The rise of the internet has transformed the way that people live, interact, and do business. As businesses and consumers alike have become increasingly dependent on the internet and cloud-based systems, cyber threats have exploded. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is anticipated to cost businesses an estimated $10.5 trillion per year worldwide by 2025.
Because of the constantly increasing cyber threats, the cybersecurity industry has exploded. More people are considering getting a cybersecurity degree to break into this lucrative field. Here is how to get into cybersecurity for beginners so you can determine whether this might be the right career path for you.
Cybersecurity means protecting data, networks, endpoint devices, and cloud assets from malicious actors, unauthorized access, and criminal use. Cybersecurity professionals ensure that information is available to those who are authorized to access it while ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data. Digital assets that might be protected with the work of cybersecurity professionals include anything with significant value that exists in the digital realm, including documents, servers, networks, sensitive personal data, intellectual property, and more.
If you dream of becoming a cybersecurity expert, you’ll need to start with the fundamentals, including gaining technical know how in intrusion detection, penetration testing, risk assessment, proficiency in Python and other programming languages, and in-depth knowledge of Linux OS and other operating systems.
The volume of cyber attacks has continued to increase, and they have also become increasingly complex. Because of this, cybersecurity is ever more important. Modern businesses rely on the Internet to gain customers, support remote sites, and conduct business operations. Many organizations store massive quantities of sensitive data on connected networks and in the cloud.
Bad actors have taken advantage of the turn to the internet because they can access sensitive data and use it for criminal purposes. Cybersecurity is a critical need for organizations of all sizes to protect both their operations and the sensitive data of their customers and clients. Good cybersecurity can help to prevent identity theft, data breaches, ransomware attacks, and many other issues that can lead to major disruptions and substantial losses. Organizations must have strong cybersecurity postures to protect the customers they serve and their trade secrets.
The cloud has played a transformative role in the world of IT, but it has also brought a new generation of security risks. More organizations store vast quantities of critical data and proprietary applications in the cloud, making it crucial to keep current with the latest threats and how they might protect themselves.
The cloud allows businesses to be much more adaptable and agile in the face of change, but the added agility comes with additional security risks. For instance, a company’s cloud provider might not have the same level of security controls provided by an on-site data center. Since data stored in the cloud might be spread across numerous locations, protecting it can be even more challenging. Organizations must take steps to mitigate these added risks and work with their cloud providers to ensure they use strong security controls.
Just the fact that the internet is a staple in day-to-day business operations for the vast majority of businesses means there has been a corresponding rise in cyber attacks. The news is replete with stories about major data breaches and bad actors holding the data of hospitals, schools, and major businesses hostage for ransom. While the threat landscape might be a frightening new reality, it also means there is a massive opportunity for people who want to go into the cybersecurity field.
Cybercrime has increased along with the growth of the digital economy. With huge numbers of interactions occurring online, cybercriminals now have seemingly limitless attack opportunities. Data breaches threaten the safety of both individuals and businesses. As previously noted, cyberattacks are expected to cause damages totaling around $10.5 trillion each year in 2025.
According to a report by McKinsey & Company, companies spent an estimated $150 billion on cybersecurity in 2021 alone. This was a compound annual growth rate of 12.4%, but McKinsey indicates that it is likely woefully inadequate to handle the threat landscape. Based on its research, McKinsey reports a considerable gap between the amount businesses spend and what it would cost to adequately address existing security threats. As a result, McKinsey identified a $2 trillion opportunity for cybersecurity providers and investors around the globe.
The cybersecurity industry is expected to enjoy continued growth. However, there is a large existing shortfall of available professionals to fill the needed positions. The anticipated continued growth of the industry and the significant need for professionals makes it a great field to consider with the right skill set.
Success in the cybersecurity field requires a blend of soft skills and technical skills. Many successful professionals in this field have similar personality traits that make them uniquely suited for their jobs.
• Not attention-seeking: Many people who go into cybersecurity prefer to avoid the limelight. They are humble and modest and tend not to crave fame but want to do an excellent job behind the scenes. Cybersecurity professionals also tend to be those who enjoy helping others. While they might spend their days attending to programs and systems, their overriding goal is to protect people and their data. Because of what they do, collaborating with others to quickly address threats is essential.
• Staying cool in the face of emergencies: Good cybersecurity personnel can also keep their composure in emergencies. They must work well under pressure to deftly handle cyber threats. People prone to outbursts are generally not suited for a job in cybersecurity.
