When people think about cybersecurity, the first role that often comes to mind is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). While CISOs set the strategic direction, they aren’t the only ones shaping an organisation’s security posture. In fact, some of the most critical functions in keeping businesses secure come from roles that rarely get the spotlight.
Here are three cyber roles that are often overlooked but increasingly essential.
1. Security Engineers
Security Engineers are the builders of the cyber world. They design, implement and maintain the systems that protect organisations from ever-evolving threats. While CISOs set the vision, engineers make it happen by:
- building secure network architectures
- implementing encryption protocols
- automating monitoring and response systems.
Without strong engineering teams, strategies remain just words on paper. In today’s landscape, engineers are the foundation of resilience.
2. Threat Intelligence Analysts
Knowing how attackers think is just as important as knowing how to defend. Threat intelligence analysts research, track, and anticipate malicious actors before they strike. They:
- Gather intelligence from open sources, dark web forums, and security feeds
- Translate raw data into actionable insights for leadership
- Help organisations stay ahead of zero-day exploits and emerging attack methods
This role is vital for proactive defence, yet many businesses underinvest in it.
3. Incident Responder
Even the best defences can fail – that’s why incident responders are so crucial. These professionals are the firefighters of cybersecurity, called in when breaches occur. They:
- detect and contain active attacks
- investigate root causes and assess impact
- develop remediation plans and improve future readiness.
Quick, decisive responses can be the difference between a contained incident and a multimillion-dollar breach.
Why these roles matter
Overlooking these positions creates gaps in an organisation’s security posture. Engineers provide the infrastructure, intelligence analysts keep the business one step ahead, and incident responders limit damage when things go wrong. Together, they form the backbone of a security program that complements and enables the CISO’s vision.
For organisations looking to strengthen their cyber workforce, recognising the value of these roles is a critical first step. And for leaders hiring in this space, partnering with a recruitment specialist who understands these nuances ensures the right people are in the right seats.
Give us a call today to learn how we can help your business grow in the right direction, with the right people.
