I have met countless people who believe that they need an IT background in order to excel in my field. This misconception has hindered many potential candidates from pursuing a career in cyber security. Let me tell you that this is just a myth. In fact, having an IT background may not be a necessary requirement for one to become a successful Cyber Security Expert. So if you’re someone who dreams of pursuing a career in cyber security but lacks an IT background, keep reading as I debunk this myth.

Do you need IT background for cyber security?

Importance of IT knowledge in Cybersecurity

Having a background in IT is a great advantage when pursuing a career in cybersecurity. The technical knowledge of networks, systems, and applications will help you understand how attackers exploit vulnerabilities and how to prevent them. Cybersecurity relies heavily on technical tools and defenses, and without adequate knowledge, professionals may fall short in securing their organization’s digital infrastructure. Moreover, an IT background would aid in gaining insights on how hardware, software, and firmware in information systems function.

Key Point: The intricate nature of digital information necessitates the understanding of IT technology, which if absent, could lead to inadequacies in cybersecurity.

Non-technical Ways of Building Cybersecurity Skills

While having IT skills is essential in cybersecurity, it is not the only route towards becoming a professional in the field. Individuals without an IT background can acquire cybersecurity skills in various ways, such as through internships, volunteering in IT departments, joining cybersecurity communities and forums, taking online courses, attending conferences and workshops, and participating in cyber competitions and hackathons. By immersing oneself in learning opportunities, cybersecurity aspirants can gain vital insights and practical experience, preparing them adequately for cybersecurity roles.

Consider the following ways of building cybersecurity skills:

• Volunteering in an IT department of a non-profit group or neighborhood organization to gain hands-on experience
• Joining online cybersecurity forums or groups where discussions and practices on various topics are conducted
• Taking online cyber tutorials or attending cyber workshops to improve your knowledge
• Participating in cybersecurity competitions and hackathons to enhance your analytical and problem-solving skills

Requirements for Entry-Level Cybersecurity Jobs

Though not mandatory, having an IT background often improves the chances of getting an entry-level cybersecurity job. Employers mostly seek certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC). These certifications demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in the cybersecurity domain. Additionally, employers may seek a related degree, such as computer science, cyber security, or information technology.

Key Point: Getting an entry-level cybersecurity job requires relevant certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH, and GSEC, as well as a degree in the related field of cybersecurity.

Transferable Skills to Cybersecurity

Several skills are essential in cybersecurity and can be transferrable from other professions. Soft skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving are vital in cybersecurity. Moreover, knowledge in compliance and regulations are important skills that have relevance in cybersecurity, such as HIPAA, FERPA, and SOX. Additionally, previous knowledge in privacy areas such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), or any other privacy regulations will be an added advantage. Other transferable abilities may include project management, risk assessment, and customer focus.

Here are some transferable skills to cybersecurity:

• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Privacy regulation knowledge, such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA
• Project management
• Risk assessment
• Customer focus

Benefits of Combining IT and Cybersecurity Knowledge

Combining IT and cybersecurity knowledge brings with it several benefits. Firstly, cybersecurity professionals with IT backgrounds understand how technology works, which is essential for detecting and preventing cyber-attacks. Secondly, IT professionals who have ventured into cybersecurity gain an understanding of the industry, which enhances their security instincts. Thirdly, experts in IT and cybersecurity can communicate with different teams, including developers, network administrators, and management. Additionally, acquiring a cybersecurity certificate or degree further improves IT professionals’ career prospects, thereby adding to the organization’s skill sets.

Key Point: Having both IT and cybersecurity knowledge is beneficial, allowing professionals to detect and prevent attacks, enhance security instincts, improve communication, and have a better career outlook.

Challenges of Entering Cybersecurity without IT Background

The primary challenge when entering cybersecurity without an IT background is the steep learning curve required to understand technical aspects. This drastically limits non-IT aspirants’ chances of getting cybersecurity jobs, and even when they get hired, they may have difficulties matching their peers’ performance with IT backgrounds. Additionally, getting relevant certifications and a cybersecurity degree without an IT background could be time-consuming and costly, requiring the aspirant’s commitment. Companies also tend to hesitate to hire non-IT professionals due to liability concerns lack of essential technical skills.

Key Point: Entering cybersecurity without an IT background presents a steep learning curve and could be an expensive and time-consuming process.

Certifications and Trainings for Non-IT Cybersecurity Professionals

Several cybersecurity-related certificates and degrees are available for non-IT professionals, providing an avenue for them to acquire cybersecurity knowledge and skills. For instance, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (CSIA), Information Technology and Cybersecurity (ITC), and Cybersecurity Specialist certificates are available for cybersecurity aspirants. They may also enroll in colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity. Online courses from platforms such as Coursera and LinkedIn Learning, covering topics such as network security, cryptography, and penetration testing, are available for those unable to enroll in a degree program.

Here are some cybersecurity certificates and degrees for non-IT professionals:

• Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (CSIA) Certificate
• Information Technology and Cybersecurity (ITC) Certificate
• Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate
• Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity

Conclusion

While having an IT background is an advantage when entering cybersecurity, it is not the only route. Non-IT cybersecurity aspirants can acquire the necessary skills through various methods such as volunteering, joining forums and communities, attending workshops, and taking online courses. The industry requires different certifications and degrees for entry-level jobs, such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and CEH, among others. Additionally, several transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and risk assessment have direct relevance in cybersecurity. Ultimately, combining IT and cybersecurity knowledge is beneficial and enhances security instincts, communication, and career prospects.