Cybersecurity is a top concern for anyone who does anything online, and it’s hard to find anyone unaffected by the compounding and evolving risks that exist today. That’s why the urgent need for trained cybersecurity specialists continues to grow rapidly.
If you’re interested in learning how to get into cybersecurity, this guide will provide the information you need and show you how to get started on a career that’s in super high demand.
What Is Cybersecurity and Why Is It Important?
Cybersecurity protects computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, such as attacks from hackers and cybercriminals. Organizations can keep their systems and data safe and private by deploying offensive and defensive cybersecurity tactics.
Considering that the average cost of a data breach in the U.S. is now $9.44 million, you can see how critical cybersecurity is to organizations. In 2022 alone, more than 422 million records were exposed.
Cyber attacks and breach attempts are at record levels, and less than a third of CEOs report that their company is well-prepared to deal with cybersecurity threats. Even the majority of those who believe they are adequately prepared also believe they need to be doing more.
Also Read: Highlighting the Ten Best Cybersecurity Courses
How to Get a Job in Cybersecurity: What Jobs are Out There?
Within cybersecurity, there are several different types of jobs, including:
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
CISOs are senior-level executives who oversee the security of an organization’s information and technology.
Cybersecurity Analyst
A cybersecurity analyst specializes in network and IT infrastructure security, actively seeking to anticipate and prevent attacks.
Cybersecurity Consultant
Cybersecurity consultants provide security services to multiple organizations and consult on various cybersecurity issues.
Cybersecurity Manager
A cybersecurity manager is responsible for network and infrastructure operations, monitoring channels as information flows in and out of computer networks. cybersecurity managers may also oversee varying levels of security teams.
Digital Forensic Investigator
Digital forensic investigators analyze digital evidence and investigate security incidents related to breaches and cyber crimes.
Network Engineer
Network engineers are skilled in network infrastructure and are involved in planning, implementing, and managing computer networks.
Penetration & Vulnerability Tester
Penetration testers constantly probe systems to look for flaws, weaknesses, and security gaps. Vulnerability testers are charged with finding flaws during the design and implementation phases.
Programmer Analyst
Programmer analysts also play an essential role in ensuring security is built into software application design and development phases.
Security Analyst
Security analysts identify and correct gaps in an organization’s security systems to continuously improve security posture.
Security Engineer
Security engineers install security tools like firewalls and breach detection systems and work with other professionals to resolve cybersecurity problems.
Systems Analyst
System analysts make sure an organization’s technology is running efficiently and effectively.
Systems Administrator
Systems administrators are responsible for setting up and maintaining systems or networks. A security systems administrator will focus on protecting systems, networks, and information from potential threats.
Within companies, there may be even more specialization. There are dozens of other job titles that exist, so if you’re asking yourself how to get into cybersecurity, you have tons of great options to get your foot in the door.
Also Read: The Top Cybersecurity Interview Questions
Educational Requirements for Cybersecurity Jobs
With a desperate need to hire cybersecurity professionals, the pathway for getting into cybersecurity varies widely.
The educational requirements for cybersecurity jobs will depend on the role. It will also help to get an internship or have real-world experience. For higher-level jobs, you may need a degree or master’s degree. Starting may require completing a certificate program or a bootcamp.
Cybersecurity Bootcamps
A cybersecurity bootcamp is a concentrated training program that can quickly get you up-to-speed on everything you need to know for an entry-level cybersecurity job. There are also advanced bootcamps for those already working in the field to broaden their knowledge and hone their skills to qualify for higher-level positions.
After graduating from a bootcamp, entry-level jobs include:
- Cybersecurity analyst
- Digital forensic investigator
- IT auditor
- Penetration tester
- Security specialist
Once you gain experience, additional training can help you qualify for advancement.
One of the best things about bootcamps is that you can jump-start a career in cybersecurity. In as little as six months, you can take an online bootcamp and learn the hard and soft skills necessary to land a job. Bootcamps can be a great way to start a career in cybersecurity, especially if you’re transitioning from another field or are just getting started in the professional world.
Cybersecurity Salaries and the Cybersecurity Job Market Outlook
The job outlook for the cybersecurity field is very positive. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that jobs in cybersecurity are one of the fastest-growing careers, projected to grow at a rate of 35 percent through 2031. That’s nearly seven times faster than the average occupation.
So, if you are looking to start a career in cybersecurity, there are plenty of openings now, and there will likely be even more in the future. A job as a cybersecurity professional can be lucrative. According to Talent.com, here are the current average salaries for several cybersecurity jobs in the U.S.:
- Systems Administrator — $79,990
- Programmer Analyst — $81,334
- Systems Analyst — $81,970
- Security Analyst — $92,552
- Network Engineer — $100,000
- Security Engineer — $119,981
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) — $230,801
Also Read: Is Cybersecurity a Good Career?
How To Get a Job in Cybersecurity if You Already Work in IT
If you are already working in the technical field, bootcamps are a great way to learn the skills you need to get a job in cybersecurity. Depending on the area you want to specialize in, you may also want to earn certifications to demonstrate your proficiency.
Some of the more in-demand certifications include:
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) from the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)2
- Certified Information Systems Auditor from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)
- Certified Information System Manager from ISACA.
For the highest-paying jobs, you may need a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree along with real-world experience.
If you have a background in IT and are trying to figure out how to break into cybersecurity, a bootcamp is a great way to learn the specialized skills you need for a solid foundation.
How to Get Into Cybersecurity if You Have No Technical Experience
If you don’t have cybersecurity experience, don’t worry — there are many ways to get into cybersecurity. One way is to take this six-month bootcamp in cybersecurity to help jump-start your career.
You will gain expertise in both offensive and defensive cybersecurity tactics, including:
- Asset and inventory management
- Business continuity
- Data management
- Data privacy and security
- Threat analysis
- Vulnerability assessment
- Digital forensics
- Identity and access management
- Incident management
- Network security
- Risk management
This online course will help you develop the skills you need to master the latest in-demand tools, technologies, and tactics. From there, you can use this real-world experience to get into cybersecurity and work protecting data and systems.
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