Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing and most exciting career fields today. The continuous increase in cyber threats especially with the advancements in AI that contribute to the complexity of cyberattacks, companies need skilled professionals to protect their systems. The best part is that you don’t need to be a hacker to begin a career in cybersecurity.
Whether you’re a student figuring out your first career move or someone looking for a career change, we’ll get started with what you need to take your first steps on your road to cybersecurity.
Why should you choose a career in cybersecurity?
Perhaps you’re undecided about whether a career in cybersecurity is for you. We’ve all been there and that’s ok. So, let’s look at why cybersecurity is such a great career choice:
- High demand. Cybersecurity jobs are still growing. In fact, the job market has struggled to find qualified and skilled professionals globally for the past few years making this a great field to get into.
- Exciting & constantly changing. Cybersecurity is really exciting, and no two days are the same. You are always learning and trying to solve new real-world security problems.
- Job security. This may seem like a bold thing to say but as long as cyber threats exist (which they always will), cybersecurity professionals will be needed. Of course, with the rise of AI, this could look different in the future, but we do practically everything online, making cybersecurity remain relevant.
- Good salary. While this is dependent on various factors, overall, even entry-level roles pay quite well. Once you have experience, well, then your salary will start aligning with all the hard work you’ve been putting in.
You’re probably wondering “how do I get started” and that’s exactly what we’ll focus on next.
How to get started
There are many ways to get into cybersecurity, and you don’t need a specific background to start. Here’s a roadmap to get you going:
1. Learn the basics
Everyone needs to start somewhere and understanding the cybersecurity basics is key. Here are some free and beginner-friendly options to consider:
- Free courses: Websites like TryHackMe, Cybrary and Coursera offer beginner-friendly cybersecurity courses.
- YouTube channels: There are quite a few cybersecurity channels with fun and engaging lessons on cybersecurity basics (like Willowbesecure 😊).
- Read blogs & news: Stay updated with cybersecurity trends and guides on sites like The Hacker News or our very own WillowBeSecure.
2. Develop technical & soft skills
While having tech skills is important in cybersecurity, you also need to have problem-solving and communication skills. Remember that you need to explain what’s happening during an incident.
Let’s begin with a few technical skills you may need. It’s important to note that this is dependent on the career path you’ve chosen. For example, you will require a basic understanding instead of full technical abilities if you’re planning for a career in Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC).
Essential technical skills you’ll need:
- Networking basics. Understand how the internet works. You can use Cisco’s free Networking Academy to get started.
- Understand operating systems. Familiarise yourself with Windows, Linux, and macOS, and try using Kali Linux because it will help you with the security tools further down the line.
- Cybersecurity tools. Learn how to use tools like Wireshark, Nmap, and Metasploit – they will come in handy when you’re investigating potential malicious activity.
Soft skills to help you on the job:
- Critical thinking. Cybersecurity is like solving a puzzle, so you need to be able to figure out complex problems.
- Attention to detail. The smallest security gap can cause the biggest security breach – think about the havoc that a simple password or phishing email can cause.
- Continuous learning. Cyber threats evolve all the time, so be prepared for constant learning. Being curious helps to figure out difficult issues.
3. Choose a cybersecurity career path
Cybersecurity has many career options and knowing where you want to be in the next 10 years will help you on your journey. Have a look at the 8 cybersecurity domains for an idea of all the areas you may want to get into. For now, let’s look at some possible paths:
- Security Analyst – Monitors networks for threats and investigates suspicious activity. This can also be referred to as a SOC Analyst.
- Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker) – Tests the security defenses for an organisation by simulating cyberattacks.
- Incident Responder – Responds to security breaches and helps prevent future attacks.
- IAM Specialist – Focuses on Identity & Access Management (IAM) to restrict individuals access based on the principle of least privilege.
- GRC Specialist – Focuses on Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) to ensure that business adhere to the required policies and standards.
- Security Researcher – Research new and existing cyber threats to understand how they work and mitigate against them.
- Cybersecurity Consultant – Advises businesses on how to improve their security.
4. Gain hands-on experience
One of the best ways to stand out from the rest is to be able to prove your skills. Here are a few tips on how to go about building your experience:
- Set up a home lab. Set up a virtual lab on your computer using VirtualBox or VMware to practice cybersecurity tools.
- Complete Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges. Platforms like Hack The Box and TryHackMe let you practice ethical hacking.
- Participate in Bug Bounty programs. There are websites like HackerOne that allow you to find security bugs for real companies and earn rewards. You do need to build your basic skills before trying this one.
5. Get certified
Certifications can boost your resume and help you land a job. For beginners, consider the following foundational certifications:
- CompTIA Security+ is a great starting point for general cybersecurity knowledge.
- ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity is another good entry-level certification to learn the basics.
- Google Cybersecurity Certificate is a beginner-friendly program.
Cybersecurity for different backgrounds
We will all have different backgrounds when starting our career in cybersecurity. Let’s look at two of the most common scenarios to help you on your journey.
If you’re new to the working world
No experience? No problem! Here’s what to do:
- Take free online courses and build a solid knowledge base.
- Join cybersecurity communities and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Discord.
- Look for entry-level jobs by searching for roles like IT Support, SOC Analyst, or Cybersecurity Intern.
- Get a mentor who is a cybersecurity expert and can guide you on your journey.
If you’re changing careers
Perhaps you already have a job but want to switch to cybersecurity? Follow these steps:
- Leverage your existing skills because many fields (IT, risk management, law enforcement) have transferable skills.
- Self-study and learn cybersecurity basics and then earn a beginner certification.
- Transition within your company especially if you work in IT already, ask about cybersecurity roles.
- Apply for entry-level roles even if you don’t meet all the requirements, apply anyway and get ready for the next chapter in your career!
Final tips to kickstart your cybersecurity career
Let’s look at five tips to keep you motivated and excited about starting your new career:
- Start small. You’re learning something new so start small and learn the basics before moving on to bigger challenges.
- Be consistent. Start with just 30 minutes a day to learn something. The important part is on doing this every day – it builds up over time.
- Stay up to date. Cybersecurity changes so fast so keep up with the latest news, threats and trends.
- Build a portfolio. Document your learning journey and share it with others.
- Network. Start attending cybersecurity meetups, conferences and events.
Remember that you only need to choose one of these to get started. As you grow, you will be able to incorporate more into your schedule.
What are you waiting for?
Cybersecurity is a rewarding career with endless opportunities. If you’re serious about getting started, pick one step from this guide and begin today. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll land your first cybersecurity job!
If you want more cybersecurity tips, subscribe to Willowbesecure for advice on building a successful cybersecurity career. Be secure!
