How to Start a Career in Information Security: A Guide for Beginners

As organizations hurry to employ qualified people to safeguard their data, the number of available information security positions is on the rise. According to some studies, over 3 million Jobs will be available in 2023. With such high demand and income, it’s understandable why more and more people consider it a good profession.

In this article, we go through the steps you need to follow to launch and advance your career in information security.

What is Information Security (InfoSec)?

Information security, often known as InfoSec, refers to the methods and devices that businesses employ to safeguard their data. This includes setting up security measures to prohibit unauthorized users from accessing sensitive data. Information security (InfoSec) is a rapidly expanding and changing field that encompasses a variety of topics, including testing, monitoring, and network security.

How to Start a Career in Information Security

• Acquire a degree and certifications
• Acquire skills
• Select a specialisation
• Apply for internships

Acquire A Degree And Certifications

To start your Information Security Analyst profession, a Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or a related field is recommended to position yourself as a marketable option for employers. During your studies, focus on developing industry-specific skills rather than just passing exams. This will prepare you for applying for entry-level jobs or internships and starting your career.

Additionally, it is advisable to have an information security certificate to make your resume stand out. Certificates like: CompTIA “core” certifications, (ISC)² Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), and CCNA are popular choices for beginners.

However, there are many more to explore, particularly when you acquire the fundamentals and want to become certified for a specific job position, task, or technological stack.

Acquire Skills

Aside from having a degree and certificate, you should also acquire the following skills to have a better chance out there: Windows, Operating Systems, Incident Response, CISSP, SIEM, Written Communication, Intrusion Detection System, and Cloud.

Select a Specialisation

The days of the all-knowing “information security professional” are long gone. The spotlight is increasingly on specialized professionals. You can specialize in identity management, forensics, compliance/risk management, audits, and online application security. As you start your career, choosing a specialization with a strong employment market is crucial and a stepping stone to further professional growth.

Note that this does not mean you have to practice in this area forever. You can decide to switch specialisations within information security later on. To help you choose the right fit, you can look into current popular topics to see what experts and business trends predict about the future information security industry. Nobody can foretell the future with certainty, but it will help you develop your career strategy.

Internship

After getting a degree and certificate, getting an internship is advisable as it offers practical knowledge. If all you can get is an unpaid internship, do not be discouraged. Acquiring knowledge and experience is your main focus at this stage of your career.

A Job

With the knowledge obtained from your degree, studying for your certificate, and your internship, you can get a great job and start making money off your knowledge.

What to Expect When Building a Career in Information Security

The average annual pay for an Information Security Specialist in the United States is $101,239 yearly. It is also essential to grow your knowledge by advancing your information security career and sharing knowledge. Self-improvement is a powerful, quick approach to advancement. There are a lot of websites offering free resources, such as Infosec. There are also specialized books and conferences focused on information security, including major annual events like Black Hat, DEF CON, and RSA and several smaller, local events that are frequently free and offer excellent networking opportunities.

Conclusion

Building a successful career in information security is a long-term commitment. Self-learning doesn’t stop; it takes on even more criticality since you’ll face more responsibility and significant challenges as you advance. By following the above steps, you’ll have a higher chance of a successful career in information security.