Australia faces a critical cyber security skills gap, with the Australian Cyber Security Centre reporting unprecedented demand for qualified professionals across government and private sectors. From financial services in Sydney to mining companies in Perth, organisations desperately need skilled cyber security professionals to protect against increasingly sophisticated threats. However, competition remains fierce for top positions, making a strategically crafted resume essential for standing out to hiring managers and technical recruiters.
Cyber Security Resume Examples and How to Write
A cyber security professional protects organisations from digital threats through risk assessment, incident response, security monitoring, and the implementation of robust security frameworks. This comprehensive guide will help you create a powerful cyber security resume tailored for the Australian market, complete with industry-specific examples and proven strategies that will help you secure interviews at leading organisations across the country.
Cyber Security Resume (Text Version)
Senior Cyber Security Analyst
Contact Information:
Phone: 0423 567 890
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelchencybersec
Location: Sydney, NSW 2000
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Senior cyber security professional with 7+ years of experience protecting enterprise environments across financial services and government sectors. Expertise in threat intelligence, incident response, and security architecture with hands-on experience in SIEM platforms, penetration testing, and compliance frameworks. Proven track record of reducing security incidents by 65% and leading incident response teams during major cyber events. Holds CISSP and CEH certifications with active security clearance.
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Security Tools: Splunk, QRadar, CrowdStrike, Nessus, Metasploit, Wireshark, Burp Suite, Nmap
Frameworks: NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001, OWASP, MITRE ATT&CK, Essential Eight
Technologies: SIEM/SOAR, EDR/XDR, IDS/IPS, WAF, DLP, PKI, Azure Security Center, AWS Security
Operating Systems: Windows Server, Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu), macOS, VMware vSphere
Programming: Python, PowerShell, Bash, SQL, JavaScript, C++
Cloud Security: Azure, AWS, Microsoft 365 Defender, Cloud Security Posture Management
WORK EXPERIENCE
Senior Cyber Security Analyst | Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Sydney
March 2021 – Present
• Lead 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) team of 8 analysts protecting $1B+ in daily transactions
• Architect and implement advanced threat detection rules in Splunk SIEM, reducing false positives by 40%
• Conduct forensic analysis of security incidents, providing detailed reports to executive leadership and regulators
• Manage threat intelligence program integrating 15+ commercial and open-source feeds to enhance detection capabilities
• Design and execute tabletop exercises and incident response drills, improving team response time by 50%
• Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to APRA CPS 234 and privacy regulations
• Mentor junior analysts and deliver security awareness training to 500+ staff members quarterly
Cyber Security Specialist | Australian Taxation Office, Canberra
June 2019 – February 2021
• Implemented Essential Eight security controls across 10,000+ endpoints, achieving 95% compliance rating
• Developed automated vulnerability scanning program using Nessus and Python, identifying 2,000+ vulnerabilities monthly
• Led incident response for advanced persistent threat (APT) attack, coordinating with ACSC and international partners
• Performed penetration testing on critical tax systems, identifying and remediating 50+ high-risk vulnerabilities
• Created security policies and procedures aligned with Australian Government Information Security Manual (ISM)
• Managed security clearance processes and conducted background investigations for sensitive positions
Information Security Analyst | Telstra Corporation, Melbourne
January 2017 – May 2019
• Monitored network traffic and security events for Australia’s largest telecommunications infrastructure
• Deployed and configured QRadar SIEM across multiple data centres, processing 1TB+ of security logs daily
• Investigated and contained malware infections, reducing average containment time from 4 hours to 45 minutes
• Conducted risk assessments for new technology deployments and third-party integrations
• Maintained PCI DSS compliance for payment processing systems serving 18 million customers
CERTIFICATIONS
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – ISC² (2023)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – EC-Council (2022)
• GCIH: GIAC Certified Incident Handler – SANS Institute (2021)
• CompTIA Security+ – CompTIA (2019)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (2023)
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty (2022)
EDUCATION
Master of Cyber Security
University of New South Wales, Sydney | Completed: December 2018
• Thesis: “Machine Learning Applications in Advanced Threat Detection”
• Relevant coursework: Digital Forensics, Penetration Testing, Cryptography, Risk Management
Bachelor of Information Technology
Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane | Completed: November 2015
• Major: Network Security
• Final year project: Development of intrusion detection system using machine learning algorithms
CLEARANCES
• Australian Government Security Clearance: Secret (Current)
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (Current)
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
• Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) – Sydney Chapter Member
• Australian Information Security Association (AISA) – Active Member
• ISACA – Certified Member
What is The Best Format for a Cyber Security Resume?
