Brush Up On The Basics
If youre just starting in cybersecurity, youll want to focus on learning the fundamentals.
CIA Triad
To protect your data, its important to understand what youre trying to protect and against whom. The CIA triad is a standard model of security that considers confidentiality, integrity, and availability when making decisions about how to secure your data.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
The framework is a set of guidelines that helps you determine what kind of threat youre up against and what risks are involved in handling that threat. It also provides guidance on various solutions for handling those threats.
Cyber Threats
Cyber threats come in many shapes and sizesfrom industrial espionage to malware attacks to ransomwareand understanding the types of threats can help you make better decisions about handling them in your business environment.
Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis
Once you know what kind of threat exist for your company, youll want to analyze all the risks associated with each threat to prioritize the ones that pose the greatest danger for your organization.
Incident Handling and Response
If youre dealing with an internal incident, isolate the source of the problem as soon as possible so that it doesnt spread. Suppose youre managing a large companys IT infrastructure. This may mean turning off specific systems temporarily or isolating others from the network.
Encryption
Free Cybersecurity Jobs Resources
Cybrary.it Cybrary was created as a cybersecurity workforce training platform. It currently offers dozens of training modules across a wide range of topics. Some of the courses are free, while others require a subscription to the service. The courses range from specific topic areas, such as understanding malware, to certification prep courses.
Coursera.org: Coursera is a digital platform that makes courses available to the public from over 200 of the worlds leading universities. The programs available range in size, commitment, and rigor. Everything from a single topic course to certification, degree, and micro-masters tracks are available. There is even a course on finding a cybersecurity job and the cybersecurity job interview process from the University of Georgia.
KhanAcademy.org: Khan Academy is a global digital learning platform that offers classes in specific topic areas. The best part is that the content is high-quality and free. Khan Academy offers a number of cybersecurity classes ranging from intro-level content to more advanced concepts. Khan Academys cybersecurity listings can be found here.
OpenSecurityTraining.info: Like the others mentioned here, OpenSecurityTraining.info is a free resource that provides in-depth video and text-based resources in the forms of specific skills training. The goal of the project is to make cybersecurity and information technology training available to all.
So Do You Need A Degree In Cybersecurity
The short answer is no you can absolutely get into cybersecurity without a degree, either via a highly practical boot camp or a self-guided educational path. Each option holds its own pros and cons, so consider your learning preferences before choosing the path thats right for you.
There are countless lucrative positions available in the cybersecurity field and demand for skilled cybersecurity experts continues to grow. In a job field rich with opportunity, the real question is: Which training journey will you choose?
Prepare for a positive career change and take your first steps toward a cybersecurity education today.
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How To Launch Your Cybersecurity Career Using Linkedin Learning Courses
Sydney Lake
While earning a masters degree or another advanced degree can be a great way to make a career switch or earn a higher salary, these programs often require a significant investment of both time and money. For example, a masters degree in cybersecurity from the University of CaliforniaBerkeley, which Fortune ranks as having the No. 1 program in the U.S., costs about $75,000 to complete.
However, these programs can help graduates achieve robust career outcomes. Some cybersecurity grads from UC Berkeleys program manage to double their salaries post grad, to $200,000. Cybersecurity workers are also in high demand with more than 700,000 open positions in the U.S. alone. Worldwide, the number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs grew by 350%, from 1 million positions in 2013 to 3.5 million in 2021, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.
Todays labor market is all about skills, Jeff Kellum, senior content manager of tech content at LinkedIn Learning, tells Fortune. With an estimated 3.5 million unfulfilled cybersecurity roles by 2025, the ability to learn and showcase in-demand skills is critical for anyone hoping to get their foot in the door in the space.
One way to start on your journey to becoming a cybersecurity professional is to start with the basics. offers a variety of courses focused on cybersecurity from a foundational level all the way to preparation for advanced certifications.
Cybersecurity Jobs A Growth Story
Cybersecurity jobs are exciting. The fast-paced field that is perfect for anyone who loves a challenge and the thrill of problem-solving. According to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statics , the demand for cybersecurity jobs like information security analysts will grow by as much as 31 percent over the next ten years.
When you think about it, the above average growth in cybersecurity jobs makes sense. As technology becomes more and more intertwined with everyones day to day lives, the need for experienced cybersecurity professionals increases.
And while the future cybersecurity jobs projections forecast more openings, the truth is that even today there are not enough well-qualified experts to go around.
The cybersecurity job market has grown so rapidly over the past several years, that applicants usually have lots of options.
Due to the lack of trained professionals, those who pursue a career in cybersecurity can expect plenty of opportunities, high paying salaries, and great benefits.
