How to Get into Cyber Security

The cyber security world is a fast-growing industry and it has become an in-demand skill set that employers constantly look out for when recruiting. Our world is built around the internet and mobile computing, so there’s a considerable need to ensure everything we do is secured. 

In May 2019, the city of Baltimore experienced a serious ransomware attack that took down emails and systems that the citizens use daily. This data breach could have been prevented if proper cybersecurity measures were put in place. Due to the risk associated with cyber-attacks, cyber security experts are now in high demand across the world. Companies and organizations around the world are constantly hiring professionals with cyber security training to combat the threat of bugs and hackers. Hence, making it a great line of work.  

Are you a tech enthusiast who enjoys blocking loopholes on the world wide web? 

If yes, it means you might be interested in becoming a cyber security expert. There’s a need for people who can create security plans that will prevent hackers from breaching a computer system or digital network. Who else can make this happen if not a cyber security expert?

That brings us to the burning question; how can one get into cyber security? 

In this guide, you will learn how to get into cyber security to harness the field.  

How to Get into Cyber Security

Here are several tips on how to get into the cyber security industry;

Tip #1: Get a Cyber Security Certification 

As a beginner, one of the best ways to get into cyber security is by acquiring a professional certification in the field. Unlike other professions like Engineering or Law, you don’t necessarily need to acquire a college or university degree to be eligible to work as a cyber security expert. 

You can simply enroll in cyber security training online to acquire the necessary skills. This is professional training will introduce you to several cyber security certifications needed to land entry-level jobs in the field. Here are some of the professional certifications to consider; 

• CompTIA Security+ Program 
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) 

Getting the right cyber security certifications will earn you the approval that you have what it takes to work as a cyber security expert. 

Tip #2: Learn Essential Programming Languages 

You need a good knowledge of programming languages to work as a cyber security expert. So, to get into this industry you have to learn relevant programming languages. They include; 

• SQL
• PHP
• Java
• Ruby 
• Python
• C and C++
• JavaScript 
• Shell Scripting 

Learning relevant programming languages will pave your way into the cyber security industry. 

Tip #3: Learn Essential Soft Skills for Cyber Security Roles 

If you want to break into the cyber security industry, you must learn essential soft skills that will help you land cyber security jobs. As a cyber security expert working in a tech company, you are expected to work with IT teams to interpret network breaches. For instance, you must be able to show workers how to identify corrupted files or check for email spam, etc. 

Therefore, a good way to get into cybersecurity is by learning essential soft skills such as; 

• Presentation 
• Logical Reasoning 
• Loyalty and Integrity 
• Excellent Communicator  
• Management and Leadership
• Creativity and Problem-solving 

You can learn these soft skills through self-study and cyber security training online. You can also go to a cybersecurity boot camp to gain not just soft skills but practical skills. 

Tip #4: Network with Cyber Security Industry Professionals 

The need to network with industry professionals in any field cannot be overemphasized. You might have a degree, the right certifications, and even the required skills to work as a cyber security expert, but without proper networking, you will be left stranded. 

One of the major ways to get cyber security jobs is through networking. If you network with other professionals in the industry, you will gain their trust and that will give you credibility. Trust matters when hiring security experts and most companies will prefer to hire security experts that they can trust. You can learn more about this through cyber security training. 

You can network with cyber security industry professionals by;

• Joining cyber security webinars 
• Attending cyber security conferences and events 
• Participating in cyber security workshops and seminars

Recruiters are likely to be at these events looking out for cyber security experts. You will get to improve your overall knowledge of the field by networking with industry professionals. This is a good way to get into cyber security as you’ll get to learn from top professionals in the industry.

Conclusion

The system data breach is becoming a major concern with more users and devices connected to the internet. So, there’ll always be a need for securing networks and preventing systems from cyberattacks. You can get into this practice to solve the challenges and also earn big. 

That said, you need to understand that your job as a cyber security expert requires a high level of dedication to work around the clock. Hackers don’t sleep, so you should be ready to work at odd hours. This is not a regular 9-5 job and you will be required to monitor network activities at all times. If you can handle the stress, getting into the field should be easy with this guide.  Note: You can easily get overwhelmed by the numerous cyber security training choices available online. So, ensure you enroll in relevant cyber security certifications in the field.