Cybersecurity and cloud computing are both fields within the rapidly expanding technology sector. Although they share a few common characteristics, such as being fast-paced and requiring leading-edge knowledge, the two fields have different responsibilities in their roles. As you embark on a career path among these in-demand fields, you need to know the key characteristics of cybersecurity vs cloud computing.

What is Cybersecurity?

The field of cybersecurity focuses on protecting digital assets of all types, including machines, networks, applications, and information. Those who work in cybersecurity aim to store and protect assets, detect security breaches, respond to security threats, and collaborate with other departments and leaders. Nearly every industry relies on successful cybersecurity to run smoothly, including education, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, marketing, and transportation. The Techopedia editorial agency lists seven different types of cybersecurity that are utilized across industries:¹

1. Network security
2. Cloud security
3. Application security
4. Information security
5. Endpoint security
6. Infrastructure security
7. Operational security

Each different type of cybersecurity represents an area of expertise for cybersecurity professionals, and each one is essential to organizations of all sizes and kinds.

A key consideration for cybersecurity is to stay ahead of hackers and other cyber threats, which emerge as fast as developments in technology. New devices, applications, and software come with exciting new capabilities that can also be exploited by attackers. That’s why cybersecurity professionals need to remain up to date on the latest skills, tools, and technologies in the field.

Cybersecurity Career Outlook

Because it’s such a widespread field, cybersecurity roles are continuously in demand. About 514,359 online job openings are available for cybersecurity-related positions in the U.S., according to Cyber Seek, a cybersecurity employment data provider.² Additional jobs will continue to become available throughout the years, if the pattern of growth projected by Cyber Seek continues. Their data shows that cybersecurity roles in the U.S. have steadily grown nearly every year since 2010.²

A bachelor’s degree is required for a majority of cybersecurity roles because it helps ensure that graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Plus, a bachelor’s degree sets them up for advancement and helps prepare graduates for relevant certifications. As an example, Cyber Seek states that the CompTIA Security+ certification is essential preparation for network security and risk management careers.² Additional cybersecurity certification providers include Amazon Web Services, Google, IBM, and ISC2.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing encompasses large-scale remote servers, networks, data centers, software, and applications that support cloud services. With cloud services, users can log in to servers from anywhere with Internet access, which offers greater flexibility than local networks. Common examples of these services include Amazon Web Services, Google Drive, Microsoft 365, Dropbox, and Netflix.

Cloud computing requires top-notch cybersecurity due to the massive amounts of data and information stored on cloud servers, which requires specialized expertise in addition to general cybersecurity skills. Amazon Web Services provides several principles as part of a proactive culture of security.³

• Building security into organizational structure, including the executive level
• Putting the power of security in everyone’s hands through products, services, meetings, and teams
• Distributing security expertise across AWS with the Security Guardians program
• Leveraging innovation to scale security—automated reasoning tools are some examples

With perspectives and tools like the ones adopted by Amazon Web Services, cloud computing professionals can monitor cloud users to filter cyber attackers, develop protocols that back up large sets of data, monitor cloud networks for security breaches, ensure compliance with multi-level regulations, and more.

Cloud Computing Career Outlook

Cloud services are expanding rapidly, with some organizations utilizing more than one cloud every day. An average organization, then, can require several times the security efforts of just one cloud. This means that cloud computing and cloud security experts are consistently sought after.

A bachelor’s degree with cloud-specific coursework plus relevant certification is a common way to enter and advance in cloud computing careers. Many providers have their own certifications, such as:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Solutions Architect
• IBM Certified Technical Advocate – Cloud v5
• Google Architect Professional Certificate
• Cloud Security Alliance: Certificate of Cloud Security Knowledge (CCSK)

These certifications ensure that you’re prepared to work within leading-edge cloud structures and address current cloud computing challenges. They are often required for certain cloud computing jobs and are a great way to boost your resume.

Cloud Security—Where Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing Intersect

Due to the pervasive demand for cybersecurity, especially with the rapidly growing popularity of cloud services, IT professionals now need both cybersecurity and cloud computing skills to succeed in their roles.

A bachelor’s degree tailored to cybersecurity and cloud computing is your first step toward these rewarding careers. In programs such as King University’s B.S. in Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing, you can explore key concepts and skills in cybersecurity and cloud computing courses, plus the following topics:

• Database management
• Ethical hacking
• Information technology
• Network management
• Programming
• Systems analysis

Cybersecurity Roles and Salaries

If you’d like to pursue an exciting cybersecurity role, some common career options include security architect, penetration tester, information security analyst, and cybersecurity engineer. Discover their job responsibilities and salaries below.

1. Cybersecurity Manager

Cybersecurity managers oversee the cybersecurity efforts of their organization, including tools, resources, and teams. They work to protect an organization’s digital assets by developing security strategies, leading IT teams, and ensuring compliance with security policies. Cybersecurity managers earn an average salary of $179,000 a year, according to Glassdoor. Salary potential can be up to $224,000, depending on years of experience and additional certifications.⁴

2. Security Architect

Security architects design the security systems that other professionals, such as information security analysts, use to keep assets safe. They also come up with solutions for vulnerabilities that are discovered by penetration testers. As leaders in their organizations, security architects also collaborate with the company’s IT team and business management. The PeopleTeam recruitment agency reports that mid-level security architects make $90,000 – $130,000 per year, with experienced roles earning over $180,000.⁵

3. Penetration Tester

Penetration testing, also called ethical hacking, occurs when security professionals try to find weaknesses in their organization’s cybersecurity measures by attempting to hack the company themselves. Their work exposes weaknesses in a company’s cybersecurity that can then be fixed. Entry level penetration testers make an average base salary of $72,823, while those with 10-19 years of experience earn $130,876.⁶ With 20 years of experience, penetration testers can earn $142,212.⁶

4. Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts protect an organization’s assets by assessing security risks, monitoring networks, developing security standards, and maintaining firewalls. They are responsible for ensuring that their company’s data remains secure in case of cyber-attacks and other emergencies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts made $124,910 in May 2024.⁷ The highest ten percent of these professionals earned over $186,420.⁷

5. Cybersecurity Engineer

Cybersecurity engineers manage security networks and professionals, and they have a wide range of job duties. CareerExplorer explains that these engineers deploy security infrastructure, detect and respond to security incidents, conduct vulnerability assessments, ensure compliance with applicable security standards, and conduct security awareness training.⁸ Cybersecurity engineering roles come with an average yearly salary of $122,890, according to ZipRecruiter^®, with salary potential reaching $180,000 for the top three percent of earners.⁹

Cloud Computing Roles and Salaries

Are you ready to dive into the world of cloud security? With an education focused on cloud computing, you can succeed in this fast-paced segment of cybersecurity. Glassdoor reports that the average salary in cloud computing is $136,000, however, this can vary greatly based on the specific role in cloud computing, experience, location, and additional certifications.¹⁰ Below, you can explore cloud computing salary and job description information for architects, consultants, computing engineers, and security analysts.

1. Cloud Architect

Cloud architects build cloud services for their clients, focusing on the framework and infrastructure of the cloud. They must be adept at coding, programming, networking, and security. TechTarget explains that they must stay on budget and ensure that cloud services are used to meet their clients’ needs effectively.¹¹ The average salary for cloud architects is $128,740, with a salary range of $116,172 to $143,161.¹¹

2. Cloud Consultant

Cloud consultants work with clients to discover how cloud services can help increase performance and meet goals. Then, cloud consultants recommend applications and platforms tailored to meet client needs. Cloud consultants make an average base salary of $142,713 according to Indeed, and some companies offer as much as $227,993 for skilled, experienced cloud consultants.¹²

3. Cloud Computing Engineer

Cloud engineers take a holistic approach to their oversight of cloud services. They work with cloud architects to assess how cloud services are working to meet their goals. Cloud engineers can develop cloud applications, administer cloud networks, and work with cloud stakeholders. Glassdoor reports that the average cloud engineer has an average salary of $148,000, with top engineers earning a salary of $190,000.¹³

4. Cloud Security Analyst

Cloud security analysts have similar job duties to information security analysts, with the added responsibility of ensuring data security in cloud computing. They set up firewalls, monitor the cloud’s security network, and detect data breaches. These professionals are employed by any business, company, or organization that uses cloud services, including cloud providers. TechTarget, an IT editorial network, reports a salary range of $139,000 to $232,000 for cloud security analysts, with an average salary of $178,000.¹¹

5. Cloud Strategist

Cloud strategists evaluate how their organization can use cloud computing to align with business goals and improve business outcomes. They can work with nearly every facet of their organization, determining the best ways to employ cloud computing and helping to get cloud computing started in their organization. They also oversee the effectiveness of cloud computing and make changes that optimize its use. Cloud strategists make an average salary of $139,867, according to ZipRecruiter^®, with the highest-paying strategists making $177,500.¹⁴

Upgrade Your IT Career

When you’re ready to take the next step in your IT career journey, King University’s online B.S. in Cybersecurity and Cloud Computing can help. Complete database management, programming, cybersecurity, and cloud computing courses that give you the knowledge and skills you need to launch or advance a career in one of these high-paying, in-demand roles.

Sources

1. Techopedia. “What Are the 7 Types of Cybersecurity? A Beginner’s Guide for 2025.” May 12, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://www.techopedia.com/seven-types-of-cybersecurity.
2. Cyber Seek. “Cybersecurity Supply/Demand Heat Map.” Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html.
3. Amazon Web Services Inc. “How AWS embeds a culture of security into every aspect of its business.” 2024. Retrieved August 22, 2025, from https://d1.awsstatic.com/aws-cloud-security-content/2024_8_6_AWS_Culture_of_Security_2_Pager_Final-1.pdf.
4. Glassdoor. “How much does a Cybersecurity Manager make?” April 10, 2025. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/united-states-cybersecurity-manager-salary-SRCH_IL.0,13_IN1_KO14,35.htm.
5. PeopleTeam. “What Is the Role of a Security Architect?” March 19, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://peopleteam.com/blog/what-is-the-role-of-a-security-architect.
6. Payscale. “Average Penetration Tester Salary.” May 2, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Penetration_Tester/Salary.
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Information Security Analysts.” April 18, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm.
8. CareerExplorer. “What Does a Security Engineer Do?” Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/security-engineer/.
9. ZipRecruiter^®. “Entry Level Cyber Security Engineer Salary.” June 16, 2025. Retrieved July, 2025, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Entry-Level-Cyber-Security-Engineer-Salary.
10. Glassdoor. “How much does a Cloud Computing make?” April 10, 2025. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/cloud-computing-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm.
11. TechTarget. “Top 12 Cloud Computing Careers of 2025 and How To Get Started.” October 29, 2024. Retrieved July 2, 2024, from https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/Top-7-cloud-computing-careers-and-how-to-get-started.
12. Indeed. “Cloud Consultant Salary in United States.” June 13, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://www.indeed.com/career/cloud-consultant/salaries?cgtk=e634b517-b12b-41a8-9303-f93ed0d43e1b&from=careeradvice-US.
13. Glassdoor. “How Much Does a Cloud Engineer Make?” April 10, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/cloud-engineer-salary-SRCH_KO0,14.htm.
14. ZipRecruiter^®. “Cloud Strategist Salary.” June 16, 2025. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Cloud-Strategist-Salary.