Data breaches are becoming a significant concern for businesses across various industries, increasing the demand for highly qualified cyber security specialists. The issue of information security will only grow in importance as more firms go online and become more technologically savvy. Those with the appropriate cyber security degrees and abilities will benefit.
Cyber security may be a lucrative career route for those interested in IT, computer science, or cybercrime. Demand for cyber security experts will skyrocket by 2025. The cybersecurity industry currently has 0% unemployment. There is a massive skill shortage, and firms realize the value of a robust and secure network.
Cyber security protects networks and data at multiple levels. Students can earn a cyber security degree through certified online programs, cyber security bootcamp, or traditional on-campus programs. Then you may enter a sector that offers development and stability by studying cybersecurity now.
What does a Cybersecurity expert do?
Cybersecurity protects systems, networks, programs, and devices from cyber threats. As organizations become increasingly reliant on technology, strict security practices are required.
Create and implement security rules for diverse organizations, configure wired and wireless networks, identify and neutralize various cyber-threats, and execute penetration testing, among other duties. One thing is sure: your day will be full of variety and challenges to test your talents!
How do you go about becoming a cyber security expert?
1. A strong work ethic
First, you’ll need some essential work habits, such as the capacity to work methodically. In addition, the following skills are helpful:
- The desire to delve deeply into technical issues and consider all of their ramifications
- A high level of enthusiasm and adaptability
- Excellent ability to analyze and diagnose problems
- A current grasp of the most frequent web security flaws
- Keeping up-to-date on the latest standards, practices, procedures, and methodologies in the industry
2. Soft skills
That’s on top of the soft skills listed above; remember, security professionals often need to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences. Keeping this in mind, having the following skills is considered a prerequisite for advancement in cybersecurity:
- Good presentation and communication abilities with management and customers
- Ability to explain complex ideas (both written and verbally)
- Active listening ability, knowledge, and application (particularly with customers!)
3. Technical skills
Who needs cybersecurity skills? This issue is more challenging to answer due to the many sub-disciplines within cybersecurity. However, many of these jobs share a technical foundation.
Tech experts should know about operating systems (Linux and Windows), networking, and virtualization software, for starters. So get to know and love firewalls and network load balancers. All of this is in addition to conventional programming and software development fundamentals.
You also need to know Java, C/C++, disassemblers, assembly language, and scripting languages (PHP, Python, Perl, or shell).
Steps to becoming a cyber security professional
1. Invest in self-education
A degree in cybersecurity is generally the first step toward a lucrative and in-demand job. Options abound for those with a degree in information security and relevant expertise.
Most future cybersecurity executives have a bachelor’s degree in IT, IT systems, or computer science. A master’s degree in cybersecurity operations and leadership or information technology is the next step after an undergraduate degree and experience.
Starting with an undergraduate engineering degree and gaining specialized knowledge in cybersecurity through years of direct experience, a master’s degree program focused only on cybersecurity engineering.
Education is vital in any path. Many unfilled cybersecurity jobs — Cybersecurity Ventures expects 3.5 million vacant cybersecurity jobs globally by 2021 — are due to organizations’ inability to locate qualified candidates with advanced degrees and high-level abilities.
Cybercriminals are growing more sophisticated, and organizations struggle to find security employees skilled in countering such attacks. In such a dire situation, folks with a cybersecurity degree have a considerable edge. Jobs for information security graduates are plentiful, and incomes are high due to a lack of supply and high demand.
2. Get certified
A certification in a specific area or subject matter is also a good idea for those hoping to get into cybersecurity. The following are some of the most in-demand and well-known certifications in the cybersecurity industry:
All of the following certifications are available:
- CompTIA Security+
- CISSP — Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- CISM — Certified Information Security Manager
- CISA — Certified Information Systems Auditor
- GIAC — Global Information Assurance Certification
- CEH — Certified Ethical Hacker
3. Network
Networking is vital in practically every business, including cybersecurity. If you want to network, you have several options.
- Join local cyber-security groups. Many towns have their cybersecurity associations, which may be great places to learn and network with industry professionals.
- Join a cybersecurity volunteer group. Several organizations exist to promote cybersecurity and recruit new talent. It will help you network and strengthen your resume.
- Restart school. One of the best advantages of having a graduate degree is networking with professors, employers, and classmates. Also, most good cybersecurity colleges feature a career center with solid employer relationships. Your school’s career center can assist you in finding possible companies and advise you on how to get hired.
Job growth in Cyber Security
Cisco Systems, Inc. has a severe lack of cyber security personnel, particularly data scientists. Due to this scarcity, many computer science professionals, particularly those in IT, are pursuing careers in cyber security.
It’s hard to find a job that grows faster than cyber security. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job growth for Information Security Analysts will be 37% from 2012 to 2022, compared to 18% for all computer jobs and 11% for all occupations.
Final thoughts
What more training or education do you need to get a job in cyber security? A bachelor’s degree may be in your best interest. As a security professional, you’ll need to be adept in hard and soft skills. Earning a few certifications won’t hurt. Make a list of your goals and projects. If you’re persistent and patient, your efforts will be rewarded.