Skip to main content
6 answers
7
Asked 1138 views

How do I be a part of Cyber security and what are the benefits of it?

What do you do as a person who works for Cyber security? And how do you get a job/ career in it? Why did you want the job in the first place?
Are you able to work while at home?
Do you have flexible hours?
How much do you get paid monthly?
How many years does it take to be in Cyber security?
And lastly, Do I have to go to college to have a job in Cyber security?

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

7

6 answers


1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Puppet,

A Guide to Building a Career in Cyber Security and its Advantages

Launching Your Cyber Security Career: To kickstart your career in cyber security, a solid base in computer science, information technology, or a related field is typically required. Here's a roadmap to get you on your way:

Education: Seek a degree in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, or a similar field. This will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills for a career in the cybersecurity industry.

Certifications: Earn relevant certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), CompTIA Security+, etc. These credentials confirm your expertise and can boost your employability.

Acquire Experience: Obtain practical experience through internships, entry-level jobs, or volunteer work in cybersecurity-related roles. This hands-on experience is priceless in the industry.

Networking: Establish a professional network in the cybersecurity industry by attending conferences, participating in online forums, and linking with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.

Continuous Learning: Keep abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and threats in cybersecurity through ongoing learning and professional development.

Perks of a Cyber Security Career:

High Demand: The rising frequency of cyber attacks has resulted in a high demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Competitive Salaries: Cybersecurity professionals often earn attractive salaries due to their specialized skills.
Job Security: As long as cyber threats persist, there will always be a need for cybersecurity professionals to safeguard organizations' digital assets.
Variety of Career Paths: Cybersecurity provides a broad spectrum of career paths including ethical hacking, incident response, security analysis, etc.
Worldwide Opportunities: Cybersecurity skills are sought after globally, offering chances for international career advancement.

Roles in Cyber Security: As a cybersecurity professional, your duties may encompass:

Identifying and neutralizing security risks
Enforcing security measures to safeguard systems and data
Monitoring networks for potential security breaches
Investigating security incidents and responding to cyber attacks
Performing security audits and assessments

Remote Work and Flexibility: Numerous cybersecurity roles offer the option to work remotely, particularly in the current digital era where remote work has become increasingly prevalent. However, the degree of remote work and flexibility can differ based on the employer and specific job role.

Salary and Career Advancement: The salary in cyber security can fluctuate based on factors like experience, certifications, location, and job role. Entry-level roles may begin around $60,000 annually, while seasoned professionals can earn six-figure salaries or more.

Education Prerequisites: While a college degree is advantageous for entering the cybersecurity field, it is not always compulsory. Some employers may regard relevant certifications and practical experience as adequate qualifications for certain roles. Nonetheless, holding a degree can unlock more opportunities for career progression and higher-paying roles.

In summary, embarking on a career in cyber security can be both professionally and financially rewarding. By gaining the necessary education, certifications, experience, and skills, you can set off on a satisfying journey in this dynamic and high-demand field.

Top 3 Credible Sources Used:

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): CISA is a trusted government agency that offers resources and advice on cybersecurity best practices. Their website provides valuable insights on cybersecurity careers and education prerequisites.

(ISC)²: (ISC)² is a global nonprofit membership association dedicated to creating a safe and secure cyber world. They provide esteemed certifications like CISSP that are highly regarded in the industry.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers data on occupational outlooks, including details on job growth rates, median salaries, and educational prerequisites for various professions like cybersecurity.

These sources were crucial in providing accurate and current information on building a career in cyber security and its associated advantages.

