From the public to private sector, cybersecurity experts are in high demand.
In 2021, it was reported that cyberattacks and data breaches increased by 15% from the previous year. This has prompted businesses to hire cybersecurity professionals to prevent such malicious activity from happening to them, as they cannot afford data breaches.
All industries are scrambling to secure their data and systems in the wake of rising cyberattacks around the world. In fact, it has become a necessity, with Cybersecurity Ventures projecting that cybercrime would cost the world trillions of dollars.
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is so high that the US News and World Report listed Information Security Analyst as 2019’s 5th best technology job and 38th among the 100 Best Jobs.
With all that in mind, it isn’t a surprise that many people are interested in pursuing a cybersecurity career. But the question is: How?
From starting with an online cybersecurity course to landing your first job, read on! We share tips on beginning a career in cybersecurity.
1. Your Education
Before anything else, your career, regardless of the industry, will always begin with your education. If you already have a degree and experience in information security, then you’ll have more diversity and options.
Most cybersecurity leaders would begin with an undergraduate degree in information technology, computer science, or information systems. Once they obtain a degree and experience in the field, they may pursue a master’s degree in information technology or cybersecurity operations.
For those who would like the cybersecurity engineering path, you can start with an undergraduate degree in engineering and opt for specializing in cybersecurity through a master’s degree program and/or direct experience focused on cybersecurity engineering.
Alternatively, one can also begin by earning industry certification in specific areas or subjects you’re interested in with cybersecurity. There are numerous online cybersecurity courses and certifications to get you started on this career path!
2. Network
Networking is crucial in any industry, with cybersecurity being no exception. You can network by joining local cybersecurity organizations, volunteering in a cybersecurity organization, or going back to school to connect with professors, peers, and employers in the field. This can help you gain information regarding job opportunities and your contacts can help get your foot in the door.
When starting entry-level with minimal experience and contacts, you can grow your network by reaching out to your professional network, exploring job listing websites, or checking out any job postings in companies you’d like to work for.
3. Consider Career Paths
As mentioned, there are two major career paths for those interested in cybersecurity, which are:
Leadership and Operations
This is great for those who have strong leadership capabilities and an understanding of advanced cybersecurity skills and information technology systems and processes.
Engineering
This is best for those with engineering experience and who want to learn how to build secure systems to mitigate threats. There are various positions like:
- Lead Software Security Engineer
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Cybersecurity Architect
Wrapping It Up
These steps are just the tip of the iceberg but will definitely have you begin your career in cybersecurity. Good luck!