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Cybersecurity has become one of the world’s most popular and profitable industries. It’s a practice of protecting networks and systems from digital attacks.
And since businesses, organizations, and financial sectors look for proven ways to keep their data safe from hackers, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is rising.
The cybersecurity world consists of security testers, pen testers, engineers, and many other experts who prevent digital attacks. And if you’re interested in pursuing a career in this high-demand field, you’re at the right place.
In this article, you will find a beginner’s guide on how to start a career in cybersecurity, so let’s dive right in.
Table of Contents
How to Start a Career in Cybersecurity?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics claims that the number of cybersecurity jobs will increase by 33% between 2020 and 2030.
Therefore, if you’re pursuing a career in cybersecurity, you’re joining a growing and appealing industry where available jobs outnumber qualified workers.
As this field grows in importance, more specialized jobs arise. However, people still wonder how to start a career in cybersecurity.
Here’s a short beginner’s guide.
Learning the Basics
The first thing you must tackle when pursuing a career in cybersecurity is the basics of IT systems and networks and computer science. For instance, you must learn about the various types of networks and their safety protocols.
Once you’re familiar with the basics, you can dive deep into the fundamentals of networking traffic, communication principles, and security.
Creating and Analyzing Network Services
Another important thing you must learn before pursuing a career in cybersecurity is how network servers work.
It would help if you taught yourself how to make and inspect network servers. Also, educating yourself about other topics, such as data encryption and decryption, data recovery, backup processes, and ethical hacking would be best.
Additionally, since cybersecurity is focused on preventing digital attacks, you should learn how to prevent such attacks as a beginner.
The online community constantly grows while technology advances; expectedly, the risk of cyber-attacks and hacks rises, so you should stay ahead of trends like mobile payments, cloud computing, and e-commerce.
Computer Systems, Social Media, and Apps
Social media platforms, different apps, and computer systems play a vital role in the cybersecurity industry.
As a newbie in this field, you must know everything about the above and stay ahead of criminals looking for ways to hack into people’s apps, social media accounts, and computer systems to steal data and financial information.
Additionally, you must learn about building and maintaining secure systems that will help businesses protect their data and financial information because they’re usually targeted by criminals more than regular people worldwide.
How to Start a Career in Cybersecurity Without Previous Experience?
Luckily, starting a career in cybersecurity without previous knowledge or experience isn’t as hard as many believe.
The best part? Becoming one of the best cyber security professionals doesn’t require too much time and money. However, it would help if you had extra patience and passion for learning.
In a nutshell, transitioning to a career in cybersecurity is doable with dedication and training, regardless of your previous career path and background.
Complete a Course in Cybersecurity
Nowadays, you can learn everything online for free; however, if you’re serious about starting a cybersecurity career, you should sign up for a comprehensive online or in-person course covering IT security and data protection fundamentals.
Explore the subjects you like in your free time and polish your new skills.
Signing up for a course is a good idea because after taking a cybersecurity course, you will be skilled to start working within IT security teams.
Moreover, as your knowledge, skills, and experience progress with the digital world, you will get a new chance at specialization and advancement in many other areas of cybersecurity.
Simply put, you never stop learning and upgrading in this field.
Build Experience
The beginner’s course for cybersecurity will get you on the right path. However, you should also practice alone and test your skills.
For instance, you should run tests, test for vulnerabilities, set up firewalls, produce reports, and make data-based decisions that will improve the security of a computer network. Moreover, take risks and apply for paid or unpaid practice.
That way, you will practice what you preach, improve your skills as a beginner, and build experience. Lastly, don’t quit your current job until you land a career in the IT sector.
Make sure you have a steady income while equipping yourself with knowledge, so you can pay for courses and support yourself while walking toward your goals.
Apply for Cyber Security Jobs
Once you feel ready, apply for entry-level cyber security positions. Examples of cyber security jobs for beginners in this field include:
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Cybersecurity Technician
- Information Security Analyst
- IT Auditor
- Incident Responder
As a beginner with skills and knowledge of the field, you should research these jobs as a starting point in your cybersecurity career.
- Certified Ethical Hacker
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Penetration Tester
As you gain advanced cybersecurity skills grow over time, you will start exploring advanced-level positions like the following:
- Cybersecurity Engineer
- Cybersecurity Architect
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Managerial Positions
As you can see, each level of IT security has different roles you can prepare for and explore in depth.
The best part? You can upgrade your skills gradually and climb high in this field, but only if you’re courageous and passionate about your cyber security career path.
Many people explore this field because it’s full of opportunities and room for growth, despite your current position and career in life.
If you’re ready for a new life adventure and passionate about cybersecurity, give it a try.
Last Tips
Thanks to the growing demand for system and network protection, the cybersecurity industry is thriving and opening job positions for prospective employees.
If you start a cyber security career, expect a lucrative salary and consistent progress if you’re good at what you do.
You can always upgrade your cyber security skills and knowledge by exploring courses and books for beginners, intermediate workers, and experts.
However, since training provides better results than just reading the material, make sure you undergo training that covers cybersecurity’s theoretical aspects and the implementation of your cyber security skills.
Testing real computer networks can help you improve your skillset needed for a job in cybersecurity, so make sure you practice for a while before applying for a job.
After soaking up the theoretical knowledge, you can test your skills towards the end of your beginner’s course with training and get ready for your cyber security journey.
Learn more on how to get into cybersecurity with no experience.
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-Charbel Nemnom-