The reverse chronological format is the most effective choice for cyber security resumes in Australia’s technology sector. This format showcases your most recent and relevant security experience first, allowing hiring managers and technical recruiters to quickly assess your current skill level and career progression. Australian organisations particularly value this format as it clearly demonstrates your growth in technical complexity and security responsibilities, which is crucial in the rapidly evolving cyber security landscape.
Resume Parts and Formatting Guidelines:
Header: Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and location. For cyber security roles, consider adding relevant professional certifications after your name (e.g., “CISSP, CEH”) to immediately establish credibility.
Summary: A compelling 3-4 sentence professional summary highlighting your experience level, key specialisations (e.g., incident response, penetration testing), and notable achievements. This section should immediately convey your technical expertise and security focus.
Experience: List your work history in reverse chronological order, emphasising cyber security roles, IT security projects, and quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact on organisational security posture.
Education: Include relevant degrees, cyber security qualifications, professional certifications, and continuous learning initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to staying current with evolving threats.
Other Sections: Technical skills, certifications, clearances (if applicable), professional associations, and relevant projects or research that showcase your expertise.
Technical Specifications:
Use clean, professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Source Sans Pro. Your name should be prominently displayed in 18-20pt font, section headings in 14-16pt, and body text in 11-12pt. Maintain consistent margins of 0.75-1 inch and ensure adequate white space for readability. Always submit as a PDF to preserve formatting across different systems and ATS platforms commonly used by Australian organisations.
What Experience Should Be on Your Cyber Security Resume?
Your experience section should prioritise cyber security roles whilst highlighting transferable technical skills from IT infrastructure, network administration, or software development positions. Focus on specific security technologies used, threats mitigated, and measurable impact on organisational security. Even if transitioning from general IT roles, emphasise any security-related responsibilities, compliance projects, or risk management activities that demonstrate your security mindset and problem-solving abilities.
Key elements to include:
- Specific security tools, technologies, and frameworks used
- Incident response and threat mitigation achievements
- Compliance and regulatory framework experience
- Risk assessment and vulnerability management activities
- Team leadership and cross-functional collaboration
- Quantifiable security improvements and cost savings
Cyber Security Engineer | Westpac Banking Corporation, Sydney
July 2020 – Present
• Design and implement security architecture for cloud migration project affecting 40,000+ employees and $500B in assets
• Deploy Microsoft Sentinel SIEM and Azure Security Center, reducing security incident detection time from 4 hours to 15 minutes
• Lead penetration testing program identifying and remediating 150+ critical vulnerabilities across web applications and APIs
• Manage cyber security budget of $2.5M annually, optimising tool stack and achieving 20% cost reduction whilst improving coverage
• Coordinate incident response for major ransomware attempt, preventing data breach and saving estimated $50M in potential losses
• Develop automated threat hunting playbooks using Python and PowerShell, increasing threat detection efficiency by 300%
• Maintain PCI DSS and APRA CPS 234 compliance across payment processing infrastructure serving 13 million customers
IT Security Person | Bank
2020 – Present
• Worked on security stuff
• Used security tools
• Responded to incidents
• Did compliance work
• Helped with security issues
Entry-Level Cyber Security Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, focus on internships, personal projects, capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions, bug bounty programs, and any IT experience that demonstrates security awareness. Emphasise your learning ability, passion for cyber security, and familiarity with industry tools and frameworks, even if gained through self-directed study or academic projects.
Cyber Security Intern | Deloitte Australia, Melbourne
December 2023 – February 2024
• Assisted senior consultants with penetration testing engagements for financial services clients
• Conducted vulnerability assessments using Nessus and OpenVAS, identifying 200+ security weaknesses
• Participated in incident response exercises and red team activities, gaining hands-on threat simulation experience
• Developed PowerShell scripts for automated security monitoring and reporting tasks
• Researched emerging threats and presented findings to consulting team, contributing to threat intelligence briefings
IT Support Specialist | University Technology Services
March 2022 – November 2023 (Part-time)
• Provided technical support for 15,000+ students and staff, handling security-related incidents and malware removal
• Implemented endpoint security policies and assisted with network access control deployment
• Monitored security events using university SIEM system, escalating suspicious activities to security team
• Conducted security awareness presentations to student groups, reaching 500+ participants annually
• Maintained detailed incident logs and contributed to security metrics reporting
Student
2023 – 2024
• Learned about cyber security
• Did some projects
• Used security software
• Studied hacking techniques
How to Write the Education Section for your Cyber Security Resume
The education section is important for cyber security professionals, particularly for demonstrating foundational knowledge in computer science, information technology, or specialised cyber security programs. While the industry increasingly values practical skills and certifications, relevant academic qualifications from recognised Australian universities can provide credibility, especially for government roles requiring specific educational requirements. Include relevant coursework, research projects, academic achievements, and any additional learning that demonstrates your commitment to continuous professional development.
