Cybersecurity Jobs in South Africa
Full-Time @HR Consulting Firm posted 3 months ago in Cybersecurity Shortlist Email JobJob Detail
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Job ID 13983
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Offered Salary 1000
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Career Level Others
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Experience Less Than 1 Year
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Gender Both
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Industry Technology & AI
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Qualifications Bachelors' Degree/Diploma
Job Description
Cybersecurity Jobs in South Africa
As digital transformation accelerates across industries, cybersecurity has become one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand job sectors in South Africa. From government institutions to financial services and e-commerce platforms, organizations are urgently seeking qualified cybersecurity professionals to protect sensitive data, IT systems, and networks from rising cyber threats.
Whether you are a recent graduate, an IT professional transitioning into security, or someone exploring tech careers, this guide provides a complete overview of cybersecurity jobs in South Africa.
Why Cybersecurity Jobs Are Booming in South Africa
South Africa ranks among the top targets for cyberattacks in Africa. According to reports, the country faces:
- Over 500 attacks per hour
- High-profile data breaches in banking, healthcare, and government
- A skills shortage with thousands of unfilled cybersecurity positions
Key drivers of demand:
- Growth in cloud computing, remote work, and digital banking
- Compliance with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act)
- The rise in cybercrime syndicates and ransomware threats
Top Cybersecurity Jobs in South Africa (2025)
Here are the most sought-after cybersecurity roles in South Africa today:
1. Cybersecurity Analyst
- Monitors, detects, and responds to security incidents
- Salary: R300,000 – R600,000/year
2. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker)
- Tests systems for vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them
- Salary: R400,000 – R800,000/year
3. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Works in a 24/7 security center, managing real-time alerts and threats
4. Information Security Manager
- Oversees security policies and risk management
- Often requires 5–10 years of experience
5. Network Security Engineer
- Builds and maintains secure networks and firewalls
- Cisco or Fortinet certifications preferred
6. Cloud Security Specialist
- Protects cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP)
7. Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Analyst
- Ensures adherence to laws like POPIA, GDPR, and ISO27001
Top Locations for Cybersecurity Jobs in South Africa
- Johannesburg: Hub for banking, fintech, and large enterprises
- Cape Town: Tech startups, e-commerce, and cloud providers
- Durban & Pretoria: Government departments and research institutions
- Remote Roles: Increasingly common for security analysts and engineers
Skills and Certifications Employers Look For
Core Technical Skills:
- Network security
- Incident response
- Firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
- SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk, IBM QRadar)
- Scripting (Python, Bash, PowerShell)
- Vulnerability assessment tools (Nessus, Burp Suite)
In-Demand Certifications:
- CompTIA Security+ (Entry-level)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Cisco CCNP Security
- Microsoft SC-900 / AZ-500
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty
Soft Skills:
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Risk management
- Communication and teamwork
Where to Study Cybersecurity in South Africa
Top institutions offering cybersecurity degrees or short courses:
- University of Pretoria – BSc and Honours in Information Security
- UNISA – Cybersecurity and Forensics short courses
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- UCT Online High School & GetSmarter – Cybersecurity certificates
- Private academies: Explore MANCOSA, Red Academy, and Regenesys
Where to Find Cybersecurity Jobs in South Africa
Online Job Portals:
- Careers24
- PNet
- Indeed South Africa
- OfferZen (great for developers with security skills)
Recruiters & Agencies:
- Paracon
- IOCO
- CyberPro Consulting
- SET Recruitment Consultants
Government & Public Sector:
- State Security Agency (SSA)
- South African Revenue Service (SARS)
- CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research)
How to Get Started in Cybersecurity
- Learn the basics: Start with free resources like Cybrary, TryHackMe, or Cisco Networking Academy.
- Get certified: Begin with CompTIA Security+ or Microsoft SC-900.
- Build hands-on skills: Try HackTheBox, CTF challenges, and personal projects.
- Join communities: South African cybersecurity groups on LinkedIn, Reddit, or OWASP chapters.
- Apply for internships or entry-level analyst roles to gain experience.
Salary Range Overview (2025)
| Role | Entry-Level (R/year) | Experienced (R/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity Analyst | R250,000 – R400,000 | R500,000 – R700,000 |
| Penetration Tester | R350,000 – R500,000 | R700,000 – R900,000+ |
| InfoSec Manager | R600,000+ | R1 million+ |
| Cloud Security Engineer | R500,000 – R900,000 | R1 million+ |
Salaries vary based on company size, sector (banking tends to pay more), and location.
Cybersecurity is a Future-Proof Career
As cyber threats grow in complexity, South Africa’s need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been greater. Whether you’re entering the industry or upskilling from IT, now is the time to invest in cybersecurity certifications, hands-on learning, and networking with peers.
Cybersecurity isn’t just about IT — it’s about protecting people, data, and the digital future of the country.
📬 Want updates on the latest cybersecurity job openings?
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