Navigating Your Way: Simple Guidance to Develop into a Cybersecurity Expert
In today's digital age, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. With the constant emergence of new technologies and hacking techniques, more than 350,000 new malware are created daily, posing a significant threat to organizations worldwide.
Given this ever-evolving landscape, a holistic cybersecurity approach is essential. This approach enables professionals to anticipate security risks and threats, and be proactive in developing new solutions. It's a strategy that has become increasingly vital as organizations prioritize cybersecurity due to an increase in cyber-crime.
For those considering a career in this field, gaining general IT experience is a crucial first step. Entry-level jobs such as web developer, systems administrator, IT technician, and computer software engineer offer opportunities to build a foundation in IT, which is essential for a career in cybersecurity.
Understanding the cybersecurity industry, including available jobs and required training, is integral to the decision-making process when choosing a specialization. Career paths in cybersecurity include becoming a Chief Information Security Officer, Cybersecurity Consultant, Security Architect, or Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker.
The cybersecurity industry offers a wealth of opportunities for professionals to pursue their individual interests. For instance, ethical hacking or incident response can be exciting and rewarding specializations.
By 2021, cybersecurity jobs will have exceeded 3.5 million, but organizations are only interested in the most skilled professionals. Acquiring certifications is an added advantage for building a career in cybersecurity. Examples of cybersecurity certifications include the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Security, SANS GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified Information Systems Security Practitioner (CISPS).
Continuous learning is necessary for success in cybersecurity. Acquiring new skills opens up new opportunities and helps one progress in their career. Networking with other cybersecurity experts can offer avenues to learn and grow.
Online sites offer training in various cybersecurity fields, making it easier than ever to gain the necessary skills. To demonstrate that you have the needed skills, you should work to obtain cybersecurity certifications. For foundational security skills, consider the CompTIA Security+. For advanced expertise, consider the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Other valuable certifications include the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and the Certified Applied IT Security Professional (CAISP) from Ruhr University Bochum.
A holistic cybersecurity course offers both practical and theoretical learning methods, providing a comprehensive education in this rapidly growing field. With the U.S. having more than 200,000 cybersecurity specialist positions that are hard to fill, as indicated in a 2019 report by the World Economic Forum, it's clear that a career in cybersecurity is not only rewarding but also in high demand.
