I am often asked “Is cyber security hard to break into?” It’s a fair question. With the rise in cyber attacks and the increasing importance of protecting sensitive information, the field of cyber security has become a hot topic. But breaking into this field can seem daunting, especially for those without a technical background. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience on how to get started in cyber security, including some psychological and emotional hooks to help you stay motivated along the way. So, let’s dive in!

Is cyber security hard to get into?

The High Demand for Cybersecurity Professionals

The modern world is becoming increasingly digitized, and with such advances comes a higher risk of cyber threats. As a result, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is increasing at an unprecedented pace. Cybersecurity professionals are usually responsible for safeguarding sensitive data, protecting intellectual property, and securing cyber infrastructure. According to a recent report by Cybersecurity Ventures, there will be a shortage of approximately 3.5 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide by 2021. This means that there are a lot of job opportunities in this field, and the demand for cybersecurity professionals will only continue to grow.

Common Misconceptions about Entering the Cybersecurity Field

Many individuals believe that cybersecurity jobs are only available to individuals who have a background in computer science or programming. However, this is not the case. While it’s true that having experience in these areas might be helpful, cybersecurity professionals come from diverse backgrounds. Cybersecurity is a broad field that includes various subfields such as network security, cloud security, and application security, amongst others. To enter this field, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of computer systems and the ability to learn new skills.

Another common misconception is that cybersecurity is a desk job where individuals sit in front of a computer all day. While there are jobs like this, many cybersecurity professionals work in dynamic environments and have the possibility to travel and meet clients and colleagues worldwide. Additionally, individuals who work in cybersecurity have access to an extensive network of peers and industry leaders, which means that there’s always room for professional growth and development.

Steps to Take to Start Your Cybersecurity Career

Starting a career in cybersecurity may seem daunting, but it’s achievable with the right attitude and skills. Here are a few steps you can take to kick-start your cybersecurity career:

• Start by understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including basic concepts like risk management, cryptography, and access control.
• Develop your technical skills by learning programming and database management. This will enable you to work with various security tools and help you understand the inner workings of computer systems.
• Get involved in cybersecurity communities such as forums, conferences, and online groups. This will enable you to network with professionals in the field and learn about new trends and technologies.
• Get practical experience by participating in cybersecurity competitions and workshops. This will help you gain hands-on experience and build your professional portfolio.
• Earn relevant certifications to showcase your skills and knowledge, which we will discuss in further detail later in this article.

Essential Skills for a Cybersecurity Job

To succeed in a cybersecurity career, you need to have a mix of hard and soft skills. Here are some essential skills you’ll need:

• Technical skills: To understand computer systems, programming languages, and security tools.
• Problem-solving skills: To identify, analyze, and solve complex problems.
• Creativity and innovation skills: To find new and creative ways to solve cybersecurity problems.
• Communication and collaboration skills: To work effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients.
• Adaptability and learning skills: To keep up with the changing threat landscape and new technologies.

The Importance of Certifications in Cybersecurity

Certifications are essential in cybersecurity, and they demonstrate to employers and clients that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform specific jobs. Some of the most popular cybersecurity certifications include:

• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
• CISM (Certified Information Security Manager)
• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
• CompTIA Security+
• CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)

Getting certified in any of these credentials demonstrates your knowledge and commitment to the field of cybersecurity.

Networking and Building Your Professional Reputation in Cybersecurity

Networking is a crucial component of building a successful cybersecurity career. Networking enables you to meet professionals in your field, learn about job openings, and access mentorship opportunities. One way of networking is to join cybersecurity groups and participate in online forums and discussions. Additionally, attending cybersecurity conferences and events can give you the opportunity to interact with peers and industry leaders and learn about new trends, technologies, and opportunities.

Building your professional reputation is also important. This can be achieved by publishing articles and white papers on cybersecurity-related topics, contributing to open-source cybersecurity projects, and participating in cybersecurity competitions and challenges.

Challenges You Might Face in Starting a Cybersecurity Career

While the demand for cybersecurity professionals is high, starting a career in this field might have its challenges. Some challenges you might face include:

• Minimal experience in cybersecurity, which might make it difficult to get an entry-level job.
• A lack of understanding of cybersecurity concepts and practices.
• Stiff competition for available cybersecurity jobs.

To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to develop the necessary skills and knowledge by taking cybersecurity courses and participating in cybersecurity competitions and challenges. Additionally, networking and building your professional reputation can help you stand out in a crowded market.

In Conclusion, while starting a career in cybersecurity may seem daunting, it’s achievable with hard work and dedication. By developing your skills and knowledge, networking with peers in the industry, and building your professional reputation, you can make a name for yourself in this high-demand field. So, if you’re interested in a cybersecurity career, don’t be discouraged, take the steps necessary and make your dream a reality.