How to start a career in cybersecurity
Are you interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity?
The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow, making it a rewarding and challenging career path. This article will demonstrate the importance of cybersecurity in today's digital age, and answer how to start a career in cybersecurity.
What is Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or any other malicious activity. This includes guarding personal information, financial data, intellectual property, and other critical information from cyber threats, such as hackers, viruses, and phishing attacks.
Cybercriminals use sophisticated methods to steal, damage, or delete sensitive user information. Making cybersecurity crucial for individuals, and organizations of all sizes and industries.
The growing demand for cybersecurity professionals
The cybersecurity field and the demand for CS professionals have grown over the past years. According to industry reports, the cybersecurity workforce shortage is projected to reach 3.5 million unfilled positions worldwide by 2022.
Despite adding more than 400,000 cybersecurity professionals in 2021, the workforce gap has grown more than two times as much as the workforce.
As a result, many professionals are investing in cybersecurity education and training programs to fill the skills gap.
Cybersecurity roles and responsibilities
There are different career paths for cybersecurity, these are the most common roles demanded by organizations.
- Security analyst
- Security engineer
- Security architect
- Security consultant.
- Chief information security officer (CISO)
Cybersecurity professionals require to master different skills that include analytical thinking, ethical hacking, project management, and problem-solving skills.
They have technical knowledge of operating systems, programming, security frameworks, threat modeling, security policies, risk management, etc.
The field of cybersecurity is evolving, cybersecurity professionals must be willing to learn and keep up with new technologies and emerging threats.
What industries are hiring cybersecurity professionals?
Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand across a range of different industries, some examples of companies that are hiring cybersecurity professionals:
- Technology companies
- Financial institutions
- Government agencies
- Healthcare organizations
- Retail and e-commerce companies
Cybersecurity professionals can decide on the industry and role that aligns better with their career goals and personal interests.
Cybersecurity sub-fields
Cybersecurity is a dynamic field with vast subdomains cybersecurity professionals can specialize in.
Application Security
Application security is a subdomain of cybersecurity that involves identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in the software code.
Identity Management and Data Security
The goal of identity management is to ensure that authorized individuals have access to digital resources while preventing unauthorized access or data theft.
Network Security
Network security professionals monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity and respond to any security incidents that occur.
Mobile Security
Mobile Security is a subdomain of cybersecurity that focuses on securing mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices from cyber threats.
Cloud Security
Cloud Security is a subdomain of cybersecurity that focuses on securing cloud computing environments and protecting the sensitive data stored in the cloud.
Disaster recovery and business continuity planning (DR&BC)
It involves planning and implementing procedures and processes to ensure that an organization can continue to operate following a cyber attack.
User education
User education is an important subdomain of cybersecurity that involves training employees and end-users on safe computing practices and security awareness.
Join the waitlist for V School's Cybersecurity program
Getting started in cybersecurity
What is the best way to acquire the knowledge and skills required to become a cybersecurity professional?
There's a variety of online courses and training programs that will provide the skills to work as a cybersecurity professional.
There are certifications to validate knowledge of best practices. A cybersecurity professional may study technology-related certifications, these include CISCO, AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Azure, etc.
What to look for in a cybersecurity training program
While you're choosing a cybersecurity online program, you may want to take into consideration some fundamental aspects such as:
Course curriculum: Updated and relevant curriculum is critical. Cybersecurity professionals need to choose a program with a curriculum that aligns with their career objectives. Some programs cover the topics of certain cybersecurity certifications and some include the cost of the certification.
Methodology: The methodology of certain programs may give you an advantage: while some programs focus on time-based lessons, there are mastery-based programs. V School offers this option meaning you will advance through the program with a certain level of skill mastery.
Employment: Most training programs don't provide career services or career coaching to help you land a job. Developing real-life experience and proving a path to identify job opportunities may come in handy vs. programs that focus on a curriculum.
Alumni testimonials: the learning experience of students, and alumni may give you an idea of your process. This could be critical while comparing different cybersecurity training programs.
Funding options: you need to choose a program that offers funding alternatives that will fit your financial situation. Becoming a cybersecurity professional doesn't mean you need to compromise your finances. Some programs offer flexible funding options and scholarships that will help you take your first step into your new career as a cybersecurity professional.
Staying up-to-date in cybersecurity
Cybersecurity professionals must update their skills and knowledge to keep pace with new attack methods, vulnerabilities, and technologies.
This requires a commitment to ongoing education, training, and staying informed about the latest industry trends and best practices. Attending conferences, networking with peers, and participating in online communities can help cybersecurity professionals stay informed about emerging threats and mitigation strategies.
Kick-start your career with V School
V School offers a cybersecurity online training program to start your career.
Master cybersecurity and gain real-life experience. You will master each lesson, and gain the skills and experience to land your dream job as a cybersecurity professional
You'll have access to the best curriculum available and career coaching services to help you in your job search.!
And with the funding alternatives and scholarships V School offers anyone can take advantage of the cybersecurity program.
Take your first step and join the waitlist for V School's Cybersecurity program