As the business world becomes increasingly dependent on technology for its smooth and secure operations and the exchange of information, data breaches are happening at a frequent pace. Companies simply can’t afford a data breach because it can put a major spoke in their wheels of progress. In some instances, data breaches can cost millions of dollars for the affected parties. More importantly, it can result in the compromise of sensitive business information. Not surprisingly, there is a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals across the globe. Let’s talk about how to get a job in cybersecurity and understand what cybersecurity is all about.
What Is Cybersecurity
Nearly all organizations in the modern world operate a large portion of their business virtually. That’s why it becomes imperative to create protection systems and security barriers in the form of passwords and codes. Every business deals with copyrights, patents, trade secrets, and other similarly sensitive data.
A data breach could expose all such sensitive information to people with malicious intent. It can cause significant damage in terms of reputation and growth for a business. There are also huge monetary costs involved.
Why Cybersecurity Is Important
Cyberattacks are not just about stealing data. Hackers also try to gain control of critical infrastructure and processes. It can permanently compromise data integrity.
It is critical for organizations to find ways to secure the data they rely on so much. So, companies are placing cybersecurity at the core of their business operations. Therefore, the cybersecurity job market has proliferated over the past few years. If you want to know how to get into cybersecurity, many options are available.
Likewise, the responsibility of a cybersecurity professional involves protecting interconnected systems and networks from digital attacks or cyber threats. They may have to deal with software hacking, hardware damage, and information theft.
A cybersecurity specialist’s daily tasks include:
- Applying security audits across all systems and networks
- Designing firewalls to preclude data breaches
- Providing training to staff on security best practices
- Continuous monitoring of security systems to detect vulnerabilities
Also, the cybersecurity field offers a wide range of jobs, from entry-level to executive management and everything in between.
How to Get a Job in Cybersecurity
1. Take Up a Cybersecurity Course
Pursuing a course in cybersecurity is probably the best way to launch a career in cybersecurity. Likewise, these courses will give you a detailed understanding of the subject. So, a boot camp can be a great option if you are looking for more hands-on experience. Make sure you enroll in a camp organized by accredited organizations.
2. Build Your Portfolio by Freelancing
Freelancing in cybersecurity can be a good step in building a solid portfolio. So, you can gain real-world knowledge, develop your skills, and network with established professionals in the cybersecurity industry.
3. Work with a Mentor
Additionally, if you know someone who is a cybersecurity expert, reach out and ask them if you can work with them to learn the ropes of the industry.
4. Get Some Certifications
Certifications are a great way to prove to prospective employers that you have the expertise needed for the role. Likewise, the recommended ones are:
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate (ISACA)
5. Develop Your Network
Developing your network is a tested way of getting into the world of cybersecurity. The more people you know in this industry, the better the chances of getting hired. You can build your network on reputed platforms like LinkedIn or connect with online communities and forums. Visiting relevant conferences and meetups can also help develop a robust network.
6. Build a Powerful Resume
Your resume must reflect your cybersecurity-specific skills. So, make sure it is up to date. Moreover, mention details of any internship you might have done in this field and provide proof of the certifications and credits you have earned.
Likewise, research companies dealing with cybersecurity issues and contact them directly to find out if opportunities are available for internships. Some of the cybersecurity jobs you can try applying for based on your background are:
- Network Administrator
- Analyst for system vulnerabilities
- Incident analyst
- Penetration tester
- Information security analyst
A vulnerability analyst looks for potential weaknesses in computer systems and networks. So, they work in a team to identify potential threats, judge their severity, and recommend the appropriate solutions.
An incident analyst also monitors the office systems for signs of an attempted breach or attack.
Additionally, a junior penetration tester is tasked with uncovering computer systems and network susceptibilities so they can be fixed before a major attack happens.
An information security analyst also helps protect the organization’s electronic data from hackers.
Conclusion
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing faster than the average demand for other professionals globally. Cybersecurity is emerging as one of the best career options in the US and across the world. The demand for qualified professionals is high and is projected to grow in the future. Now that you know how to get a job in cybersecurity, you can think about salary and benefits. Salaries are well above average. An experienced cybersecurity technician can earn more than $100,000 annually.