Cyber Security Resume Example [Education]
Master of Cyber Security
Macquarie University, Sydney | Completed: July 2022
• High Distinction average (GPA: 3.8/4.0)
• Thesis: “AI-Powered Threat Detection in Cloud Environments” – achieved 95% accuracy in threat classification
• Relevant coursework: Advanced Cryptography, Digital Forensics, Network Security, Risk Management
• Research published in Australian Information Security Conference proceedings
Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security)
RMIT University, Melbourne | Completed: December 2019
• Dean’s List recognition for academic excellence (2018, 2019)
• Capstone project: Development of intrusion detection system using machine learning – deployed in university network
• Active member of Cyber Security Society and CTF competition team
Professional Development
• SANS Institute Training: Advanced Incident Response (2023)
• ISC² Security Leadership Program (2022)
• Australian Cyber Security Centre Threat Intelligence Course (2021)
How to Write the Skills Section for your Cyber Security Resume
The technical skills section is crucial for cyber security professionals as it’s often the first area recruiters and ATS systems scan for relevant technologies and competencies. Organise your skills by category (security tools, frameworks, programming languages, etc.) and list them in order of proficiency and relevance to your target roles. Include 25-35 skills total, balancing core security competencies with emerging technologies, cloud platforms, and regulatory frameworks that reflect current industry demands and Australian compliance requirements.
Cyber Security Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) – Splunk, QRadar, Microsoft Sentinel, LogRhythm
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) – CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Carbon Black, Microsoft Defender
- Vulnerability Management – Nessus, Qualys, Rapid7, OpenVAS, Greenbone
- Penetration Testing Tools – Metasploit, Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Nmap, Wireshark
- Cloud Security – AWS Security Hub, Azure Security Center, Google Cloud Security Command Center
- Identity and Access Management (IAM) – Active Directory, Okta, Azure AD, Ping Identity
- Security Frameworks – NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001, COBIT, Essential Eight
- Compliance Standards – PCI DSS, SOX, GDPR, APRA CPS 234, Privacy Act 1988
- Programming Languages – Python, PowerShell, Bash, SQL, JavaScript, C/C++, Go
- Network Security – Firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPN, Network Segmentation, Zero Trust Architecture
- Digital Forensics – EnCase, FTK, Volatility, YARA, Autopsy, X-Ways Forensics
- Threat Intelligence – MITRE ATT&CK, STIX/TAXII, Threat Hunting, IOC Analysis
Cyber Security Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Incident response and crisis management
- Risk assessment and management
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Technical communication and reporting
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Adaptability to evolving threats
- Strategic planning and project management
- Stakeholder management and influence
- Continuous learning and professional development
- Ethical decision-making and integrity
How to pick the best Cyber Security skills:
- Analyse job descriptions in your target market to identify the most in-demand security tools and frameworks
- Prioritise skills you can demonstrate through work experience, projects, or hands-on lab environments
- Include a mix of traditional security skills and cutting-edge technologies to show both depth and adaptability
- Group related technologies together and consider including proficiency levels for key tools
- Include compliance and regulatory knowledge relevant to Australian organisations and your target industry
- Keep skills current by regularly updating based on new certifications, training, and practical experience
Cyber Security Resume Examples [Skills]
• SIEM Platforms: Expert-level Splunk administration managing 50TB+ daily log ingestion across enterprise environment
• Incident Response: Led 100+ security incidents including APT investigations, reducing mean time to containment by 60%
• Cloud Security: Architected AWS security controls protecting $2B+ in cloud infrastructure with zero major breaches
• Penetration Testing: Conducted 50+ assessments using Metasploit and custom Python tools, identifying 500+ vulnerabilities
• Programming: Automated security workflows using Python and PowerShell, improving SOC efficiency by 200%
• Compliance: Maintained ISO 27001 and PCI DSS certifications across multi-national organisation for 3+ consecutive years
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Cyber Security Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your cyber security resume, particularly in Australia’s competitive market where employers value well-rounded professionals who contribute beyond technical skills. These sections help demonstrate your thought leadership, community involvement, and commitment to advancing the cyber security profession. However, only include sections that add genuine value and showcase relevant security expertise or professional achievements.
