Cybersecurity in Pharma Industry

Key takeaways

Cybersecurity is important in the pharma industry due to the severe consequences that may arise from data breaches and successful hacking attempts. 

• Cybersecurity threats in the pharma industry include third-party vendors, ransomware, IoT vulnerabilities, and phishing attacks.

• Cybersecurity jobs in the pharma industry include entry-level roles such as IT support technician, mid-level roles such as CISO and operations manager, and senior-level roles such as senior risk specialists.

• You can start a cybersecurity career in the pharmaceutical industry by earning a bachelor’s degree or relevant certifications, working in entry-level cybersecurity jobs, or transitioning from another field like software engineering.

Explore why cybersecurity is important in the pharmaceutical industry, the issues faced, cybersecurity careers in pharma, and more. If you’re ready to start preparing for a cybersecurity role, enroll in New York University’s Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization. You’ll have the opportunity to learn foundational cybersecurity concepts like application security, cryptography, threat modeling, cyberattacks, and more in as little as two months. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career certificate for your resume.

Pharmaceutical cybersecurity: What is the importance of cybersecurity in the pharma industry?

Cybersecurity is important in the pharmaceutical industry because of the severe consequences that may arise from data breaches and successful hacking attempts. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the pharmaceutical industry has experienced an immense increase in hacking attempts, often centered around stealing sensitive data for financial gain. When successful, these hacks have far-reaching consequences that affect the company, its clients, and consumers. Product delivery runs the risk of compromise, studies and research may be hindered, and litigation slows down processes.

With the right cybersecurity strategy, pharmaceutical companies can protect important information from hacking and breaches, preserving their reputations and better serving the clients who rely on them.

What’s it like to work in cybersecurity in pharma?

As a cybersecurity professional in pharma, you’ll likely be responsible for designing and implementing IT security systems and processes to protect sensitive information. You could also be responsible for monitoring IT systems and addressing any hacking attempts or suspicious activity that may arise.

What industry is best for cybersecurity?

Due to the rise of cybersecurity needs, nearly every industry now employs cybersecurity professionals. Popular industries include government services, health care, and retail. Job prospects are robust across all sectors. According to CyberSeek, the total number of online job openings for cybersecurity jobs was 514,359 in 2025, with states like California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Texas, and Virginia among those with the most openings [1].

Types of pharmaceutical cybersecurity jobs

Some examples of cybersecurity jobs in pharma include entry-level, mid-level, and senior-level positions. The following salary figures reflect the median annual total salaries* in the US for each position according to Glassdoor. 

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

Entry-level jobs

These careers are entry points for the industry and often don’t require experience before hiring. Examples of entry-level cybersecurity jobs in pharma include:

• IT support/help desk: Responsible for providing technical support to clients, often through a chat tool or over the phone. The median annual total salary is $76,000.

• Analysts: Use collected security data to draw insights and recommend stronger cybersecurity strategies. The median annual total salary is $128,000.

• Auditors: Help track cash flow and identify issues that might indicate security breaches or attempts at fraud. The median annual total salary is $108,000.

• Systems administrators: Create and maintain a company’s computer systems. The median annual total salary is $113,000.

Mid-level jobs

These jobs are typically for professionals with several years of experience or more education. Examples include:

• Software engineers: Write, implement, and maintain software programs used by different organizations. The median annual total salary is $149,000.

• Operations managers: Oversee the multiple components of an organization’s projects and budgets. The median annual total salary is $104,000.

• Chief information security officer (CISO): Ensures the safety of a company’s security frameworks and processes. The median annual total salary is $313,000.

Senior-level jobs

Senior-level jobs tend to require both advanced education and experience. Examples of senior-level jobs in the pharmaceutical industry for cybersecurity professionals are:

• Senior risk specialists: Analyze, plan, and troubleshoot security risks that may occur at a company. The median annual total salary is $153,000.

• Cybersecurity senior consultants: Experts in their field who consult with companies about the optimal security frameworks and processes to maximize safety. The median annual total salary is $153,000.

Cybersecurity threats in the pharma industry

The pharmaceutical industry faces many cybersecurity issues, including third-party vendors, ransomware, Internet of Things (IoT) vulnerabilities, phishing attacks, and human errors. Take a look at each example in more detail below.

Third-party vendors

While necessary for pharmaceutical companies to successfully create, sell, and distribute products or research, the use of third-party vendors makes it difficult to completely secure data. Using multiple platforms means employees might upload or access information through applications that aren’t fully secure, which exposes them to potential hacks or leaks.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a category of malware that takes the victim’s data hostage and refuses to give it back unless the hacker is paid a large sum of money. The threat of ransomware has grown exponentially in recent years, going from a single extortion attempt for money to multiple extortion attempts that include leaking sensitive information online or using stolen data to harm clients.

Internet of Things vulnerabilities

The Internet of Things, or the connected network of hardware, such as smart devices and computers, that can share data among themselves, raises its own security concerns. Many of these devices don’t have the physical infrastructure needed to support the right security frameworks, and often, the security they do have, such as a single password, might be weak and easily cracked.

Phishing attacks

Phishing is a hacking attempt where fraudulent emails are sent to employees that encourage them to share classified or sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. These emails often look like they’ve been sent by real people or authorized accounts, but they’re not. The best way to defend against phishing attacks is to train your employees to identify the signs of a phishing email.

Human element

If employees need training on how to avoid phishing or are unfamiliar with the correct security protocols, they might be the ones to expose sensitive data to hackers inadvertently. Insider threats like disgruntled employees may also threaten the cybersecurity of pharmaceutical companies.

Read more: 10 Common Types of Cyberattacks and How to Prevent Them

How to get a job in cybersecurity in the pharma industry

To pursue a career in cybersecurity in the pharma industry, the typical first step is to gain a bachelor’s degree in a related field. It’s also an option to pursue certification or an associate degree, but the required education will depend on what type of role you are pursuing. Entry-level positions often have opportunities for people with limited to no experience, which means you can develop the needed skills to advance in your career. Another option is to move into a cybersecurity role from adjacent positions, such as software development. You’ll have the chance to learn foundational knowledge before moving into a more specific cybersecurity role.

Navigate your next career move with confidence

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

• Explore opportunities: Guide to a Successful Career Change to Cybersecurity

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

• Hear from an insider: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career

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