Table of contents
- Who is the cyber security researcher
- The training path to become a cyber security researcher
- Technical and soft skills required
- Where does a cyber security researcher work
- Case studies: researchers who made a difference
- A profession in constant evolution
Cyber security has become a strategic priority for governments, companies and users. Every day new cyber threats emerge, increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks and vulnerabilities to analyze and mitigate.
In this scenario, the figure of the cyber security researcher plays a fundamental role: anticipating risks, identifying flaws in systems and contributing to building a safer cyberspace.
The following article aims to provide a complete and detailed guide on how to become a cyber security researcher , illustrating the ideal training path, the necessary cyber security skills, the most requested certifications, as well as the career prospects and contexts in which these professional figures operate.
Who is the cyber security researcher
A cyber security researcher is a highly specialized technical figure who analyzes, studies and anticipates cyber threats, identifying vulnerabilities in systems, software or network infrastructures. His task is often proactive: he explores new attack techniques before they can be used by malicious actors, contributing to the development of increasingly effective security solutions.
These professionals operate in very different fields: from network security to information security, to threat intelligence analysis , incident response or participation in coordinated vulnerability disclosure (CVD) programs. They may be employed by tech companies, government agencies, research organizations or work as freelancers or members of bug bounty platforms.
Example
Researchers who discovered critical flaws in WPA2 protocols or popular open source libraries like OpenSSL. In many cases, the work of these professionals has prevented enormous economic damage and compromises on a global scale.
The training path to become a cyber security researcher
The educational path for a career in cyber security is not unique, but there are key steps that can guide those who want to specialize in this sector.
University and Cyber security
The first step is often a degree course in computer science, computer engineering , security sciences or similar. Today many Italian and international universities offer master’s degrees in cyber security, with courses ranging from cryptanalysis to risk management, from malware analysis to data security.
Some examples of particularly popular university courses:
- Cyber security at the University of Pisa
- Security and Privacy at the Polytechnic University of Milan
- Master of Science in Information Security at ETH Zurich
- Cyber Operations at the University of Maryland (USA)
Technical certifications
In addition to university, professional certifications are essential. Some of the most recognized in the field are:
- OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional) – focused on penetration testing and simulation of real attacks.
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) – issued by EC-Council, covers ethical hacking tools and methodologies.
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – oriented towards security management.
- GREM, GXPN, GPEN – Very technical SANS certifications, ideal for those working on malware, exploits or reverse engineering.
A researcher who wishes to work in complex environments will also need to have in-depth knowledge of the main operating systems (Linux, Windows, BSD), network architectures, and be able to develop and implement customized tools for vulnerability analysis.
Technical and soft skills required
Cyber security skills to become a researcher are broad and constantly evolving. The most important include:
Hard skills
- Programming
Advanced knowledge of languages such as Python, C/C++, JavaScript, Assembly. - Reverse engineering
Knowing how to decompile and analyze suspicious executables. - Exploit Analysis
Understand how an attack works, study its payloads, and identify exploited vulnerabilities. - Knowledge of network protocols
TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, TLS. - Virtualized and sandboxed environments to run malware in isolation.
- Network security and zero trust architectures.
- Threat modeling and mitigation techniques.
Soft skills
In addition to technical skills, the following are also needed:
- Problem solving
Being able to identify solutions even in undocumented situations. - Lateral thinking.
- Communication
Ability to explain complex vulnerabilities to non-technical stakeholders. - Teamwork and collaboration with other experts (often in distributed teams).
- Stress management, especially in ongoing incident response situations.
Where does a cyber security researcher work
A career in cyber security can take many different directions. Some of the most common career paths include:
- Private companies (tech, banking, energy, transportation): often employ research teams to secure their IT infrastructure.
- CERT and CSIRT (Computer Emergency Response Team): analyze ongoing attacks and coordinate the response to incidents.
- Security vendors (e.g. Kaspersky, Palo Alto Networks, Crowdstrike): Where security systems or detection technologies are designed.
- Bug bounty and CVD: freelance researchers who collaborate with platforms such as HackerOne, Synack or Bugcrowd, finding vulnerabilities in the products of large companies.
- Government or military entities
In intelligence, cyber defense, or cyber warfare roles.
Another option, increasingly common, is academic research: universities and public or private research centers are looking for profiles with a strong theoretical background and the ability to publish in the scientific field.
Case studies: researchers who made a difference
Case 1: Tavis Ormandy (Project Zero, Google)
One of the most well-known cyber security researchers, he discovered critical vulnerabilities in widely used products, such as AVG antivirus, Cloudflare or NVIDIA graphics drivers. His work led to patches that prevented large-scale cyberattacks.
Case 2: Katie Moussouris (ex-Microsoft, HackerOne)
A pioneer of bug bounty programs , she worked to define responsible disclosure policies, helping change the way companies respond to vulnerabilities discovered by third-party researchers.
A profession in constant evolution
The field of cyber security is constantly evolving: cyber threats are multiplying, technologies are changing, and professional figures must constantly update themselves. Becoming a cyber security researcher requires passion, curiosity, scientific rigor, and technical ability.
But for those who accept the challenge, a career in cyber security can be extremely rewarding, full of opportunities, and essential to protecting sensitive data , people, and the infrastructure of the digital society.
Questions and answers
- What is a cyber security researcher?
He is a professional who studies, discovers and analyzes vulnerabilities in computer systems to prevent their abuse by malicious actors. - What is the recommended course of study?
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering, master’s degree in cyber security and certifications such as OSCP or CEH. - Do I need to know how to program?
Yes, knowledge of languages like Python, C/C++, Assembly is essential for exploit analysis and tool development. - What is the difference between an ethical hacker and a researcher?
The ethical hacker performs practical tests to break systems; the researcher can also work on theoretical aspects and on the discovery of new vulnerabilities. - Can I work freelance?
Yes, through bug bounty platforms like HackerOne or as a consultant for companies and institutions. - How much does a cyber security researcher earn?
It depends on the role, level and sector. In Italy the salary can vary from 35,000 to 90,000 euros per year, but in the bug bounty the earnings can exceed these figures. - Do I need a certification to get started?
It is not mandatory, but certifications such as OSCP, CEH or GREM improve employment opportunities. - Where can I learn by myself?
Platforms like Hack The Box, TryHackMe, OverTheWire and portals like VulnHub offer hands-on learning environments. - Is it a stressful job?
It can be, especially in incident management, but it also offers a lot of satisfaction. - Can I work for foreign companies?
Yes, many international companies hire qualified researchers remotely, even from Italy.
