More people, businesses, and governments are online now than ever before. In 2023, the internet will have 5.1 billion users, with an estimated two-thirds of the world’s population online. However, the digital era is a double-edged sword. While internet connectivity opens up opportunities for those with good intentions all around the world, it also creates opportunities for those with nefarious intentions to misuse digital assets. And, as new artificial intelligence capabilities are utilized to scale the frequency and complexity of cyber attacks, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has skyrocketed.
The good news is that you can get into cybersecurity even without prior experience or a degree by following the guidelines enlisted in this article. Let’s get started!
What It Means to Be A Cybersecurity Professional
The first thing you need to understand about venturing into the security industry is that it is not a 9-to-5 profession. Networks never sleep (and hackers seem to sleep even less), so you will be constantly on call to handle any mishaps that may arise. The second thing you should be aware of is that each day’s tasks are distinct. While some jobs (such as network checks) necessitate daily monitoring, the problems that develop from one day to the next are never the same.
Security professionals must also be good communicators. Because breaches frequently originate outside of the technical sector, you may need to provide webinars on how to check for spam emails or what files not to share. You will also need to collaborate closely with the IT staff to investigate previous breaches and analyze security plans. In short, this profession necessitates a great deal of collaboration, investigative abilities, and a natural curiosity.
How to Become a Cyber Security Expert
Many organizations now need a bachelor’s degree for cyber security experts; however, some companies hire people with certifications for certain positions. With the correct certification, you may be able to secure an entry-level position if you have a background in technology or past security experience.
Some of the entry-level positions that will lead to increased job responsibilities are systems administrator, web administrator, web developer, network engineer, and IT technician. Earning certifications, taking classes, and staying up to date on industry developments are the best ways to boost your wage and employment position. Entry-level security experts often earn $50,000 to $70,000 per year, with highly competent professionals earning far more. Examining our job ads is one good technique to identify the greatest fit for your skillset. Some organizations require many years of expertise, while others provide exciting and rewarding entry-level chances.
How to Advance Your Career in Cybersecurity If You Already Work in IT
IT professionals are frequently familiar with information systems and networks, making many of their abilities easily transferable to cybersecurity. They have also been exposed to fundamentals such as system configuration and administration, coding, database management, IT procedures, and real-world business operations.
Technical Knowledge
Depending on the cybersecurity career you want, your previous IT skills may not translate precisely, necessitating additional education to be a competitive applicant. However, some IT professions are so well suited to cybersecurity that they are referred to as feeder functions. You will need the following skills:
- Risk evaluation and management
- Cryptography
- Operational security
- Information security
Tips for Making the Most of Your Experience
The IT field is a terrific place to start if you want to work in cybersecurity, but you’ll probably need to perform some extra work before you can start sending out applications. To close skill gaps, try either enrolling in an expedited course, such as a cybersecurity boot camp, or studying for appropriate certifications to demonstrate pre-existing competence.
Can You Work in Cybersecurity Without Prior Experience?
Yes! Hiring managers in the cybersecurity business are primarily interested in your skills and credentials when it comes to securing a cybersecurity job. You can discover entry-level cybersecurity jobs and enter the cybersecurity field if you have the technical skills, soft skills, a qualification in digital forensics or as a Certified Ethical Hacker, or a degree in Computer Science, and a willingness to study.
How Can You Get Into Cybersecurity If You Don’t Have Any Experience?
Without a college degree or prior experience, you can still receive a cybersecurity education. This is how it goes:
#1. Understand the basics
If you are absolutely new to this field, you must begin at the beginning. This entails researching the tactics used by a cybersecurity engineer to defend their company’s network and data. Here are the primary areas in which you will need to obtain knowledge:
Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA Triad)
The CIA triad is a paradigm that describes the three most important parts of a successful security strategy.
Confidentiality refers to the regulations that limit access to information, while integrity ensures the information’s dependability and availability ensures that only those who need it have access to it.
Risk Management
Weaknesses cannot be addressed unless they are identified. The process of identifying, assessing, and monitoring potential security concerns is referred to as risk management.
Data and Network Security
A catch-all word for information technology systems that safeguard a company’s network and data from potential breaches. This can include both software and hardware, as well as the protocols used to restrict and access data.
Security Control
A security control is a measure that seeks to secure the confidentiality and integrity of a set of data.
Assessment of Threats and Vulnerabilities
This refers to the examination of a company’s systems in order to uncover vulnerabilities and high-risk regions.
Recovery
The techniques required to restore data that has been lost or compromised as a result of an attack or system failure are referred to as recovery. Remediation necessitates the use of skilled professionals.
#2. Make Use of Online Resources
For cybersecurity students, the internet is a treasure trove of resources. Self-studying cybersecurity can provide you with additional knowledge that will set you apart from those who merely finish the needed training.
Courses
Available online courses include:
- Introduction to Cybersecurity by edX
- Introduction to IT & Cybersecurity by Cybray
- Computer Systems Security by MIT
- Cyber Aces Free Cyber Security Training Course by Sans
Many cybersecurity professionals start off with a Degree in Computer Science before embarking on their cybersecurity career.
Blogs, Podcasts, and YouTube Videos
These blogs, podcasts, and videos are a great way to supplement your education:
- CSO Online: A cybersecurity blog.
- The Last Watchdog: Blog posts and podcasts on cybersecurity topics.
- The Hacker News: A website that covers the latest cyberattacks and malware.
- John Hammond: A YouTube channel covering cybersecurity topics.
Online Communities
- TryHackMe: A Discord server for sharing cybersecurity resources, with over 140,000 members.
