The Career Compass #54: Cloud Security & Career Clarity

How mastering cloud security can future-proof your cybersecurity career.

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Hey everyone, Luke here, welcome back to The Career Compass!

Over my 14 years in recruitment, I’ve watched countless skill trends come and go. But there’s one area that’s not just growing, it’s exploding, and that’s Cloud Security.

If you’re looking to break into cybersecurity or accelerate your current role, this might just be the skill that sets you apart in 2025.

Let’s dive into why cloud security has become the #1 skill recruiters (like me) are searching for, and how you can take advantage of it right now.

Video of the Week: Master Cloud Security Now — The Most In-Demand Skill in Cybersecurity

Cloud security isn’t just a technical skill anymore, it’s a career accelerator.

In this video, I break down:

✅ Why cloud security is exploding in demand

✅ The certifications & skills that make you stand out

✅ How mastering cloud security can future-proof your career

✅ Why recruiters are prioritising this skill when hiring

Whether you’re starting out in cybersecurity or ready to level up, this could be the smartest move you make in 2025.

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Cloud computing has transformed the way businesses operate — but it’s also transformed the attack surface.

Here’s why cloud security is now one of the most in-demand areas in the entire cybersecurity industry 👇

☁️ 1. Cloud is the new normal

Over 90% of organisations now rely on cloud infrastructure like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. With that comes a surge in demand for professionals who understand how to secure complex, multi-cloud environments.

🔐 2. The Shared Responsibility Problem

Many breaches occur because teams misunderstand who’s responsible for what. Cloud providers secure the infrastructure, but the organisation must secure its own data and configurations. That’s where skilled cloud security pros step in.

⚙️ 3. Hybrid Skills Are Gold

Employers love candidates who can bridge IT, security, and cloud. If you understand both the architecture and how to defend it, you instantly become more valuable.

🎓 4. Certifications That Matter

The most sought-after cloud security certifications right now include:

  • CompTIA Security+ (for foundational knowledge)

  • AWS Certified Security – Specialty

  • (ISC)² CCSP – Certified Cloud Security Professional

  • Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer

  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate

💰 5. Salaries Are Soaring

Cloud Security Engineers and Architects regularly earn between $130K–$180K AUD, and in some enterprise roles even higher.

🌍 6. AI & Cloud Are Converging

With the rapid adoption of AI tools hosted in cloud environments, understanding cloud-based AI security will soon be as critical as traditional cybersecurity skills.

If you want to position yourself for long-term success, learning cloud security isn’t just smart, it’s essential.

Interview Corner: How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

It’s a classic question that still trips people up — and your answer can make or break your interview impression.

Here are five powerful ways to answer it, depending on your background and goals 👇

1️⃣ The Growth-Oriented Answer

In five years, I see myself having built strong technical expertise in this field and ideally mentoring others who are starting their journey.

(Shows ambition and leadership potential.)

2️⃣ The Aligned-with-Company Answer

“I’d love to grow with a company that values continuous learning, ideally contributing to projects that strengthen its cloud security posture”.

(Demonstrates loyalty and alignment with business goals.)

3️⃣ The Learner’s Mindset Answer

“I’m focused on mastering the fundamentals first. In five years, I’d like to be in a position where I’m not just solving problems but anticipating them”.

(Shows curiosity and initiative.)

4️⃣ The Career-Changer Answer

“Coming from a different background, I’m excited to apply my previous experience here. In five years, I see myself established in this field and adding real value”.

(Perfect for those pivoting into cybersecurity.)

5️⃣ The Leadership Vision Answer

“In five years, I see myself leading a small team, improving processes, and helping shape the strategy of the security department”.

(A strong close for mid- to senior-level professionals.)

💡 Recruiter’s tip: Avoid the cliché I want your job. Instead, focus on growth, alignment, and contribution, the three things hiring managers actually care about.

The Career Compass Method™: 8 Weeks to Career Confidence

If you’re serious about taking your career to the next level, whether that’s breaking into cybersecurity, landing interviews, or finally getting that promotion, my 8-week coaching programme, The Career Compass Method™, is designed to help you get there.

Across eight weeks, we’ll work one-on-one to:

✅ Build a powerful, results-driven resume that gets noticed

✅ Develop a strong personal brand that attracts opportunities

✅ Master your interview confidence using proven recruiter insights

✅ Create a step-by-step roadmap to achieve your long-term career goals

This isn’t a course, it’s a personalised coaching experience where we work directly together to create real change.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, overlooked, or unsure how to take that next step, this programme gives you the clarity, tools, and confidence to move forward with purpose.

👉 Book a free exploratory call to see if The Career Compass Method™ is right for you.

Career Challenge of the Week

Write down your own 5-year vision.

Then, connect it to the impact you want to have, not just the job title you want.

When your career goals align with the company’s mission, you instantly stand out as someone who’s there for the long game.

Final Thought

The cybersecurity field is evolving fast, and cloud security sits right at the intersection of innovation and protection.

If you’re serious about building a career with longevity, now’s the time to invest in these skills. Recruiters like me are already prioritising candidates who understand cloud architecture, governance, and identity security.

So don’t wait for 2026 to play catch-up, master cloud security now, and you’ll be ready for the future that’s already here.

Thanks for reading, and as always, keep levelling up your career.

Best wishes
Luke Gough
Recruiter / Career Coach / Founder of The Career Compass

P.S. Remember to share The Career Compass with your network, and let’s work together to empower more careers!

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