The cybersecurity field includes a wide range of different jobs from entry-level up to executive management and everything in between.
An entry-level security professional may find themselves working as a security analyst in a SOC . As their career progresses they may become a senior security analyst or work on an incident response team.
Those interested in programming and software design can pursue a career as a security software developer.
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What Does It Refer To Exactly
IT jobs generally refer to work done in an organizationâs IT departmentâtypically jobs that help keep the organizationâs computers running smoothly, like help desk technicians, network engineers, or system administrators. The term âITâ however is used by some as a catch-all phrase to refer to any work that includes using or developing computers and computer programs. This latter category might include software engineers or web developers. This guide includes skills that are generally applicable to both.
Choice Of Work Environment
Cyber security professionals can easily change specializations and be mobile in their field. Youll have a variety of work settings to choose from, whether its a banking office or a forensics lab at a law enforcement station. Move from one industry to another with your core set of skills, or work from home with a remote job.
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Security Engineer Career Path
Security engineers might start off as information security analysts or penetration testers before building the knowledge and skills needed to design and implement security systems. After gaining experience, you may go on to become a security architect, IT security manager, director of security, or even chief information security officer .
Why Is Cybersecurity Important
Digital life is becoming more pervasive and will continue to become more pervasive. We live a large chunk of our lives online, from social media to online shopping, gaming, and even remote work.
These come with requisite data such as passwords, credit card information, staff numbers, protected health information, personally identifiable information, and sensitive documents .
A data breach could expose sensitive information to people with malicious intent and cause severe embarrassment for individuals, damage to reputations, and huge monetary costs.
Information theft is not the only goal of a cyberattack hackers and malicious actors sometimes attack infrastructure controls and compromise data integrity. These attacks cost organizations more and more money as hackers develop novel and innovative ways of getting to protected data. Records show that a cyberattack occurs every 14 seconds, and a 2019 estimate predicts that cyberattacks could cost up to $6 trillion in 2021.
Therefore its critical, both at the individual and organizational level, to find ways to secure the data that we rely on so much.
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Education Requirements For A Career In Cyber Security
In order to pursue a career in cyber security, you will likely need some form of education. Cybersecurity professionals often hold degrees in computer science or related fields, but many positions also require certification from professional organizations such as the National Security Agency .
Regardless of your educational background, there are a few things you should keep in mind if you want to enter the field. First, cyber security is constantly evolving and new technologies are being developed all the time. As such, you will need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques. Second, cyber security is a rapidly growing field and there is always room for new talent. If you have a passion for technology and computing, this may be an ideal career path for you.
Cybersecurity Jobs In The Federal Government
For reasons of national defense, the US federal government is one of the largest employers of cybersecurity professionals. Thats why this next section is a deep-dive into how to find government cybersecurity jobs.
IN THIS SECTION
The US Office of Personnel Management serves as the principal human resources agency and personnel policy administrator for the Federal Government.
According to the OPM, the federal workforce comprises an estimated 2.1 million civilian workers. For perspective, this is on par with the largest US employer, Walmart. The next largest employer, Amazon, has about 1.3 million employees globally.
The reasons for choosing to work for the federal government rather than private enterprise will vary with each individual. Every job seeker must assess their needs, values, and individual circumstances to determine whether government service is right for them.
Below are some of the common motivations for seeking government employment.
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The Different Types Of Cyber Security
There are a variety of ways to start a career in cybersecurity, whether you want to work for a company or pursue an independent path.
Corporate Cybersecurity: This is the most common type of cybersecurity position, with companies typically hiring full-time employees to protect their networks and data. Some corporate cybersecurity roles may include protecting against cyberattacks, investigating incidents, and forensic analysis.
Independent Cybersecurity: If you want to work independently, there are many avenues open to you. Some people become self-employed cyber security consultants, while others work as independent researchers or Whitehat hackers. There are also online courses and training programs that can help you get started in this field.
Government Cybersecurity: In addition to corporations, governments also face threats from cyberattacks. Jobs in government cybersecurity typically require a college degree in information technology or related fields and experience working with computers and networks. Typical positions include network administrators, analysts, system administrators, and software engineers.
How To Start Your Career In Information Security
Information security jobs provide huge potential for advancement and high earnings within an exciting career. As cyber crime continues to grow, so does the need for businesses to hire talented professionals to act as the front line of defence.
If youre looking to get started with information security, its important to know there are plenty of ways to enter the sector and a plethora of opportunities for support. The industry is booming and, as such, firms are looking out for promising candidates.
Additionally, a global shortage of cyber security professionals remains, meaning that youve got more jobs to choose from and a higher chance of finding the perfect role for you.