Valuable bonus sections include:
Certifications: Essential for cyber security professionals, including vendor-specific credentials (CISSP, CEH, SANS) and cloud security certifications that validate expertise. Security Clearances: Critical for government and defence contractor roles, including Baseline, NV1, NV2, or overseas clearances.
Projects: Personal security projects, research, or open-source contributions that demonstrate practical application of skills.
Publications and Speaking: Security research papers, blog posts, conference presentations, or podcast appearances that show thought leadership.
Professional Associations: Membership in organisations like AISA, ISACA, or ISC² that demonstrate professional commitment.
Awards and Recognition: Industry awards, bug bounty achievements, or recognition for security contributions.
Cyber Security Resume Examples [Other Sections]
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) – ISC² (2024)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) – SANS Institute (2023)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) – EC-Council (2023)
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty (2024)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (2023)
SECURITY CLEARANCE
• Australian Government Security Clearance: Secret (Current)
PUBLICATIONS & SPEAKING
• “Advanced Threat Hunting in Cloud Environments” – Australian Cyber Security Magazine (2024)
• Keynote Speaker: “Zero Trust Implementation” – AISA National Conference (2023)
• Contributing Author: “Essential Eight Implementation Guide” – ACSC Collaboration (2022)
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
• Australian Information Security Association (AISA) – Board Member, Sydney Chapter
• Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) – Active Member
• Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) – Australia Chapter Member
• Playing computer games all night
• Arguing about security on Reddit
• Building home labs with stolen software
• Hacking random websites for fun
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
• Can break into any system given enough time
• Know all the latest hacking techniques
• Have strong opinions about antivirus software
Tip: You can include technical hobbies that demonstrate relevant skills (such as home security labs or legitimate CTF competition participation), volunteer work involving cyber security education or awareness, teaching and training activities that show leadership, or research projects that contribute to the security community’s knowledge base.
How to write a Cyber Security Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary serves as your security expertise statement, providing hiring managers and technical recruiters with a concise overview of your security specialisations, years of experience, and the types of threats you’ve successfully mitigated in 3-4 impactful sentences. For cyber security professionals, your summary should immediately establish your technical competencies, industry focus, and quantifiable achievements in protecting organisational assets. This section is crucial as it often determines whether security managers and CISOs continue reading your application.
Key elements to include:
- Years of experience and primary security domains
- Specific technologies, frameworks, and specialisations
- Notable security achievements or threat mitigations
- Industry experience and regulatory compliance knowledge
- Professional certifications and clearance levels (if applicable)
Cyber Security Resume Summary Examples
Senior cyber security analyst with 8+ years protecting critical infrastructure across financial services and government sectors. Expert in threat hunting, incident response, and SIEM management with proven track record of reducing security incidents by 70% and leading response efforts for advanced persistent threats. Holds CISSP and GCIH certifications with active Secret clearance. Specialises in cloud security architecture and compliance with Australian regulatory frameworks including APRA CPS 234 and Essential Eight controls.
I am a cyber security professional looking for a job in information security. I have experience with various security tools and I know about different types of cyber attacks. I want to find a company where I can use my skills to protect against hackers and help keep systems secure.
For entry-level positions, focus on an objective statement that emphasises your technical foundation, relevant certifications, and eagerness to contribute to organisational security while gaining practical experience.
Entry-Level Cyber Security Resume Summary Examples
Recent cyber security graduate with Master’s degree and 6 months of intensive SOC analyst experience through industry internship. Demonstrated proficiency in SIEM platforms, vulnerability assessment, and incident response through hands-on lab work and capture-the-flag competitions. Holds Security+ and CEH certifications with strong foundation in Python scripting and penetration testing. Eager to apply technical skills and passion for threat detection in junior analyst role whilst contributing to organisational security posture.
New graduate looking for entry-level cyber security position. I studied information security and completed some certifications during university. I’m interested in learning more about cyber security and helping companies protect themselves from cyber threats.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Cyber Security Resume
LinkedIn is particularly crucial for cyber security professionals in Australia, as it’s heavily used by security recruiters, CISOs, and hiring managers to discover and evaluate candidates. The platform serves as an extended portfolio where you can showcase your security expertise, share threat intelligence insights, and engage with the broader Australian cyber security community. Many organisations prioritise LinkedIn profiles over traditional applications when assessing cyber security candidates, making alignment with your resume updates essential.
