How To Get Into Cybersecurity – Forbes Advisor
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Cybersecurity is a diverse industry, so it’s common for there to be confusion about how to enter the field. In this article, we’ll demystify cybersecurity, examine the industry’s employment prospects, and detail how to get into cybersecurity (even if you don’t have any experience).
What is cyber security?
Cyber security involves protecting digital assets and their owners from malicious actors. “Digital asset” is an umbrella term for anything that exists in digital form and has significant value. A digital good can include personal data, documents, websites, servers and networks.
To be a great cybersecurity professional, you need technical skills like risk assessment, intrusion detection, knowledge of programming languages, and familiarity with the Linux operating system.
Cybersecurity job outlook
While rightly known as a lucrative field, the cybersecurity industry is rife with talent gaps. There just aren’t enough cybersecurity professionals on the job.
As of 2021, there were over 1 million cybersecurity professionals in the US, but 715,000 job openings remained. As of April 2022, that skills gap hadn’t closed significantly, according to Cyberseek. The high demand for skilled professionals in this industry indicates good employment prospects for new cybersecurity specialists.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts job growth for information security analysts of 35% from 2021 to 2031. That growth is about four times the average projected growth rate for all jobs nationwide, making the information security analyst the 14th fastest growing profession in the country.
In 2021, Cybercrime Magazine predicts that there will be 3.5 million cybersecurity job vacancies by 2025.
Cyber Security Salaries
One factor that sets cybersecurity apart from other fields is its high earning potential, available even to entry-level professionals. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for information security analysts was $102,600 as of May 2021. That’s more than double the national median annual salary for all occupations.
According to Cyberseek, the average salary range for entry-level cybersecurity professionals is $88,230 to $110,000 per year. Note that cybersecurity salaries can vary by position and location.
How to get started with cybersecurity
Earn a degree
About 90% of job postings in this field require a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, computer science or a related field. A traditional degree remains the most popular way to launch a cybersecurity career.
You can earn a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity either online or in person. If you’re not able to commit to a four-year degree, in most cases an associate in cybersecurity or computer science can also get a foot in the door.
gain experience
You may be wondering how to get cybersecurity experience without getting a job in the field first. First, consider internships. An internship gives you the practical skills and experience that employers are looking for. It also gives you a competitive edge over other applicants when you finally start your job search.
Cybersecurity internships can be paid or unpaid depending on the company.
Other ways to gain relevant experience are working on solo cybersecurity projects and contributing to open source projects.
Whichever path you take, make sure you document your progress and experiences. Include these details in your programming portfolio to improve your chances of getting a job.
get certification
Cybersecurity certifications demonstrate that your cybersecurity knowledge and experience meets strict industry standards. These credentials can enhance your marketability and earning potential as an employee.
There are numerous certifications for cybersecurity professionals. Below are some of the most common options.
CISSP: The Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification is issued by the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². This qualification is ideal for cybersecurity professionals with at least five years of experience. This designation is a ticket to the leadership role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
CISA: Administered by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)®, the Certified Information Systems Auditor® certification demonstrates your ability to audit, monitor, and control an organization’s information systems. Only professionals with five years of experience and a high score on the test are eligible for this designation.
CISM: The Certified Information Systems Manager® certification is reserved for experienced cybersecurity professionals who want to advance to leadership positions. This credential demonstrates expertise in information security governance and incident and risk management. ISACA also administers this certification program.
Cybersecurity Bootcamps
If you want to jump-start your career in no time, consider attending a cybersecurity boot camp.
A boot camp is an intensive degree program that equips students with both the hard skills and soft skills needed to land jobs and excel in specific technical fields. Most boot camps last about four to 20 weeks. For part-time students, these programs can last up to a year.
A cybersecurity boot camp is a viable alternative to a traditional degree program because you can acquire the skills you need in less time and at a lower cost. Boot camps average around $11,900. Some even offer financial support and employment guarantees.
Another benefit of cybersecurity boot camps is the availability of personalized programs. You can choose a bootcamp based on your current level of knowledge and availability. Once you complete a cybersecurity boot camp, you’ll qualify for entry-level positions such as penetration tester, IT auditor, information security analyst, and systems administrator.
Popular cybersecurity bootcamps
The right cybersecurity boot camp depends on your price range, schedule, and location. Below we feature some of the most popular cybersecurity boot camps to give you an idea of what to expect.
Stepping stone to a cybersecurity career
Springboard Bootcamp is a 100% online bootcamp that is 380 hours long. It teaches students the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including system and network security, security operations, and vulnerability assessments. With 15-20 hours of study per week, students can complete this program and become Security+ certified in six months.
This program costs between $9,900 and $11,340.
Cybersecurity Analytics Bootcamp by Fullstack Academy
This program promises to take students from zero to professional grades in 13 weeks (or 26 weeks for part-time students). Students can gain hands-on cybersecurity skills through a variety of workshops and labs that mimic real-world scenarios.
Full-time and part-time students pay a flat tuition fee of $15,980. New York residents, women, and veterans are eligible for financial assistance.
ASU Cybersecurity Bootcamp
Arizona State University offers a 24-week in-person boot camp for beginners. Students receive in-depth training in networks, web technologies, and defensive and offensive cyber security. This boot camp is ideal for part-time students who are working or still studying.
Frequently asked questions about cyber security
How do I start a career in cybersecurity?
You can start a career in cybersecurity by enrolling in college, attending a boot camp, or self-educating yourself. The combination of all three learning models can form a strong foundation in this area.
Is getting started with cybersecurity easy?
Getting started with cybersecurity is relatively easy once you have the education and experience. You can gain extensive experience in this area through internships and participation in open source projects.
How do I get started with no cybersecurity experience?
The first step is training through college or a reputable boot camp. You can then apply for paid or unpaid internship positions to gain hands-on knowledge from experienced cybersecurity specialists.