Countless individuals today want to pursue a career in cybersecurity. They find the field fascinating and want to help others remain safe while online. However, they aren’t sure where to start.
This process may begin when they take a class in cybersecurity. It captures their interest, and they want to know more. They need a roadmap to help them take this interest and build a career out of it. Where should they start?
Learn IT Essentials
Every person interested in cybersecurity needs a strong IT foundation. They must possess a comprehensive understanding of networks, operating systems, hardware, and other related technologies. This individual needs to understand how systems communicate and where they are most susceptible to vulnerabilities. Before taking a cybersecurity class, this individual must be able to configure a network, troubleshoot problems, and have a basic understanding of IT support principles.
Understanding Security Concepts
Cybersecurity focuses on safeguarding systems, networks, and data. The individual must understand how attacks commonly occur and what hackers typically look for when targeting a system. With this information, individuals can determine where to focus their cybersecurity efforts. Introductory cybersecurity courses cover topics like common threats and vulnerabilities. Students learn about social engineering attacks and how criminals find weaknesses in networks and applications to exploit them. They also learn the role of human error in these attacks. This information allows them to see the benefits and applications of cybersecurity defenses. Hands-on experience is critical to understanding and applying these concepts.
Once a solid IT foundation is in place, the next step is understanding cybersecurity fundamentals. Cybersecurity is all about protecting systems, data, and networks from threats; therefore, it is essential to understand how attacks occur, what hackers target, and why security measures are necessary. By exploring core security concepts early on, beginners can gain a clearer understanding of the field and determine which areas interest them the most.
Choosing a Career Path
With the skills and knowledge they have gained from their coursework and hands-on experience, an individual will have a better idea of which career path they want to pursue. Once they embark on this path, they can streamline their learning and focus on building particular skills. Some people prefer to work on offense to test controls and uncover weaknesses, while others opt for a defensive role to prevent and respond to threats. The path one takes depends on what interests them and their strengths.
Certifications
Once a path has been chosen, the person must decide which certifications to obtain. These certifications help validate their knowledge and advance their careers. They demonstrate to employers that the individual thoroughly understands cybersecurity tools, concepts, and best practices. CompTIA Security+ is one certification every person interested in cybersecurity should obtain. Once this certification has been obtained, a person might want to pursue others based on their career interests.
Real-World Experience
With certifications in hand, the students need to focus on gaining real-world experience. Internships and volunteer projects are an excellent place to start. The student may want to participate in capture the flag competitions and become involved in the community to enhance their skills. The focus shifts to building a portfolio that showcases their abilities and distinguishes them from others in the field.
Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field with numerous job opportunities for those interested in the field. Being successful requires a curiosity in learning the latest information. When a person leverages available resources and remains dedicated to learning, they can have a successful career and enjoy their work every day.