GOD BLESS!
James Constantine.
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Avinash’s Answer

Cybersecurity is a broad and exciting field. Start by gaining a basic understanding of what cybersecurity entails and why it's so important. Discover where your skills and interests might best align within this dynamic industry. Consider pursuing a degree in cybersecurity to further your knowledge and open up career opportunities.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Edmond’s Answer

What do you do as a person who works for Cyber security?
> My work involves security compliance for public cloud (Azure, AWS, GCP). I deal w/ a lot of policies, regulatory and policy compliance and some technical stuff. I work w/ application teams and help them become and remain compliant so that they can focus more on doing their real jobs.
And how do you get a job/ career in it?
> You can start in IT, do internships, attend local meetups for related non-profits (ISC2.org, OWASP.org, ISSA.org) or local universities and colleges. Or get a degree in cyber related discipline but with just a degree you'll have a harder time finding a job.
Why did you want the job in the first place?
> I have all been interested in technology and got into IT (Information Technology) then security. Both involve a lot of troubleshooting, resolving complicated problems and to me, feel like solving puzzles. Nothing is ever the same so less chance of getting bored.
Are you able to work while at home?
> most cybersecurity roles are a good fit for remote work, from anywhere - however imo as a young person, you should definitely strive to find a hybrid role - building relationships is crucial for being successful not just in cybersecurity but in any profession.
Do you have flexible hours?
> I do now and as you get more experience and seniority, you can build that in your career
How much do you get paid monthly?
> you can make a decent living in this field IF you stay up to date and continually learn and expand your knowledge because like I mentioned above, it's a very fluid field.
How many years does it take to be in Cyber security?
> you'd need a few years to get started and settled in a role that can include the 'cybersecurity' in the title
And lastly, Do I have to go to college to have a job in Cyber security?
> not really but a disciplined education would get you to your goal quicker

Check the "Explore Cybersecurity Career Options" of https://niccs.cisa.gov/education-training/cybersecurity-students to get a better sense of what options are available - and note the list is not comprehensive.

Hope this helps!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Karin’s Answer

Hi Puppet,

If you work in cybersecurity, your job is to protect computers, networks, and data from attacks such as malware or denial of service attacks, spying or ransomware.

There are many different roles in cybersecurity. The salary depends on your education, experience and skills and what your role in a company is.

You would typically study cybersecurity or computer science in college. You can get an associates (2 years) or bachelors (4 years) degree for entry level or continue to masters and PhD for more advanced studies.

You don't necessarily need to go to college. There are many online courses and bootcamps that will teach you skills. At the end of the day you need to get certain certifications, and there are unfortunitely many (and they cost money). I have attached some more information on possible career paths for you.

Experience is also extremely important. And your job interview might be being put into a room with a number of computers where you need to break into as many systems as possible.

Overall, I would say starting with a college degree, at least a bachelors, is still a good idea if you don't already have a lot of computer knowledge. It gives you a solid basis for the profession, and getting the necessary experience from e.g. internships and eventually a job is easier when you have contacts and a network.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

KP

Karin recommends the following next steps:

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/it-and-tech/cyber-security-degree/
https://www.cybersecurityeducation.org/certifications/
https://cybersecurityguide.org/programs/cybersecurity-certifications/
Thank you comment icon I appreciate this, thank you for the advice. Puppet
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome! Karin P.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer
Embrace the chance to learn about specific security issues within a company and be prepared to tackle them - remember, expertise comes with learning, problem-solving, and growth. Don't shy away from Cyber Security as a subject - just like any other industry, when you break it down, it's just a series of simple problems that need solving before they form a comprehensive solution.

A few specific actionable things to do:

Take a look at https://www.cisa.gov/ to understand the USA's guidelines for security standards.

Consider exploring security certifications such as CompTIA++, CompTIA Security+, and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Also, don't forget to visit https://infosec-conferences.com/event-series/def-con/

With the rise of GenAI applications across various levels in nearly every company, the security industry is experiencing a boom, offering numerous growth opportunities.

0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Atul’s Answer

If you're armed with a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or Data Analytics, you're already on the right track to building a successful career in cybersecurity.

Remember, every employer is different. Whether it's the nature of your work or the location of your job, these factors should take a backseat when compared to the specific area of cybersecurity you're passionate about.

Cybersecurity is a dynamic and ever-evolving field. While it all started with software, many companies now offer hardware solutions with embedded cybersecurity for machine learning.

Choosing a career in cybersecurity is a decision you won't regret. I can vouch for this, having spent an exciting decade in this field. It's been a fascinating journey, filled with challenges and immense personal satisfaction. Plus, it's a great way to earn a living!
0