highly Technical Experts

“Let’s talk about the myth that cyber security is only for people who want to be deeply technical. While there are roles that require strong technical expertise, not everyone in cyber security needs to dive deep into coding, network engineering, or system architecture. Roles like risk management, compliance, auditing, and cyber security management focus more on strategic decisions and ensuring organizations are meeting regulatory standards. If you don’t see yourself as wanting to become highly technical, there are still plenty of career paths in cyber security for you. You can make a huge impact by guiding teams, shaping security policy, or ensuring compliance—all of which are critical to keeping organizations secure.”

3. Myth: Cyber Security Is Only About Technology

“Here’s a myth we need to debunk: Cyber security is only about technology. Many people think cyber security is just about installing firewalls, encryption, and antivirus software. But technology is only part of the equation. A lot of what makes an organization secure comes down to people and processes. Educating employees about phishing, creating strong security policies, and managing risk are just as important as the technical side. In fact, most data breaches happen because of human error, not because of technical flaws. So, cyber security is about balancing technology with the right training, policies, and behaviors.”

4. Myth: Cyber Security Is Solely the Responsibility of the IT or Cyber Security Department

“Another myth is that cyber security is solely the responsibility of the IT or cyber security department. People often think that once they join an organization, only the IT or security team handles cyber threats. The truth is, while cyber security departments implement security measures and manage defenses, the responsibility is shared across the entire organization. Management must decide how much risk to accept, and employees play a big role in following best practices. Cyber security professionals act as guides, but the actions of everyone in the organization contribute to overall security. It’s not just a department’s job—it’s woven into every part of the business.”

5. Myth: Only Large Organizations Need to Implement Cyber Security

“Here’s a myth that’s common: Only mid to large organizations need cyber security. It’s true that larger companies have dedicated cyber security teams and bigger budgets, but that doesn’t mean smaller businesses are off the hook. Small organizations still need to implement security measures to protect themselves from threats. While they may not have the resources for dedicated staff, smart decisions—like training employees on phishing attacks, enabling multi-factor authentication, and keeping software updated—can go a long way. No matter the size of the company, cyber security is critical to staying protected in today’s landscape.”

6. Myth: Cyber Security Is Hard to Get Into

“Let’s address this one clearly: Cyber security is hard to get into. It can feel like a challenging field to break into, but it’s far from impossible as millions of people do work in cyber showing it is possible. There are different paths to get started, but they each have pros and cons. Universities can be expensive, with degrees often costing $45,000 or more, and they don’t always prepare you for practical, hands-on roles. Self-paced DIY learning, while cheaper, has a very low success rate—statistically, only about 2% of people finish a course, and less than 1% actually get into cyber security from a DIY approach.

At StationX, we provide a more balanced approach. Our structured program offers scenario-based training, practical training, mentorship, and real-world experience, all while being more affordable than traditional university degrees. You’ll learn exactly what’s needed to break into the field, with guidance every step of the way.

But really Persistence is key, and with the right program—like ours—it becomes much more achievable.”

7. Myth: All Cyber Security Roles Are the Same

“A common myth is that all cyber security roles are the same. But cyber security is as diverse as the medical field. Just as there are surgeons, general practitioners, and specialists in medicine, cyber security has a wide range of roles too. From security architects, who design secure systems, to malware analysts, who investigate malicious software, to SOC analysts, who monitor for threats—each role focuses on different areas. Whether you prefer being hands-on with technology or working in a more strategic capacity, there’s a role for you in cyber security. The variety ensures that you can find something that aligns with your skills and interests.”

8. Myth: A Few Certifications Are All You Need to Start in Cyber Security

“Let’s get into this myth: Getting a few certifications is all you need to start in cyber security. While certifications are important, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Employers want to see hands-on experience, problem-solving skills, and strong communication abilities. You can’t just pass an exam and expect to land a job. You need to show that you can apply your knowledge in real-world situations. That’s why at StationX, we recommend scenario-based training, personal projects, and personalized mentorship to bridge the gap between theory and practice. don’t just earn certifications—build the skills needed to stand out in a competitive job market.”

9. Myth: All Cyber Security Professionals Are Well Paid

“Here’s another myth: All cyber security professionals are highly paid. While it’s true that cyber security can be a lucrative career—especially in regions like North America where entry-level salaries range from $80,000 to $120,000—salaries can vary widely based on location, experience, and the value you bring to the organization. To maximize your earning potential, it’s not just about technical skills. A strong personal brand, effective networking, and excellent interview skills can help you get into the right organizations where they pay higher salaries. You’ll also need to negotiate your compensation effectively, because that initial salary offer sets the foundation for your future earnings. The key is to make yourself stand out, both technically and professionally.”

10. Myth: All Entry-Level Cyber Security Jobs Have Unrealistic Expectations

“Let’s clear up this myth: All entry-level cyber security jobs have unrealistic expectations. Yes, job listings can seem intimidating, asking for multiple years of experience and a range of certifications for ‘junior’ positions. But here’s the reality—cyber security is considered by us a Stage 3 role, meaning employers expect candidates to have some foundational experience, whether that’s from IT, networking, or even help desk positions. You don’t need to tick every box on the job spec. Focus on transferable skills and gaining hands-on experience through projects, internships, or personal labs. Employers want to see potential and a willingness to learn. Don’t let unrealistic listings hold you back from applying.”

Alright, those are some of the biggest myths about cyber security, debunked. Hopefully, this cleared up some misconceptions and gave you a better understanding of the field and what to expect if you’re looking to start a career in cyber security.

If you found this helpful, don’t forget to hit the like button and subscribe for more insights and tips on how to break into the cyber security industry. I’ll be covering everything from job strategies to in-depth training, so you won’t want to miss it.

Also, if you’re serious about taking the next step in your cyber security journey, check out the links in the description for more details on StationX. Whether you’re looking for practical, hands-on training or mentorship to guide you through, we’ve got programs designed to help you succeed.

And lastly, I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below and let me know which myth surprised you the most, or if there’s another myth you’ve heard that we didn’t cover. I’ll be responding to as many comments as I can.

Thanks for listening and see you on the next podcast.

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