How to Start a Career in Cybersecurity: Steps, Training, and Certifications

Are you considering a career in Cybersecurity? In today’s digital age, almost every business needs a security specialist, so it is a great time to begin a career in Cybersecurity. There are lots of cybersecurity employment opportunities available in different fields and businesses. If you are willing to put in the work, you will get an excellent cybersecurity job. Here are some steps to help you start your career in cybersecurity.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity protects against online threats. People and businesses use this technique to guard against unauthorized access to data centres and other digital systems. A strong cybersecurity strategy can defend against harmful attacks that aim to access, change, remove, destroy, or extort a company’s or user’s sensitive data. Security precautions are crucial in thwarting attempts to disable or damage a system’s or device’s operation.

Step 1: Get a Degree or Certification

The typical way of getting into Cybersecurity is to get a degree. You can register in undergraduate cyber security, IT, computer science, or information assurance programs. Online courses will be a great option if you want to pursue something other than formal education in cyber security. Online cybersecurity courses are an excellent substitute since they are less expensive and still provide you with the fundamental knowledge needed to begin your career.

Certifications can significantly help your cyber security journey. Employers see certificates as a commitment to enhancing your job-specific skill set. Here are some excellent certification choices with few or no requirements:

• OSCP: Offensive Security Certified Professional
• CompTIA Security+
• CASP+: CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner
• CompTIA PenTest+
• CySA+: CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst
• GSEC: SANS GIAC Security Essentials

Step 2: Read Books

One of the best ways to gain knowledge in any field is to read. So, if you want to be an expert, read widely. We recommend you begin with the following books.

• Cybersecurity For Dummies: Reading this book will help you understand the basics of Cybersecurity. You will be exposed to knowledge on cybersecurity threats, ethical hacking, and many more.
• Cybersecurity for Beginners: This is basically an encyclopedia for Cybersecurity. It contains anything cybersecurity-related in simple language, so you don’t have to worry about running to Google after reading every line.
• Hacking: A Beginners’ Guide: Reading this book will give you a partway into how hackers think. You will always be one step ahead of the bad guys.

Step 3: Get Experience

You will need more practical work experience since you are just starting. To build your portfolio, consider working on your own projects or participating in hackathons. Joining a cybersecurity boot camp is also a great option. These programs provide students with theoretical understanding, hands-on experience, and core skills required for professional positions in the field. Cybersecurity boot camps are thorough educational programs that give students the theoretical understanding, hands-on experience, and core skills required to hold professional positions in the field. In contrast to conventional two- or four-year degree programs, boot camps provide fast-intensive options. The rigorous curriculum of boot camps prepares students to begin their cybersecurity professions. Topics, including computer forensics, network security and defence, risk management, and cryptography, are frequently included in cybersecurity boot camps. So, find a boot camp and join one!

Step 4: Get an Internship or Entry-level Job

Entry-level jobs do not require prior experience but a certificate showcasing your fundamental skills. This is a perfect opportunity for you to get your foot in the door and gain practical work experience.

Step 5: Get an Actual Job

While being qualified for a job is essential, impressing the hiring team with your abilities and potential is crucial. Here are some things you can do to prepare:

• Create a powerful and persuasive cybersecurity resume.
• Create a job plan and carefully consider your applications for each position.
• Practice responses to common cybersecurity interview questions.
• Be prepared to negotiate your salary.
• Take advantage of the first week!

Expected Cybersecurity Salary Range

The salary range for cybersecurity experts is fantastic. As a cybersecurity expert, you should earn an average annual salary of $120,000. That’s estimated as $460 daily, $2,300 weekly, and $10,000 monthly.

What to Expect When Building a Career in Cybersecurity

Starting a career in cybersecurity can be overwhelming, but learning from those who have already held the position can be helpful. Cybersecurity experts suggests focusing on Python, Java, and Javascript and not worrying too much about the code being perfect at first. It’s also recommended to set up a lab at home and experiment with different configurations to gain more complexity as you progress. When starting in cybersecurity, it’s important to genuinely understand the term “risk” as it is a main component of the daily duties of a cybersecurity expert. Learning technical and business skills equally is also important, as senior roles require proficiency in both areas. It’s also essential to take care of your physical and mental health, as being in charge of security can be demanding and occasionally involve highly challenging and intense work periods. Lastly, getting involved in online communities and engaging in conversations with others who can advance your knowledge and education can also be beneficial.

By following these tips, you can start your cybersecurity career with a strong foundation and a plan for success.