For those with limited experience, lets take a look at some of the best entry-level jobs to develop your skills and foster advancement opportunities to senior roles.
Security analyst
As a security analyst, youll be vital in keeping information safe from malicious third parties looking to view, modify or destroy it. The main responsibilities of this role involve analysing and improving existing security systems and working with several departments to create new processes.
Considered an entry-level position, most companies will require candidates to have a bachelors degree in computer science or a similar field. However, if you have at least a year of experience in systems administration, you will also stand out as a strong candidate.
- Non-profit organisations
Cryptographer
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Is It Easy To Transition From It To Cybersecurity
For most, it’s a smooth transition. Many of the core skills used by IT generalists also apply in cybersecurity roles. Experienced IT professionals often have a relatively direct path to cybersecurity jobs. Some people choose to supplement their existing credentials with cybersecurity certifications.
How To Start A Career In Cyber Security
Nearly anywhere you look in the world, cybercrime is becoming an increasing threat. Some experts even go so far as to say that cybercrime is the greatest threat to virtually every company and organization on the planet, a fact that governments and corporations across the globe are taking very seriously. For instance, the US federal government spent $75.4 billionon information technology in 2011, an expenditure that ballooned to a total budget of $95.7 billion for IT in 2018. Meanwhile, in Australia, over 11,800 people reported incidents of cybercrime to the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network between April to June 2017. According to the UKs National Crime Agency, in 2016 cybercrime accounted for over 50% of all crime in Britain. Private security firms estimate that by 2021, global cybercrime damage will amount to about $6 trillion. What these figures clearly show is that cyber security is more important than ever, with professionals and specialists needed in almost every industry. So if youre looking to pursue a career in cyber security, theres no better time to start than now.
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Pursue A Cybersecurity Course Or Bootcamp
If youre interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, a cybersecurity course is probably your best bet. These courses will give you the most thorough understanding of the subject matter and provide networking opportunities to help you find a job.
A bootcamp might be a better choice if youre looking for more hands-on experience. There are many reputable cybersecurity bootcamps from which you can choosejust make sure theyre accredited by organizations like CompTIA. Bootcamps are also generally less expensive than traditional degrees in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Books For Beginners
- Cybersecurity For Dummies: This helps you to understand the basics of cybersecurity, including different cybersecurity threats, ethical hacking, and many more.
- Cybersecurity for Beginners: This is a bible for those who are from a non-technical background as the authors have simplified cyber terms into plain text and in non-technical English.
- Hacking: A Beginners Guide: This book is all about hacking, types of hacking, and hacking methods.
- Practical Malware Analysis: This is a guide to all kind of malware and helps you to analyse, debug malicious software.
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Can You Get Into Cybersecurity Without An It Background
Yes. Many people come to the field with a non-technical background, but if you dont have technical skills now, there are still ways to develop them on your own time.
You can start by taking online courses or getting certifications in network security or ethical hacking. You may also want to try volunteering at an organization or teaching yourself how to code on your own time.
Since youre hereThere are hundreds of thousands of vacant cybersecurity jobs, and one of them has your name on it. You can enter the industry in 6 months flat with our Cybersecurity Course. Weve helped over 10,000 students make huge career changes with our fully flexible mentor-led bootcamps. Explore our free cybersecurity curriculum today to start your career switch story.
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Putting Your Skills Into Action: Resumes And Interview
Once you have the skills you need to start applying for jobs, itâs time to list them where people can find them. Update your resume and LinkedIn with your new credentialsâhereâs some guidance on putting skills into your resume.
In interviews, come prepared with stories about how youâve used your skills in the past. If youâve only used your skills in a course or at home, thatâs fineâjust be ready to describe what you accomplished. Did you use Python to create graphs out of a data set, or configure devices to a new network?
If youâre looking for a quick way to get more hands-on experience, browse Courseraâs guided projects for projects that you can complete in under two hours. They can also help you refresh old skills to prepare you for the interview.
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What Cybersecurity Jobs Are Out There
If youve done any research into cyber security positions, you must have come across something called the cybersecurity talent gap. The cyber security talent gap is the lack of skilled cyber security personnel available to fill much-needed roles in organizations. A recent estimate shows that over 3.5 million cyber security roles will go unfilled in 2021 globally. These are positions that you could already be training to fill!
Furthermore, a PricewaterhouseCoopers report states that less than half of companies worldwide are prepared for a cyberattack. Its a fact that cyberattacks are increasing in regularity and severity, and this points to a serious need for skilled personnel in the cyber security industry. So whats needed to get into cyber security?
Further reading: The Ultimate Guide to Cybersecurity Careers
