This article outlines the steps required to become a cybersecurity specialist, and to start a rewarding career.
Cybersecurity is one the fastest growing fields. There is a large skill gap in cybersecurity. This gap is growing. According to organizations, the gap in cybersecurity skills has been growing every year since 2016.
In a similar vein, the World Economic Forum reported in a 2019 report that more than 200,000 cybersecurity specialists are needed in the United States.
Cyber-crime is increasing and organizations are prioritizing cybersecurity. We are now asking the following question:
How do you take advantage of this situation to become a cybersecurity specialist.
First, identify your career path
Cybersecurity can be a wide-ranging field that offers many career options. Before you enter the industry, it is important to find a career that suits your needs. Different cybersecurity careers offer different responsibilities and roles. Different skills are required for different roles. You will be able to find your dream job by identifying it first.
Common career paths include:
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Security Architect
- Penetration tester/Ethical hacker
Gain general IT experience
A solid foundation is essential in IT. To protect your data from hackers, you must be able to understand the technology. Many cybersecurity professionals have gained experience while in college. Some people don’t get into IT until later on in their careers.
You can gain experience by working in entry-level positions such as:
- Web developer
- Systems administrator
- IT technician
- Computer software engineer.
Continue to Learn
Cybersecurity is evolving every day because of the new hacking techniques and technologies. Cybercriminals are creating more than 350,000 malware every day. A cybersecurity professional must continue to learn new ways to secure information systems.
Continuous learning is the only way to succeed. You can also learn new cybersecurity skills that will allow you to advance in your career.
An ethical hacker, for example, should have a good understanding of all hacker skills. The ethical hacker may not be able to find vulnerabilities if they don’t know what they are doing. This could result in a data breach.
Continuous learning allows you to learn new skills in the constantly changing field of cybersecurity.
Get cybersecurity certifications
There’ll be many job opportunities! However, this doesn’t mean it will be easy to find work. Employers are only interested to hire the best professionals. You should seek cybersecurity certifications to prove that you have the skills required.
You can prove your skills and help you land the job that you desire. Certifications are a requirement for many jobs in the cybersecurity industry.
Below are some examples of certifications that could help you build your cybersecurity career:
- Certified ethical hacker (CEH).
- CompTIA Security+
- SANS GIAC Security Essentials – GSEC
- CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).
- Certified Information Systems Security Practitioner
Choose a holistic cybersecurity course
Two learning methods are often offered in a comprehensive cybersecurity course:
Practical: How-to, hands on, step-by-step (lab work, job training)
Classroom Training – Theoretical
Both are necessary if you want to be proficient in your chosen field of cybersecurity.
You will learn enough skills to be able to identify security threats and prepare for them. You will also be able to manage cybersecurity incidents as they arise.
You can adapt to technological developments by creating a holistic program. To be a cybersecurity specialist, you must have hands-on experience in adapting to new trends. This ability is provided by a holistic cybersecurity program.
Learn about the cybersecurity industry
Before you embark on a career in cybersecurity, it is important to understand the industry. It is important to:
- Get a better understanding of the cybersecurity jobs available
- Learn the requirements for each job
When choosing a field of specialization, it is important to understand the cybersecurity industry. Sometimes people rush to get into a job only to change to another field later. To ensure that you choose the right career path, learn as much about the industry as possible.
Select a cybersecurity field that you are passionate about
There are many opportunities in the cybersecurity industry for professionals to pursue their individual interests. It is important to pursue your passions. A hacker who is passionate about hacking could be a great ethical hacker. An Incident Response job would suit someone who is passionate about fighting the bad guys.
Connect with other cybersecurity experts
There are many ways to advance your cybersecurity career through networking. Cybersecurity requires creativity. It’s possible to grow and learn from other professionals by interacting with them. There are many cybersecurity-focused events and meetups that you can attend.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity jobs are extremely rewarding and well-paid. It is a great time for cybersecurity professionals to consider a career. You can learn cybersecurity in many ways. There are many online training programs in cybersecurity. For a career in cybersecurity, you can also acquire certifications.
