Cybersecurity Engineer Resume Keywords (2025): 60+ ATS Skills to Land Interviews
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🚨 Not getting cybersecurity engineer interviews? Your resume is missing critical security keywords.
In 2025, over 97% of companies use ATS to filter cybersecurity resumes. Missing terms like "Penetration Testing," "SIEM," or "Incident Response" can instantly disqualify you—even with years of IT experience.
This guide gives you 60+ ATS-approved cybersecurity engineer keywords, organized by category, with real examples and optimization strategies.
👉 Scan Your Cybersecurity Engineer Resume for Missing Keywords - Free
Why Cybersecurity Engineer Resume Keywords Matter in 2025
The brutal truth: Cybersecurity roles are highly technical and compliance-driven, requiring a unique blend of offensive, defensive, and governance keywords.
Recruiters and ATS systems scan your resume for:
- ✅ Security methodologies (Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessment, Incident Response, Threat Hunting)
- ✅ Security tools (SIEM, Burp Suite, Metasploit, Wireshark, Nessus, Nmap)
- ✅ Security frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, CIS Controls, OWASP, MITRE ATT&CK)
- ✅ Security domains (Network Security, Cloud Security, Application Security, Endpoint Security)
- ✅ Compliance (SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, Security Compliance)
- ✅ Certifications (CISSP, CEH, Security+, GSEC, OSCP, CISM)
If your resume doesn't match the job's security vocabulary, it gets filtered out—often before a human ever sees it.
According to LinkedIn's 2024 Global Talent Trends report, over 90% of companies rely on ATS systems to filter cybersecurity resumes. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirms that security tool proficiency and incident response experience are the primary screening criteria for most organizations.
The Cybersecurity Engineer Keyword Gap Problem
75% of cybersecurity engineer resumes are rejected by ATS before reaching a recruiter.
The #1 reason? Missing security tools, penetration testing, and incident response keywords.
Example: A cybersecurity engineer resume missing "SIEM" or "Penetration Testing" gets filtered out, even if the candidate has 5 years of IT security experience.
The solution: Use this comprehensive keyword guide to ensure your resume includes every term cybersecurity recruiters search for. Reference industry standards from NIST Cybersecurity Framework and OWASP to ensure you're using the correct terminology.
60+ Essential Cybersecurity Engineer Resume Keywords (2025)
Our research across hundreds of cybersecurity engineer job listings shows that successful resumes must include a blend of:
🔒 Security Methodologies & Practices
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Penetration Testing | Penetration Testing, Ethical Hacking, Red Team, Vulnerability Assessment, Security Testing, Web Application Security Testing |
| Incident Response | Incident Response, Security Incident Management, Threat Response, Security Operations, Digital Forensics, Malware Analysis |
| Threat Intelligence | Threat Intelligence, Threat Hunting, Threat Analysis, Threat Modeling, Security Intelligence, IOCs (Indicators of Compromise) |
| Vulnerability Management | Vulnerability Assessment, Vulnerability Scanning, Patch Management, Security Patching, Vulnerability Remediation |
| Security Monitoring | Security Monitoring, Security Analytics, Log Analysis, Security Event Analysis, Behavioral Analysis |
🛠️ Security Tools & Platforms
| Tool Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| SIEM | SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), Splunk, IBM QRadar, ArcSight, LogRhythm, Sentinel, Azure Sentinel |
| Penetration Testing Tools | Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nmap, Nessus, OpenVAS, OWASP ZAP, Wireshark, Aircrack-ng |
| Vulnerability Scanners | Nessus, Qualys, Rapid7, OpenVAS, Acunetix, Burp Suite Professional |
| Network Security Tools | Wireshark, tcpdump, Snort, Suricata, pfSense, Firewall Management, IDS/IPS |
| Cloud Security Tools | AWS Security Hub, Azure Security Center, GCP Security Command Center, CloudTrail, CloudWatch |
| Endpoint Security | Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Carbon Black, Antivirus, EPP |
🏛️ Security Frameworks & Standards
| Framework | Related Keywords |
|---|---|
| NIST | NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST 800-53, NIST 800-171, Risk Management Framework (RMF) |
| ISO 27001 | ISO 27001, ISO 27002, Information Security Management System (ISMS), Security Controls |