Unlike your resume, LinkedIn allows for more detailed discussion of your security philosophy, approach to emerging threats, and perspectives on industry trends. Use this platform to demonstrate thought leadership, share learnings from security incidents, and contribute to discussions about Australian cyber security challenges and solutions.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Cyber Security Professionals
Your LinkedIn headline should immediately communicate your security specialisation, experience level, and current focus areas. Include key technologies, certifications, and your location to improve discoverability by Australian security recruiters searching for specific expertise.
• “Senior Cyber Security Analyst | CISSP, CEH | Threat Hunting & Incident Response | Sydney Financial Services”
• “Cloud Security Architect | 8+ Years | AWS, Azure | Zero Trust Implementation | Melbourne Tech Sector”
• “SOC Manager | SIEM Expert | Team Leadership | Seeking CISO Opportunities | Brisbane & Remote”
• “Cyber Security Professional”
• “Information Security Specialist looking for opportunities”
• “Protecting organisations from cyber threats”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be significantly longer and more conversational than your resume summary, allowing for 4-6 paragraphs that tell your complete security journey. Use first-person language and discuss your path into cyber security, notable incidents you’ve responded to, and your perspective on evolving threat landscapes. Include specific project examples and their business impact, your approach to security leadership, and what drives your passion for protecting organisations.
For Australian cyber security professionals, consider mentioning your experience with local threat actors, understanding of Australian regulatory requirements, or contributions to the national cyber security ecosystem through ACSC collaboration or industry forums.
Showcasing Cyber Security Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s experience section allows you to expand significantly on your resume bullet points, providing space to discuss technical challenges overcome, threat actor tactics encountered, and lessons learned from major incidents. Use the media upload feature to showcase security architecture diagrams, threat research presentations, or conference speaking engagements. Add project sections for significant security implementations, research contributions, or open-source tools you’ve developed.
Consider including rich media content such as links to published security research, screenshots of security frameworks you’ve implemented, videos from conference presentations, or infographics about security metrics improvements. Always ensure any shared content maintains appropriate confidentiality and doesn’t expose sensitive organisational information.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Cyber Security Professionals
Focus on your core security competencies, listing 25-35 relevant technologies, frameworks, and methodologies. Prioritise skills most relevant to your career goals and actively seek endorsements from security colleagues, managers, and industry peers. LinkedIn skill assessments are particularly valuable for cyber security professionals – complete assessments for relevant technologies and frameworks where you’re confident, as the verification badges significantly boost profile credibility.
Regularly update your skills to reflect new certifications, emerging technologies you’ve mastered, and current threat landscape requirements. This demonstrates continuous learning and keeps your profile relevant to evolving security demands.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Cyber Security Professionals
Optimise for the Australian cyber security ecosystem by joining relevant groups such as “Australian Information Security Association,” “Cyber Security Professionals Australia,” or “ACSC Community.” Follow major Australian organisations, security vendors, and industry leaders to stay connected with local developments. Share content about Australian cyber threats, comment thoughtfully on posts from local security leaders, and contribute to discussions about national cyber security strategy.
Follow Australian security conferences (AusCERT, AISA National Conference), major banks’ security teams, government agencies like ACSC and ASD, and local security vendors to stay informed about opportunities and industry trends. Share threat intelligence insights, contribute to security discussions, and post about your professional development activities. Always maintain professionalism and avoid sharing sensitive information about incidents or vulnerabilities.
Creating an exceptional cyber security resume is your gateway to joining Australia’s critical cyber defence workforce. Remember that in this high-stakes field, your resume must demonstrate not only technical expertise but also your ability to think strategically about threats and communicate security risks effectively to both technical and executive audiences.
After perfecting your resume, complement it with a targeted cover letter that explains your passion for cyber security, understanding of the organisation’s threat landscape, and how your specific experience aligns with their security challenges. For security roles, consider including references to relevant threat intelligence or security frameworks that directly relate to the position.
Ready to advance your cyber security career? Start exploring opportunities on specialised platforms like Seek.com.au, LinkedIn Jobs, and security-focused job boards. Government positions can be found through APS Jobs. Remember to tailor your resume for each application, highlighting the specific security domains and compliance frameworks most relevant to each role.
For ongoing professional development and networking, consider joining the Australian Information Security Association, attending conferences like AusCERT, pursuing advanced certifications, or contributing to the cyber security community through research or volunteer work. The Australian cyber security community is collaborative and supportive – engaging with it can significantly accelerate your career growth and help protect the nation’s digital infrastructure.