- Netsec Focus: An online community for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts to share knowledge and experiences.
- TrustedSec: A public Slack channel for cybersecurity enthusiasts.
#3. Discover Your Specialization and Ideal Career Path
Companies in every country and industry use technology, which means there are many places you may go as a professional and no shortage of entry level opportunities.
Researching the type of work you want to do and the type of organization you want to work for is an important step toward breaking into the sector.
#4. Attend a Bootcamp
When it comes to the technology industry, college degrees are not the only acknowledged form of education. Everyone has different learning styles, and it’s fine to take the path that works best for you as you work toward becoming a security professional.
Completing an online cybersecurity bootcamp is a popular alternative to attending college.
A reputable cybersecurity bootcamp for beginners will be taught by industry pros and will quickly transform ambitious cybersecurity enthusiasts from utter beginners to job-ready graduates. After completing a bootcamp, you can begin an entry-level employment, making it suitable for novices.
#5. Get a Certification
Certifications provide a level of knowledge about the technical components of the profession as well as abilities that are extremely beneficial to businesses throughout the hiring process. Certifications are especially crucial in the cybersecurity business, and many high-paying jobs will require specific certifications in addition to education, such as information systems, security network administration, or cloud computing.
Consider these certifications:
CompTIA Security+ certification
The CompTIA Security+ certification validates your knowledge of cybersecurity fundamentals and certifies your ability to thrive in a professional role. It’s worldwide renowned and well-known—you’ll probably see it a lot during your job searches. The certification includes a performance element that assesses your practical abilities.
GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
Applicants for the GIAC Security Essentials certification must demonstrate that they are qualified for a professional job in cybersecurity. The exam makes use of GIAC’s proprietary testing platform CyberLive, which provides a hands-on, real-world setting for practical assessments.
Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate (ISACA)
ISACA’s Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate program includes an optional online course that covers the skills and information needed to pass the final test.
#6. Get Some Real-World Experience
Practical experience is incredibly useful for both your professional development and your résumé. Practical experience, on the other hand, does not have to be paid.
Work as a Volunteer
There are numerous other opportunities to put your cybersecurity knowledge to use in a real-world and collaborative situation. Here are some of our suggestions:
Volunteer initiatives are many in a world where cybersecurity is desperately required but not available to everyone. There are even organizations that offer free cybersecurity to nonprofits that cannot afford it.
Consider doing an internship.
An internship is an excellent method to obtain hands-on experience before starting your first career in cybersecurity. They can be difficult to find at times, so keep checking sites like Indeed and Glassdoor as you progress through your studies.
Work on your own projects
Open-source cybersecurity initiatives are an excellent method to hone your skills. High-profile projects can even be included on your resume because interviewers are likely to have worked on them as well.
Create a Portfolio
When it comes to securing interviews without prior experience, a portfolio can be quite helpful. They are best built over time, so get started on your cybersecurity portfolio projects as soon as possible. Include case studies demonstrating how you would handle security breaches at the organizational level, or demonstrate your security competence with a whitepaper.
#7. Locate a Mentor
There is no right or wrong way to locate a mentor, and a meaningful mentorship does not have to be formal.
Finding a skilled individual who is ready to answer your questions, whether through an internship or school, will be extremely valuable to your progress.
#8. Create a Powerful Network
A excellent network can give incalculable benefits, including future job chances.
LinkedIn is an essential network-building tool. Sending out an offer to connect on LinkedIn is always appropriate, regardless of who you meet or how you meet them.
Conferences and Communities
The previously listed online communities are excellent places to start your networking efforts. You can also attend online and on-site cybersecurity events and conferences where a large number of professionals will be present.
#9. Customize Your Resume and Apply for Entry-Level Positions
When you start looking for work, a great suggestion is to personalize your CV for each application. Read the job description, investigate the organization, and tailor your resume to its specific requirements.
This will make your resume stand out by including a large number of keywords and skills that recruiters have been told to look for.
Questions and Answers for Cyber Security Interviews
During a job interview, recruiters frequently ask security specialists the following questions:
- What does cyber security mean to you? You should be able to describe what it is, provide any case studies or popular instances, and discuss any experience you have solving a security problem or developing a security plan.
- What exactly is encryption? This is a basic quiz designed to assess your technical understanding of encryption. Make a note of the encryption methods and kinds.
- Can you explain the difference between risk and vulnerability? There is a key distinction between a network danger and a vulnerable network hole. Take note of the distinction between the two, as well as how to identify whether a network is hazardous or vulnerable.
- What are some of the most common network threats? There are several ways to answer this issue, but some possibilities include: employee devices, email attachments, obsolete software, and failing to build a sound security plan.
- Do you have any further relevant experience? If you worked as a detective during the summers or have investigative journalism expertise, now is the moment to mention it. Asking questions, obtaining answers, and understanding where to go for the source of a problem are all important parts of network security.
Conclusion
Consider taking some classes and attending some seminars if you don’t yet have anything to show on your cyber security resume. Learn everything you can about how to get into the profession and consider enrolling in a cybersecurity degree program. The future of this career seems bright, with more and more businesses recognizing the importance of having a knowledgeable and experienced cybersecurity professional or staff.
- Is Cybersecurity Hard to Learn? Tips, Skills & Tricks to Success
- CYBER SECURITY DEGREE: Top Bachelors Programs for 2024.
- CYBER SECURITY SALARY: 2023 Salary Guide in The US
- Is Cybersecurity a Good Career?: Should You Go For It in 2024
References