| CIS Controls | CIS Controls, Center for Internet Security, Security Best Practices, Security Benchmarks |
| OWASP | OWASP Top 10, OWASP ASVS, Application Security, Web Application Security |
| MITRE ATT&CK | MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Threat Modeling, Attack Vectors, Adversary Tactics |
| PCI DSS | PCI DSS, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, Compliance, Security Standards |
🔐 Security Domains
| Domain | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Network Security | Network Security, Firewall, IDS/IPS, VPN, Network Segmentation, DDoS Protection, Network Monitoring |
| Cloud Security | Cloud Security, AWS Security, Azure Security, GCP Security, Cloud Compliance, Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) |
| Application Security | Application Security, AppSec, Secure Coding, Code Review, SAST, DAST, API Security, Web Application Firewall (WAF) |
| Endpoint Security | Endpoint Security, Endpoint Protection, EDR, EPP, Device Management, Mobile Device Management (MDM) |
| Identity & Access Management | IAM, Identity and Access Management, SSO, MFA, Privileged Access Management (PAM), RBAC, Zero Trust |
| Data Security | Data Security, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Encryption, Data Classification, Data Privacy, GDPR Compliance |
📋 Compliance & Governance
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Compliance Frameworks | SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, NIST, Compliance Management, Regulatory Compliance |
| Security Governance | Security Governance, Security Policies, Security Procedures, Risk Management, Security Risk Assessment |
| Audit & Assessment | Security Audit, Security Assessment, Compliance Audit, Internal Audit, External Audit, Security Review |
| Security Documentation | Security Documentation, Security Policies, Incident Response Plans, Disaster Recovery Plans, Business Continuity |
🎓 Security Certifications
| Certification | Related Keywords |
|---|---|
| CISSP | CISSP, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Security Management |
| CEH | CEH, Certified Ethical Hacker, Ethical Hacking, Penetration Testing |
| Security+ | Security+, CompTIA Security+, Security Fundamentals |
| GSEC | GSEC, GIAC Security Essentials, Security Operations |
| OSCP | OSCP, Offensive Security Certified Professional, Penetration Testing, Ethical Hacking |
| CISM | CISM, Certified Information Security Manager, Security Management |
| CISA | CISA, Certified Information Systems Auditor, Security Audit |
💻 Technical Skills
| Category | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Programming | Python, Bash, PowerShell, JavaScript, SQL, Scripting, Automation |
| Operating Systems | Linux, Windows, Unix, Security Hardening, System Administration |
| Networking | TCP/IP, Network Protocols, DNS, DHCP, Routing, Switching, Network Architecture |
| Cloud Platforms | AWS, Azure, GCP, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Multi-Cloud Security |
How to Integrate Keywords into Your Resume
✅ Strong Example: Keyword-Optimized Cybersecurity Engineer Resume
Experience Section:
Senior Cybersecurity Engineer | Tech Company | 2021 - Present
- Conducted penetration testing and vulnerability assessments using Burp Suite, Metasploit, and Nessus, identifying 50+ critical vulnerabilities and reducing security risk by 40%
- Managed SIEM platform (Splunk) and SOC operations, detecting and responding to 200+ security incidents, reducing mean time to detection (MTTD) by 60%
- Implemented incident response procedures and threat hunting capabilities, improving threat detection accuracy by 35% and reducing false positives by 50%
- Performed vulnerability scanning and patch management across 500+ systems, achieving 95% patch compliance and reducing exposure window by 70%
- Developed security policies and compliance documentation aligned with NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001, ensuring SOC 2 and GDPR compliance
- Configured and managed firewall rules, IDS/IPS systems, and network segmentation, blocking 10,000+ malicious connection attempts monthly
- Led application security assessments using OWASP Top 10 guidelines and SAST/DAST tools, reducing application vulnerabilities by 45%
- Implemented cloud security controls for AWS and Azure, configuring CloudTrail, Security Hub, and Azure Sentinel, achieving 100% cloud compliance
Skills Section:
Security Methodologies: Penetration Testing, Ethical Hacking, Incident Response, Threat Hunting, Vulnerability Assessment, Digital Forensics
Security Tools: SIEM (Splunk, QRadar), Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nessus, Wireshark, Nmap, OpenVAS
