In an increasingly interconnected world where every transaction, conversation and activity is digitized, the importance of cybersecurity has increased exponentially. Once synonymous with coding, ethical hacking and system auditing, the domain naturally attracted computer science majors and their graduates. Their familiarity with systems architecture, programming languages and network protocols gave them a solid foundation for roles such as security analysts, penetration testers and incident responders. However, as cyber threats have become more dynamic, including elements of behavioral manipulation, legal complexities and infrastructure vulnerabilities, the field has become multidisciplinary, requiring experts from engineering, law, psychology and even statistics.
Other disciplines
Engineering graduates, particularly in the electronics, electrical, and mechanical fields, are well-positioned to enter cybersecurity through the industrial and operational security track. With the advent of smart factories, connected infrastructure, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, securing physical systems that interface with digital platforms has become a top priority. So many are pursuing additional certifications in areas such as industrial control system security and vulnerability assessment to bridge the technical gap.
Another group with huge untapped potential are math and statistics graduates. Their ability to work with data, recognize patterns, and create predictive models aligns perfectly with the growing emphasis on analytics-driven security. They are particularly important in areas such as cryptography, threat intelligence, and AI-powered risk assessments, as they can design, interpret, and optimize algorithms that enable next-generation defense mechanisms.
Then there are those with backgrounds in psychology and behavioral science. Today, cyberattacks often begin not with technical exploits, but with well-crafted phishing emails or social engineering tactics. Understanding human behavior, motivations, and cognitive biases is essential to building defenses against these psychologically driven attacks. Behavioral scientists contribute to the development of security awareness programs, the detection of insider threats, and the analysis of user behavior to identify anomalies. Their work is crucial in building the “human firewall” that organizations so desperately need.
Cybersecurity is also closely linked to law and public policy. As regulatory frameworks evolve around data privacy, digital transactions, and national cybersecurity, legal professionals help translate complex cyber laws into practical policy, handle digital forensics, and advise organizations on risk management. As governments and international agencies push for stricter regulations, the demand for professionals who understand both cybersecurity and the legal framework is rapidly increasing.
Continuous learning
Regardless of your academic background, the common denominator is continuous learning. Whether you’re an engineer moving into vulnerability analysis, a psychologist championing threat modeling, or an attorney working on compliance frameworks, courses like Comptia Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) help you develop a structured understanding of cybersecurity principles, frameworks, and tools.
Cybersecurity also intersects with broader strategic concerns, particularly when it comes to cloud adoption and protecting national infrastructure. As organizations increasingly rely on public and hybrid cloud platforms, robust cloud security policies need to be defined and regularly reviewed. Compliance with standards, such as the Cloud Security Alliance Star Framework, helps build stronger governance structures. Meanwhile, national critical infrastructure must be continuously monitored for risks using advanced solutions such as attack surface management, business continuity tools, and supply chain risk assessments.
One of the biggest challenges today is not just in securing infrastructure or data, but also in educating people. Most cybercrime stems from human error, such as clicking on a malicious link, using weak passwords, or falling for a scam. That’s why ongoing cybersecurity awareness is essential. After all, cybersecurity is no longer a one-size-fits-all profession. It’s a dynamic, interdisciplinary field that thrives on diverse perspectives. The key is to stay curious, certified, and ahead of the curve.
The writer is the head of Secureyes business.
Published – September 14, 2025 12:00 PM IST
