6 Cybersecurity Gaming Industry Jobs

Key takeaways

Gaming's vast data and revenue make it a prime target for cyberattacks, creating strong opportunities for cybersecurity professionals.

• Some in-demand gaming jobs in the cybersecurity industry include penetration tester, game security analyst, game security engineer, and cloud security engineer.

• Cybercriminals can use gaming sites to steal personal information, install ransomware, and disrupt users' gaming experience, underscoring the need for skilled cybersecurity personnel.

• You can start a cybersecurity career in the gaming industry by earning a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related subject, or by gaining relevant skills, hands-on experience, certifications, and training.

Explore six different cyber-gaming roles, including information on salary, job outlook, and the requirements for each position, as well as tips on starting your career in the cybersecurity gaming industry and the companies to look out for. If you’re ready to start building expertise in cybersecurity, enroll in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to learn fundamental cybersecurity concepts like cyber threat intelligence, incident response, endpoint detection, threat management, and more in as little as six months. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career certificate for your resume.

Outlook for cybersecurity jobs in the gaming industry

Cybersecurity is a growing industry with a high demand for skilled professionals and high salaries. With a skills gap in hiring skilled professionals, you’ll find various high-paying job opportunities if you have the right credentials. The median annual salary is $124,910, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with entry-level roles also paying above average [1]. 

Security is highly important as gaming develops into the online world, providing plenty of opportunities for cybersecurity professionals to find gaming jobs. The job outlook for cybersecurity roles in the US is outstanding, with the BLS reporting a predicted 29 percent growth in the industry between now and 2034, which translates to approximately 16,000 job openings annually [1]. This is well above the national average.

Cybersecurity gaming industry jobs

Gaming is a prime target for cyberattacks largely due to the amount of data held and the enormous amount of money gaming generates. Cybercriminals can use gaming sites to steal personal information, install ransomware, and disrupt the gaming experience for users.

This has made way for many cyber gaming roles for skilled cybersecurity professionals with expertise and an interest in gaming. Let’s look at some in-demand gaming jobs in the cybersecurity industry.

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of June 2026. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

1. Penetration tester

Median annual total salary (US): $155,000 [2]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, information technology, etc. Depending on your employer, technical skills like programming and relevant certifications may be required. 

Penetration testers, also known as ethical hackers, are employed to simulate cyberattacks to analyze areas of weakness in security and to access secure information. Having done this, penetration testers can use the information to report on suggested improvements to gaming applications. 

2. Game security analyst

Median annual total salary (US): $113,000 [3]

Requirements: A degree in cybersecurity, information technology, or a similar field, plus relevant certifications and industry experience.

As a game security analyst, you ensure security is current by updating relevant software and hardware, monitoring for threats, and maintaining gaming systems and networks. You’ll also need a good understanding of anti-cheat technologies and know how to perform penetration testing.

3. Game security engineer

Median annual total salary (US): $171,000 [4]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree and relevant experience. Some will also ask for certifications relating to the field.

As a game security engineer, you must ensure the game infrastructure is secure from cyber threats and attacks. You’ll understand anti-cheat systems, possess skills in cheat detection, and be familiar with white-hacking technologies, with the ability to implement anti-tamper technology.

4. Software systems engineer

Median annual total salary (US): $185,000 [5]

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree with a relevant major, such as software engineering or systems engineering, and some field experience.

As a software systems engineer, you work with designers to program video games and gaming apps, including developing the security of the architectural structure, data storage, and guidelines for implementing secure systems. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring systems to uncover any potential threats or cyberattacks.

5. Threat detection engineer

Median annual total salary (US): $197,000 [6]

Requirements: Employers usually require a degree, but you can access this role with the right skills, experience, and relevant certifications.

As a threat detection engineer, you'll identify threats before they cause any damage to security. In this role, you research relevant threats and develop systems to prevent them from compromising security.

6. Cloud security engineer

Median annual total salary (US): $169,000 [7]

Requirements: At least a computer science-related bachelor’s degree, relevant skills, and experience.

Cloud security engineers protect computer systems and networks by monitoring security and performing upgrades. In this role, you’ll analyze information from data breaches and security incidents and prepare strategies to protect systems, files, and networks.

What is the highest-paid position in cybersecurity?

You will likely find the highest-paying position in cybersecurity to be the chief information security officer (CISO), with base pay ranging from $176,000 to $273,000 [8]. Including bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing, your median total compensation could potentially reach $325,000 per year [8].

How to start in the cybersecurity gaming industry

Cybersecurity, whether in gaming or in general, is an in-demand industry with a considerable gap between qualified, skilled professionals and the positions that need filling. 

If you’re interested in working in this field, the first step is to obtain a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related subject. However, it is possible to enter the field without a degree if you can demonstrate relevant skills, hands-on experience, certifications, and training.

To stand out, you may consider pursuing a master’s degree, technical certifications, and experience through boot camps, personal projects, and self-directed study.

When you’re fully qualified, consider seeking an entry-level position. Entry-level positions in cybersecurity pay higher than the average entry-level position, which also helps you build experience for more senior positions.

Gaming and cybersecurity certifications

Certifications are an excellent way to validate your skills and knowledge to employers. You’ll find a wealth of options when it comes to cybersecurity. Below are a few examples:

• CompTIA Security+

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) 

Read more: 8 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

Gaming companies hiring cybersecurity specialists

As a cybersecurity professional, you’ll see that applying your skills to the gaming industry is possible. If you have the skills and an interest in gaming, the following companies often advertise jobs for cybersecurity professionals:

• Warner Bros

• Riot Games

• Ubisoft

• Roblox

• PlayStation

• Epic Games

Sharpen your expertise with hands-on learning resources

Subscribe to our Career Chat newsletter on LinkedIn for industry insights, skill-building tips, and networking opportunities. Then, explore our free resources to prepare for a cybersecurity career:

• Take the quiz: Cybersecurity Career Quiz: Is It Right for You?

• Learn key concepts: Cybersecurity Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions

• Watch on YouTube: 5 Cybersecurity Careers: Your Path to Protecting the Digital World

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