Security Frameworks: NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001, OWASP Top 10, MITRE ATT&CK, CIS Controls, PCI DSS
Security Domains: Network Security, Cloud Security, Application Security, Endpoint Security, IAM, Data Security
Compliance: SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, Security Compliance, Risk Management
Certifications: CISSP, CEH, Security+, GSEC, OSCP
Technical Skills: Python, Bash, PowerShell, Linux, Windows, TCP/IP, AWS, Azure, GCP
❌ Weak Example: Missing Keywords
Experience Section:
IT Security Specialist | Tech Company | 2021 - Present
- Worked on security and protected company systems
- Monitored for security threats and responded to incidents
- Helped improve security posture
- Coordinated with IT team on security issues
Skills Section:
Security, IT, Network Security, Problem Solving
Why it fails:
- ❌ No specific security tools mentioned (SIEM, Burp Suite, Metasploit)
- ❌ Missing security methodologies (penetration testing, incident response, threat hunting)
- ❌ No security frameworks or compliance keywords
- ❌ Vague descriptions that don't match ATS keyword searches
- ❌ No quantifiable results or security metrics
Keyword Integration Strategy
1. Match the Job Description
Read the job posting carefully and identify:
- Required security tools (SIEM, Burp Suite, Metasploit, Nessus)
- Preferred security methodologies (penetration testing, incident response, threat hunting)
- Security frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001, OWASP, MITRE ATT&CK)
- Compliance requirements (SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS)
2. Use Keywords Naturally
Don't keyword stuff. Integrate keywords into:
- Summary/Objective: Mention your primary security expertise (e.g., "Cybersecurity Engineer with expertise in Penetration Testing, SIEM, and Incident Response")
- Experience Bullets: Include tools, methodologies, and frameworks with context and measurable results
- Skills Section: List all relevant security tools, methodologies, and certifications, organized by category
- Certifications Section: Highlight security certifications (CISSP, CEH, Security+, OSCP)
💡 IT vs Cybersecurity? If you work in IT infrastructure, check our DevOps Engineer Resume Keywords guide to ensure you include both infrastructure and security keywords.
3. Include Both General and Specific Terms
- General: Cybersecurity, Information Security, Network Security, Cloud Security
- Specific: SIEM, Penetration Testing, Burp Suite, NIST, CISSP, SOC 2
4. Show Impact with Keywords
Instead of: "Worked on security and protected systems"
Write: "Conducted penetration testing and vulnerability assessments using Burp Suite and Nessus, identifying 50+ critical vulnerabilities and reducing security risk by 40%"
5. Highlight Modern Security Practices
Include keywords that show you're up-to-date:
- Methodologies: Threat Hunting, Zero Trust, DevSecOps, Cloud Security
- Tools: SIEM, EDR, Cloud Security Tools, Modern Penetration Testing Tools
- Frameworks: MITRE ATT&CK, NIST Cybersecurity Framework, OWASP Top 10
Related Articles
Internal Guides
- Complete Resume Keywords List Hub - Browse all role-specific keyword guides
- DevOps Engineer Resume Keywords (2025) - Infrastructure automation and cloud security keywords
- Software Engineer Resume Keywords (2025) - Application security and secure coding keywords
- Backend Developer Resume Keywords (2025) - API security and system architecture keywords
- Cloud Engineer Resume Keywords (2025) - Cloud security and infrastructure keywords
- How to Pass ATS in 2025 - Complete ATS compatibility guide
- Why ATS Rejects Qualified Resumes - Common rejection reasons and fixes
- Free ATS Resume Scanner - Test your resume compatibility instantly
Cybersecurity Resources
- LinkedIn Cybersecurity Engineer Jobs - Find cybersecurity roles and analyze job descriptions
- Indeed Cybersecurity Career Guide - Cybersecurity resume tips and examples
- Glassdoor Cybersecurity Insights - Cybersecurity resume best practices and salary data
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework - Official cybersecurity framework and standards
- OWASP - Application security standards and OWASP Top 10
- CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) - Government cybersecurity resources and best practices
- SANS Institute - Cybersecurity training and certifications
Alternative Tools
- ResumeWorded - Resume review tool with cybersecurity focus
- Jobscan - Resume-to-job matching for cybersecurity roles
- Wozber - ATS-friendly resume builder with keyword optimization
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