How to Launch Your Career in Cybersecurity
Overview on how to get into Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is a vital and rapidly growing field in our increasingly digital world. With technology and the internet becoming more ingrained in our daily lives, it is now imperative for individuals to have a strong understanding of cybersecurity.
Working in Cybersecurity for 6 years now, I highly recommend people learn how they can get into this field.
Before we go over 3 ways to get started in this cybersecurity journey, one thing to note. Keep in mind that this is a constantly evolving field, one that requires you to enjoy learning. This as a prerequisite for this career path. If you prefer things to stay the same on the job, this might not be the career path for you. If you enjoy learning and feeding your curiosity, read on.
I tell friends that tech is no longer a field, but is now a part of every other field.
With this growth, many have come to the conclusion that they need to get in the field.
This heatmap gives a birds eye view of the field and its growth outlook.
https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html
If you're interested in entering the field of Cybersecurity, look no further, here are 3 ways to get started:
Education
Hands-On Experience
Staying Current
Education
Options here are earning a degree or certification(s) in cybersecurity.
There are numerous choices available, including associate's and bachelor's degrees in Information Systems, as well as certifications from organizations such as CompTIA, (ISC2), or cloud providers. Note that you don’t always need a formal education, learning is the end goal not necessarily in a classroom setting. There are online learning platforms, MOOCs, blogs, and podcasts.
These can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to get started in the field.
Hands-On Experience
In addition to education, it's important to gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity. I would say even more so important. This can include participating in internships, volunteering for cybersecurity projects, or participating in online hacking and CTF competitions.
These activities will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills to real-world situations, and deepen your understanding of the practical side of cybersecurity.
Staying Current
Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field and it's essential to stay informed about the latest developments. This involves keeping up with the major trends and innovations in the field, rather than trying to stay updated on EVERY single cybersecurity news article and breach out there. You can do this by reading cybersecurity blogs and newsletters (hint, hint), attending conferences or meetups, and participating in online communities such as curated Discords, Slack channels and so on.
By staying current, you'll be better equipped to handle new and emerging cybersecurity threats and technologies.
Conclusion
If you're naturally curious there will be many paths for you to go down to get started in this field. Whether it's through earning a degree or certification, gaining hands-on experience, or staying current with industry developments and the community, more importantly is to remain on the path. Just decide on a direction, and stay focused.
With hard work and determination, you can have a fulfilling and successful career in this exciting field.
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