The cyber threat landscape is growing faster than most companies can keep up. As cloud adoption accelerates, AI-driven attacks evolve and compliance pressures mount, cybersecurity has become more than just an IT function – it’s now a core business imperative.
But not all cybersecurity roles carry equal weight in 2025. Some are emerging as must-haves for a resilient, future-ready cyber strategy. Here are the top five roles in highest demand, and why you should prioritise them in your hiring plans.
Cloud Security Engineers
With most businesses now operating in hybrid or multi-cloud environments, cloud security has moved to the top of the risk register. Cloud Security Engineers with expertise in Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure or Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are essential for securing infrastructure, enforcing identity controls and managing shared responsibility models. As cloud complexity grows, these specialists are no longer optional, they’re critical.
Application Security (AppSec) Specialists
As DevSecOps matures, AppSec professionals are being brought in earlier in the software development lifecycle. Their ability to embed secure coding practices, run automated code scans and work closely with developers is essential in reducing vulnerabilities before they’re exposed in production.
Threat Intelligence Analysts
Cyber attackers are getting smarter and faster. Threat Intelligence Analysts help organisations stay one step ahead by identifying emerging threats, tracking adversary behaviour and feeding insights back into security controls. Their role is key to proactive defence and improving incident response.
Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) Analysts
With evolving standards like the Essential Eight, ISO 27001 and industry-specific regulations, GRC Analysts help bridge the gap between technical risk and business risk. Their ability to align controls with compliance requirements is essential, especially for boards and CISOs who need to demonstrate due diligence.
Level 2/3 Security Operations Centre (SOC) Analysts
Modern SOCs are becoming more automated, but human expertise is still needed for high-fidelity threat detection and response. Level 2 and 3 SOC Analysts bring experience in correlating logs, performing threat hunting and escalating incidents with context. In a world of alert fatigue, these are your frontline defenders.
Strategic talent for strategic security
Hiring for these roles isn’t just about filling technical gaps – it’s about future-proofing your organisation. At Needus, we don’t just send CVs. We understand what makes a great hire in cyber, and we work closely with clients to align talent strategy with risk posture.
Want to speak with someone who lives and breathes cyber hiring? Reach out directly today, via lukeb@needus.com.au or 0413 734 079.
