If you’re interested in making sure your systems stay secure, cyber security is the place to be now we have to know What is the Pathway for Cyber Security? And what exactly do you need to know and have in order to have a successful career in this field? Here’s everything you need to know about cyber security career pathways to get started down this exciting and rewarding path!
What is the Pathway for Cyber Security?
A career in cyber security requires commitment
There’s more to security than sitting in front of a computer. Successful cyber security requires an understanding of how people behave and how they might interact with technology. This means you can’t just sit in front of a screen, you need to get out and talk to people, too.
It also helps if you have a solid background in computer science and math. There are many different ways to advance your career within cyber security, so whatever your passion is — whether it’s biology or photography — make sure to pursue that outside of work as well! The opportunities within cyber security are endless and it’s important to stay fresh by mixing things up once in a while.
Some popular entry-level jobs within cyber security include computer forensic analysts, information security analysts, and computer network defense specialists. These jobs are primarily based in government organizations such as military branches, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement. Although these positions often require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, students with an associate degree can also find work in cyber security.
Earning an associate degree requires two years of full-time study or three years of part-time study — check with your school to see if they offer any degrees or specializations in cyber security! Also, look into certificates as an option for further training. To advance in your career you will typically need some experience working in areas like incident response and network administration, as well as continuing education courses.
Advice from a cybersecurity expert
The pathway to cybersecurity starts with earning an associate’s degree in Information Technology (IT). This program will teach you fundamental computer skills and how to develop software, networking skills, programming techniques, and more. Many schools also offer bachelor’s degrees in IT that focus on hands-on training in areas like web development and information security.
The next step on your cybersecurity path would be earning a Master of Science degree in Information Assurance from Norwich University; it has been a leader in cybersecurity education since 1971. Finally, many employers require that candidates earn certification from organizations like (ISC)2 before they can start work as an information security analyst or network security engineer.
Information technology degree programs vary in length, with associate’s degrees typically taking two years to complete and bachelor’s degrees taking four. The curriculum in IT programs focuses on developing a deep understanding of computer hardware, software, networking, and web development. Most classes teach students how to develop applications using languages like Java or Visual Basic; web development courses will focus on building websites using HTML5 or JavaScript. Some programs may also offer hands-on experience with information security systems by integrating internships or real-world projects into their curricula.
Resources are available online
While it may seem like security certifications are a necessary requirement to work in cyber security, they’re not. The same goes for degrees or even industry experience. But there are resources online—many of them free—that can help you learn more about cyber security and connect with others in your field. The Center for Internet Security (CIS) offers a cybersecurity training library and certification program, available both on its website and on iTunes U.
The information you need to learn about cyber security could be online, too. For example, you can learn about system administration on sites like MIT OpenCourseWare and free IT and business courses on websites like Coursera and edX. Another option to consider: is coding schools. While they’re geared toward programming, some of them teach basic security skills as well.
Examples include Hackbright Academy and Free Code Camp, both of which have earned high praise from past students and users in industry reviews. And if you find yourself strapped for cash but still want a certificate? You can even use free open-source materials available online to make your own certificates or practice tests at home.
Taking online courses can help you advance your skills
The world has shifted from a knowledge economy to an innovation economy, which means that tech is key. And if you want to be in IT, whether it’s cyber security or anything else, earning certifications or taking classes will help you move forward. While you can do all of your studying on your own, there are tons of free and low-cost online courses available today.
So, find one that works with your schedule and dive right in. You could even see where your interest takes you—and if you like it enough to start making money doing what you love. No matter what your goals are in cybersecurity, learning more about it can help get them closer to being a reality.
The first step to making it happen is to learn more about what’s involved in cyber security and information technology. There are tons of online courses you can take that will teach you a lot of cool stuff, but there are also plenty of other options out there. For example, if you don’t feel like sitting in a classroom with a teacher, you can watch online webinars instead.
These webinars are typically recorded and posted on platforms like YouTube or SlideShare where they’re easy to access anytime, anywhere. This makes them really convenient—especially if you’re working or raising kids. Just be sure to do your homework and make sure that any free course or webinar isn’t going to charge you anything unexpected in order to complete it.
Consider certifications as well
It’s not uncommon for cyber security professionals to have several certifications in addition to their degrees. Depending on your specialty, you may want to get certified in certain areas such as intrusion detection and incident response or cryptography. (These certifications also look good on a resume.) The more technical you are, it may be a good idea to become certified with Project Management Institute (PMI), Systems Engineering (SEI), or the International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council). Certifications aren’t free but they can give you an edge when looking for work.
Getting a degree in cyber security from an accredited college or university can help you get your foot in the door. While there aren’t any degrees offered solely in cyber security, many students who major in computer science or engineering get a certificate of some kind in cyber security. Another option is to take courses on forensics and other topics through continuing education programs that your company may offer. In addition to an advanced degree or certs, a proven track record of information technology (IT) experience can also set you apart from other job seekers when it comes time to apply for jobs.
Keep learning and be adaptive to changes
The field of cyber security is constantly changing and evolving. That means that as you move through your career, it’s important to keep on top of new developments in order to continue growing. In addition to a formal education in computer science, adding certifications and advanced training can help you stand out from your peers.
Take advantage of classes offered by cybersecurity companies or industry associations like ISC2 and SANS Institute, which are opportunities to get up-to-date information from industry leaders. When keeping current with new developments doesn’t sound appealing, remember that an active interest in information security will keep you engaged with what’s going on around you—and those connections can lead to exciting career opportunities. It’s up to you whether you decide that variety is a good thing or a curse!
