Cybersecurity vs. Software Engineering: What’s the Difference?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, data, and devices from malicious attackers or unauthorized users. Companies hire cybersecurity professionals to keep their stored information inaccessible, which could include personal information that attackers use for financial gain or sensitive political information. 

On the other hand, software engineering is the design and development of software applications. Relying on engineering principles, software engineers can work in many different industries that require unique solutions. With their knowledge of computer programming, software engineers build applications and systems while maintaining and testing software built by other engineers. 

Learn about the similarities and differences between software engineering and cybersecurity to choose a career path that aligns with your goals and strengths.

Cybersecurity vs. software engineering explained

Cybersecurity and software engineering both relate to technology but are ultimately two different things. In simple terms, cybersecurity is the maintenance and protection of data and systems, while software engineering is the process of building and developing systems.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity’s primary role is to protect data from malware attackers. Data breaches can be incredibly costly for affected companies, costing an average of $4.88 million dollars as of 2024 [1]. Each day it takes to contain a breach costs the company more money, highlighting the importance of strong cybersecurity and having the right people and systems in place to prevent attacks and contain them. 

Five common types of attacks you could encounter in cybersecurity include malware attacks, phishing, password attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, and denial-of-service attacks.

Software engineering

Software engineering is a branch of computer science that deals with the process of designing, developing, testing, and the maintenance of software applications. Software engineers apply engineering principles to build software systems, applications, and products. Some common programs software engineers will develop and design include mobile applications, computer games, and operating systems. 

Can a software engineer become a cybersecurity engineer?

The most common types of software engineering roles include front-end engineer, back-end engineer, and full-stack engineer. Many of the skills you develop as a software engineer will transfer to a career as a cybersecurity engineer. However, you may need to take additional training if you want to make this transition. 

Which is better: Software engineering or cybersecurity?

You can decide which program is better for you and your career goals by examining their similarities and differences. Though the overall scope of cybersecurity and software engineering is quite different, the processes of entering these fields share similarities in terms of education, skill requirements, and compensation. 

Explore some prominent similarities and differences between cybersecurity and software engineering careers.

Education requirements 

Cybersecurity and software engineering positions typically require at least a bachelor’s degree.  In both scenarios, this degree will most commonly be in computer science or a similar related field. For cybersecurity jobs, the most common major studied is computer information systems, followed by information technology. However, the most common majors in software engineering are computer science and electrical and computer engineering. 

Education data

According to Zippia, advanced degrees in software engineering are slightly more common than cybersecurity, with 19.9 percent of software engineers holding a master’s degree compared to 15.4 percent of their cybersecurity counterparts [2, 3].

Skill requirements

Since cybersecurity and software engineering have some overlap in terms of what you will be studying, it’s understandable that some of the same skills will be needed in both fields. Two notable similarities in skill requirements are the need for programming skills and the understanding of operating systems. 

Common overlapping skills in cybersecurity and software engineering careers include:

• Knowledge of programming languages like Python, Java, and C++

• Ability to understand operating systems since it manages all computer software

• Creative and adept at problem-solving

• Being a team player with strong communication skills 

The way these skills are used vary, as the goal of cybersecurity is to maintain the integrity of systems and data, while software engineers focus on developing systems and applications. 

What pays more, cybersecurity or software engineering? 

What payThe average cybersecurity salary in the US is $120,360, and the average annual salary for software engineering is $130,160, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of November 2024 [4, 5]. Factors that influence your salary include location, industry, and level of experience. The following states are among the highest-paying states for both cybersecurity and software engineering professionals:

• California

• Washington

• New York

Benefits of cybersecurity and software engineering jobs

Excellent job security is just one good reason to choose a career in tech. According to the BLS, both cybersecurity and software engineering feature a strong outlook over the next decade. The following are the projected growth rates for jobs in each field from 2023 to 2033 as of November 2024 [4, 5]:

• Cybersecurity projected growth rate: 33 percent

• Software engineering field: 17 percent  

Not only does the tech field have a positive outlook, but it’s also an exciting industry that often attracts people from different backgrounds. Additional benefits of both cybersecurity and software engineering jobs are: 

• The possibility of landing a remote job, giving you the flexibility to work from home and not be limited to job openings in your immediate area

• Compensation is well above the national average

• Plenty of new career opportunities and means to learn new skills on the job 

Types of cybersecurity jobs

Cybersecurity professionals can work in a variety of industries, including health care, tech, and government, to name a few. Job titles include:

• Cybersecurity analyst

• Cybersecurity technical architect

• Information security analyst

• Penetration testers

The exact responsibilities within those roles can depend on factors such as company size, as larger companies hire individuals with specializations. Cybersecurity career areas you could specialize in include application security, data loss prevention, vulnerability management, incident response, and more. 

Types of software engineering jobs

As software engineers work in a wide range of industries, you have numerous possibilities in terms of available job types and positions. Your career options could include:

• Video game design

• Software integration engineering

• Quality assurance engineering

• Front-end, back-end, and full-stack software developer 

Keep exploring cybersecurity and software engineering on Coursera

By comparing and contrasting cybersecurity and software engineering, you can gain a better understanding of which program is best for your career. If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, consider the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera. This beginner-friendly program can help you, even if you have no previous experience, prepare for your first job in cybersecurity, all at your own pace. Upon completion, gain a 50 percent discount for Microsoft’s SC-900 exam and exclusive career resources. 

Another option is Duke University's Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization, which is an introduction to exploring a career as a software engineer. In this course, you can gain valuable programming skills and learn the basics of software design.