How to get into Cybersecurity and Fast Track Your Career

How to get into Cybersecurity and Fast Track Your Career

Information Technology has penetrated every industry in a multitude of ways and has become an essential tool in the way we work and in our daily lives. However, alongside the efficiencies and benefits of technology accompanied people of malicious intent, determined to take advantage of it for financial and personal gain, or to cause other people harm. The need for stronger cybersecurity keeps increasing day by day, and companies must find and implement new ways of safeguarding their valuable data. 

The increased need in cybersecurity has resulted in the significant demand for cybersecurity professionals today. According to data from CyberSeek, there are approximately 600,000 job openings for cybersecurity professionals all across the U.S.  

If you are wondering whether cybersecurity careers are for you, you have come to the right place! 

Common Entry-Level Jobs 

If you are a beginner or from a different field, some of the jobs you can start with include information security analyst, information security specialist, incident analyst, network administrator, etc. 

This field is embedded among the entire scope of computer science, and it is also interlinked with nearly every other field, including data science, software development, user experience, and interface design.  

Let’s drill down on some of the most common entry-level cybersecurity jobs that you can explore. 

1. Information Security Analyst 

Information security analysts have a key role to play in any organization, and they are responsible for keeping valuable and sensitive business data safe from malicious people that want to steal, manipulate, sell, or destroy it. An analyst will also be responsible for detecting and rectifying loops in the security systems and communicating with different departments to enhance existing processes and create new ones. 

Information security analysts also review collected security data to detect suspicious or malicious activity in any application’s system, network, database, or front-end. In case of a breach, they have to follow a standard operating procedure (SOP) to mitigate the damage caused by the attack. 

To become an information security analyst, you typically require a Bachelor’s in computer science or information technology. After spending a few years on the job, you can also be promoted to a manager who oversees a team of analysts. 

2. Cybercrime Analyst / Investigator 

A cybercrime analyst or responder is responsible for investigating various types of cybercrimes, such as data recovery from hacked systems and networks for evidence, or incidents of hate speech, harassment, and many others. As an investigator, you are also responsible for gathering evidence, preparing reports, and even testifying in court if needed. 

For this job, most employers might require you to have a Bachelor’s in computer science, but it is not a given. Other employers only require specific certifications and a few years’ training. 

3. Incident Analyst / Responder 

An incident analyst or responder is responsible for investigating data breaches or any security issues, and they leverage digital forensics for risk assessment, automation testing, and system analysis to detect threats and proactively deal with potential vulnerabilities. As compared to other entry-level jobs, this one comes with higher pressure as you need to identify threats and also correspond with different departments. 

Incident analysts also have to enact an immediate response to new security threats, network intrusions, exploitation, etc. They are expected to know about penetration and vulnerability testing, network management, intrusion detection, and IT security maintenance. 

4. Network Administrator 

A network administrator is required in every organization, be it a corporation, educational institution, hospital, etc. They are responsible for monitoring, configuring, maintaining, and upgrading the networks and servers, as well as implementing new hardware and applications. Moreover, they might also be tasked with assessing the organization’s cybersecurity infrastructure and proposing changes to enhance it. 

A network administrator role does not usually require a bachelor’s degree, and you can get a job with an associate degree or training and certifications that you have completed. 

Boot Camp Certifications for an Entry-Level Cybersecurity Professional 

Not all cybersecurity jobs require you to get a four-year degree in computer science. Rather, some of them require certifications that you can obtain much more quickly. Even if you get an entry-level job, you can expect to receive an average salary of $88,000. The salary can be higher according to your qualifications, as well as the industry or company you are working for.  

There are various courses and certifications designed to facilitate careers in cybersecurity. Here are some of them you should know about. 

CompTIA Security+ Training Boot Camp 

This boot camp is specially designed to familiarize candidates with the course material and knowledge required to pass the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam. It helps them identify security threats and vulnerabilities, while also dealing with real-world challenges. This 5-day course has open enrollment, and it comes with an exam voucher for the certification exam. 

Cisco CCNA Associate & CyberOps Associate Training Boot Camp 

This boot camp is specially formulated for network engineers and administrators, and it comes with different labs that allow you to gain hands-on experience with the Cisco router and switch infrastructure. The seven-day course completely prepares you for the CCNA 200-301 exam. Once you pass this exam, you will get access to training for the Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification. This boot camp also gives you an exam voucher, with the option for a second one if you need it. 

Microsoft Azure Dual Certification Boot Camp (Azure Security Engineer Associate and Azure Administrator Associate) 

This boot camp has been designed to teach you everything there is to know about Microsoft Azure administration and security management. It provides the best preparatory material, accompanied by labs and expert instruction. The entire boot camp spans seven days and prepares you to ace the Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate and Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate exams. 

By enrolling in these boot camps, not only would you be able to prepare well for your cybersecurity exams and certifications, but they would also enable you to prepare for the real-world challenges that await you once you get hired.