Cyber Security has rapidly emerged as a pivotal and highly valued domain across various industries. The demand for adept professionals armed with experience, skills, and profound expertise has reached unprecedented heights. The surge in past cyberattacks targeting institutions, businesses, individuals, and governments has exacerbated the existing threat landscape. Cybersecurity experts not only devise preventive measures against potential attacks but also possess the capability to counter and strategically respond to such threats, thereby minimizing potential damages.
Nevertheless, in many countries, the existing educational curriculum lacks dedicated cybersecurity courses for training and education. As a result, aspiring individuals often remain oblivious to the pertinent platforms and certifications available to propel their journey in this field. Here, we outline a clear path that outlines the sequential steps aspiring individuals can take to venture into the realm of cybersecurity. This pathway serves as a comprehensive guide for students looking to embark on a successful career in the cybersecurity domain.
Bachelor’s Degree in Security
Commencing your journey along the cybersecurity career trajectory is best initiated through the study of Computer Sciences and STEM subjects during your school and college years. Opting for a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security would be an optimal choice to pursue. This program equips students with hands-on practical experience, encompassing areas such as statistics, forensics, and ethical programming. The comprehensive curriculum ensures a robust foundation for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Here are a few pertinent degrees that can be pursued:
- Computer Science
- IT
- Forensic Computing
- Mathematics, Physics or any other STEM degree
- Network Engineering
- Networks and Security.
These courses could also be pursued at the post-graduation level to account for eligibility in the field.
A Master’s degree in cybersecurity specifically trains students in cryptography, digital forensics, and biometrics.
Associate degree in Cybersecurity
An associate degree in cybersecurity serves as an introductory credential that offers valuable supplementary qualifications for individuals already engaged in the field. This degree path provides a gateway to positions such as computer support technicians, making it an accessible route for entering the industry. The curriculum encompasses essential proficiencies like intrusion detection, network technologies, hardware and software systems, along with vital conceptual understanding.
IT background for entry
It is advisable to initiate a career in this domain by securing a position within the IT sector. Embarking on a cybersecurity career path with initial years of experience in Information Technology can also prove advantageous. Currently, the prevalent trend involves moving from a broad IT background into the realm of security. Engaging in training, obtaining certifications, and undertaking IT internships is highly recommended. Certain entry-level IT roles provide a solid foundation for transitioning into the field of security, facilitating a smoother shift.
- Transitioning into the role of a system administrator can prove advantageous for individuals aiming to advance to the mid-level positions of security engineer or analyst. Progressing from there, they can further evolve into the role of security architects. This progression also holds true for those entering positions such as Security Administrator or Network Administrator.
- For system administrators, security administrators, and security engineers, pursuing relevant certifications in specialized ethical hacking can be a valuable avenue. Certifications rooted in an IT background can lead to opportunities as penetration testers or ethical hackers.
- Programmers or analysts should aim for promotions as security analysts, auditors, engineers, or consultants.
- Starting from any general IT role, one can gradually ascend to the positions of security analyst, administrator, auditor, and security engineer. From any of these roles, the path is open to eventually becoming a security consultant.
- Web developers have the potential to specialize further, branching into web security and assuming roles as security software developers.
Certifications
There are certain entry-level certifications that can be achieved for additional skills in cybersecurity to transition or start in the field.
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
One of the highly sought-after security certifications is the CEH, which constitutes the initial segment of the EC-Council Information Security Track comprising various hacking technologies. It is well-suited for individuals with limited to no experience who aspire to embark on a career in Cybersecurity. Additionally, it is a fitting choice for those possessing some background in the IT field.
Free Mock Test on Certified Ethical Hacker
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
Involves the detection of the attack, auditing into the cause and extraction of evidence from the attack.
SSCP – System Security Certified Practitioner
This is an entry-level certification that can be of use to those with minimal experience in the IT field.
Free Mock Test on SSCP Certification exam is available here
Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certification Exam provides an elevated understanding of Access Control Systems, Cryptography, and Security Management Practices. This examination is typically pursued by network security professionals and system administrators who possess a minimum of four years’ experience in two or more of the ten test domains.
Free Mock Test on CISSP Certification exam is available here
CompTIA Security +
The certification encompasses essential knowledge regarding risk management and network security. It validates expertise in tasks such as installing and configuring systems to safeguard applications, networks, and devices, conducting threat analysis, and implementing suitable mitigation strategies, as well as actively engaging in risk mitigation endeavors.
Free Mock Test on CompTIA Security+ Certification exam is available here
Certified Information System Auditor (CISA)
CISA – Certified Information System Auditor: This certification revolves around overseeing, auditing, evaluating, monitoring, and governing information systems. It involves training in the areas of auditing, monitoring, assessing information systems, and implementing controls.
Global Information Assurance Certification ( GIAC)
Certification holds significance in the fields of forensics and investigation. Achieving this certification may also facilitate the attainment of security clearances. These clearances are especially valuable for individuals whose responsibilities entail interaction with classified information. Governments’ defense agencies provide personnel and facility security clearances.
Security Specialty & subdomains
Within this vast field, there exist interconnected subdomains and roles that can be pursued upon mastering a specific area of expertise. Networking, Software Development, System Engineering, Financial and Risk Analysis, and Security Intelligence constitute the foundational positions for embarking on a career in the broader domain of security. Progressing from these foundational roles, one can advance to become a Cybersecurity specialist, technician, cybercrime analyst and investigator, Incident Analyst, Incident Responder, or IT auditor. These roles are intricately linked by the skills they encompass and the practical responsibilities they entail. When crafting your cybersecurity career trajectory, the initial choice of a primary position becomes pivotal, as it determines the subsequent domains that can be explored at an advanced level.
Hands-on Experience
Gaining practical experience in the field assists individuals in pinpointing their areas of interest and specialization. This hands-on involvement also provides insights into the intricacies of a particular role. For instance, it allows individuals to discern whether they are inclined towards security device deployment or are more drawn to the task of network and application penetration testing, which involves breaching networks and applications.
There are various online projects that can be accessed for learning and practicing.
Skills to develop
- Programming Abilities: Proficiency in certain programming languages is valuable for designing effective security programs. These skills are also instrumental in analyzing security breaches and threats.
- Security Principles: Maintaining a sense of confidentiality, control, privacy, and authentication in every action is crucial to prevent security lapses, vulnerabilities, and breaches.
- Understanding Malicious Codes: A comprehensive understanding of the development and propagation of malicious codes is essential.
- Intrusion Knowledge: It’s important to study intrusion techniques, including emerging ones, and their potential effects to effectively address and prevent intrusions.
- Risk Analysis and Management: Security professionals should have the ability to assess risks specific to clients, such as confidential transactions, public interactions, and potential threats. This enables effective risk assessment and management in the event of an attack.
- Network Protocol Familiarity: Security personnel should possess knowledge about the uses, distinctions, and functions of various network protocols.
- Effective Communication and Discretion: Security professionals must possess strong communication skills to convey ideas and plans clearly to both technical and non-technical experts. Additionally, they should exercise discretion while being aware of a firm’s vulnerabilities and building trust.
The substantial demand for cybersecurity positions coupled with a limited workforce has led to significantly elevated salaries for security professionals. This presents an opportune moment for individuals within the IT realm to transition into cybersecurity roles. Students currently pursuing education at the school or college level can proactively opt for a cybersecurity career path, thereby initiating their journey towards a rewarding and financially promising profession.
