As a cyber security intern, I often get asked what my role entails. It’s not uncommon for people to assume that I spend my days simply crawling through code and hacking into systems. But the reality is that my job is much more nuanced, challenging, and rewarding than that. As a cyber security expert in training, I get to explore the complexities of digital security, protecting companies and individuals from the dangers that lurk in cyberspace. In this article, I’ll take you through an average day in the life of a cyber security intern, and show you just what it takes to keep our digital world safe. Buckle up, because you’re in for a ride.
What does a cyber security intern do?
As a cyber security intern, you’ll learn a lot about the complex and ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, while making an important contribution to your company’s efforts to keep their digital assets safe from harm.
???? Pro Tips:
1. Learn the basics: As an intern, it’s essential to have a strong foundation in cybersecurity basics. Familiarize yourself with the different types of cyber threats, tools, and techniques used to prevent or mitigate them.
2. Stay up-to-date: The world of cybersecurity is rapidly evolving, so it’s essential that you stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends, technologies, and threats. Read industry blogs, attend conferences, and take online courses to keep yourself informed.
3. Practice, practice, practice: Cybersecurity is a hands-on field, so it’s important that you get real-world experience. Look for opportunities to work on projects or participate in simulations to hone your skills.
4. Be open-minded: As an intern, you will be exposed to different aspects of cybersecurity, ranging from risk assessment to network defense. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn new things. You may discover a new interest or passion within the field.
5. Build your network: Networking is critical in any industry, and cybersecurity is no exception. Use your time as an intern to build relationships with your colleagues, mentors, and other professionals in the field. These contacts may prove invaluable as you begin your cybersecurity career.
Daily Responsibilities of a Cybersecurity Intern
As a cybersecurity intern, your daily tasks may vary based on the company you work for. However, your primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and security of the company’s digital assets. Some of the tasks you may be responsible for include monitoring firewalls and intrusion detection systems, scanning for vulnerabilities or potential security threats, and identifying and mitigating risks. In some cases, you may be required to assist in conducting security training sessions to educate employees on cyber risks and ways to avoid them.
Organizing and Managing Digital Resources
As a cybersecurity intern, another important role you may play is organizing and managing digital resources. This can include files, documents, and other resources related to cybersecurity. You may be responsible for maintaining inventories of system configurations, hardware and software assets, licenses for security software, and security policies and procedures.
Some of the specific tasks you may be responsible for include:
- Assessing the current state of digital documentation and resources
- Organizing digital resources to be utilized for improved IT security procedures
- Assisting with documenting and updating IT policies and procedures
- Assessing new technologies and security tools to add to digital resources
Reviewing Present IT Policies
One of the most crucial roles you play as a cybersecurity intern is to review an organization’s present IT policies. This assessment includes reviewing the current cybersecurity policies and procedures in place to protect against cyber threats. You will then provide research and feedback to the Cybersecurity Team about areas where the company’s IT policies and procedures may be improved. Your work will contribute to protecting an organization’s most critical assets.
Some of the specific tasks you may be responsible for include:
- Reviewing the present IT policies
- Assisting with comparing present IT policies with industry standard policies for gaps
- Assisting with updating and enhancing IT policies
Researching New Strategies for Security
As a cybersecurity intern, you may be responsible for researching new strategies and products to enhance security. Continued research is an important part of ensuring cybersecurity is kept to the highest level possible. You may work closely with a team of cybersecurity specialists to help identify potential risk areas and vulnerabilities.
Some of the specific tasks you may be responsible for include:
- Reviewing industry trends in cybersecurity
- Assisting with purchasing or testing new security tools or software
- Assisting with researching new cyber threats and vulnerabilities
Special Projects and Initiatives
As a cybersecurity intern, you may be assigned special projects or initiatives unique to your organization. These might include working with stakeholders within the company to identify areas where cybersecurity improvements are needed. You may also be assigned to work on new or unique technological projects, such as developing new tools to enhance cybersecurity.
Some of the specific tasks you may be responsible for include:
- Assisting with designing and implementing customized security strategies
- Assisting with the development of new software to enhance security
- Assisting with running vulnerability scans
Role in Incident Response and Investigations
As a cybersecurity intern, you may be required to work closely with incident response teams. You may assist with tracking down the source of an incident or assist in its resolution. This may involve working with other teams within the organization such as legal or compliance departments.
Some of the specific tasks you may be responsible for include:
- Assisting with the monitoring of networks for suspicious activity
- Assisting with implementing response plans in the event of a cyber attack
- Assisting with investigations into past security incidents to identify root cause
Collaborating with Cybersecurity Teams
As a cybersecurity intern, you will work alongside cybersecurity teams to achieve common goals. You may be responsible for identifying areas where improvements can be made or lend your expertise to support the development of new technologies. Collaboration is key to ensuring cybersecurity remains at the forefront of the organization’s thinking.
Some of the specific tasks you may be responsible for include:
- Collaborating with the cybersecurity team to identify areas for improvement
- Lending your expertise by providing insights into new and emerging threats
- Assisting with knowledge sharing initiatives
Training and Development Opportunities
As a cybersecurity intern, you will be offered unique opportunities to gain new knowledge and skills. You may be asked to attend training sessions or workshops to learn more about new technologies and tools. In some cases, you may be offered on-the-job training opportunities that will grow your skill set and expertise.
Some of the specific training and development opportunities you may be offered include:
- Attending online seminars and training courses related to cybersecurity
- Attending in-person workshops focused on monitoring and cyber defense skills
- Attending mentorship sessions that offer hands-on, real-world experience
In summary, the work of a cybersecurity intern is critical to the success of modern organizations. A cybersecurity intern’s daily task might include monitoring firewalls or intrusion detection systems, reviewing IT policies, assisting with incident response and investigations, and collaborating with cybersecurity teams to enhance security. Offering unique opportunities to gain new knowledge and skills, the role of cybersecurity intern as a first step in a growing cybersecurity field can lead to exciting and rewarding career opportunities as a cybersecurity professional.