• Inqisuitive and eager to learn: People who excel in cybersecurity are naturally inquisitive and enjoy learning about constantly changing threats and advancements in cybersecurity measures. Every time a new threat is prevented, good cybersecurity workers know that a new one will emerge and continuously work to gain new technical skills. A successful candidate must be curious, creative, and imaginative and can quickly figure things out.
• Hardworking and detail-oriented: A successful candidate for a cybersecurity position needs to be hardworking and detail-oriented. When an organization’s security is at stake, a cybersecurity worker must be prepared at all times. They should pay attention to the smallest of details while pushing forward because a small oversight could result in an attack. Every detail must be carefully scrutinized. Professionals in this field must also value making a positive impact by providing the best work they can at all times.
• Responsive: People who are responsive and ready to act no matter what comes up can be good at cybersecurity. When you’re working to protect a company’s digital assets, cyber threats can suddenly emerge and make things go south quickly. A breach can occur when someone working for the company opens a phishing email, exposing sensitive information. For this reason, cybersecurity workers must respond quickly whenever their skills are required.
• Having a scientific orientation: A good cybersecurity professional enjoys using technical skills to solve complex problems. This requires a solid foundation in analysis and using data based on scientific principles. Since cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, people who are highly technical and believe in evidence-based decision-making are ideal for cybersecurity jobs.
• Maintaining a healthy skepticism: Cybersecurity workers know that they must maintain a healthy suspicion about everything that occurs. They must sometimes step into the shoes of a hacker to understand what they might do. Being skeptical means comprehending the constant threats and taking preventative measures to keep them from becoming a reality.
The career path cycle from part-time and full-time entry-level positions to roles with advanced responsibility varies based on how you gain entry into the field. A few of the career path cycles are listed below.
A sample cybersecurity career path with a background in networking includes:
A sample career path with a background in software development or systems engineering might include:
A sample career path with a background in financial and risk analysis might include:
There can be a significant degree of variability and overlap between these career paths. The above are only examples but can potentially lead to executive-level positions or even the Chief Information Security Officer.
The vast majority of jobs in cybersecurity require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, and some require a Master’s degree for higher-level positions. A few of the types of degrees you might pursue to get into a cybersecurity career include the following:
You can pursue a cybersecurity degree in-person on a traditional campus or online. While completing a Bachelor’s degree will take four years and involve taking numerous cybersecurity courses, it can launch your new career in the field of cybersecurity. You might also consider attending a cybersecurity bootcamp to sharpen your skill set through hands-on learning. Many people choose to pursue a Master’s degree in cybersecurity once they have already entered the field based on their specific area of desired expertise.
In addition to a degree, you’ll need several cybersecurity certifications to show your knowledge and experience. Cybersecurity certifications show that you meet stringent standards and improve your marketability and earnings potential.
Below are a few of the most common certifications held by cybersecurity professionals:
• CompTIA security certification – Good to gain entry into the field
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification – Useful for professionals with 5+ years of experience to advance to senior roles
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification – shows the ability to monitor information systems; must have a minimum of 5 years of experience and obtain a high score
• Certified Information Systems Manager (CISM) certification – Must be an experienced professional on track to advance to leadership and shows expertise in risk management and the governance of information security
Cybersecurity is lucrative, but it is plagued with gaps because there aren’t enough professionals currently on the market. As of August 2023, Cyberseek reports there are more than 663,000 open positions in cybersecurity in the U.S. Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, leading to substantial job prospects for people entering the field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts enjoyed a median salary of $102,601 per year in 2021, with a projected employment growth rate of 35% through 2031. This growth rate means that this position is among the fastest-growing occupations in the nation. The high median salary combined with the projected growth rate means going into cybersecurity can be a lucrative choice. If you have the right skills and obtain a degree, you might enjoy a comfortable life working as a cybersecurity professional.
As a forward-thinking and innovative company, we recognize the paramount significance of skilled professionals in safeguarding digital landscapes. At Meriplex, we value diversity of thought and a proactive approach to tackling challenges, making it an ideal environment for individuals to thrive in the realm of cybersecurity. Join us in our mission to bolster the digital realm’s security and resilience – reach out and embark on an exciting journey with Meriplex.
Whether you want to become a certified ethical hacker (CEH), focus on cloud security, or work on penetration testing, you can enjoy a great career in the field with hard work and the right cybersecurity skills. If you possess the technical expertise, a passion for staying ahead of cyber threats, a commitment to fortifying digital infrastructures, and have earned the credentials required for an entry-level cybersecurity job, we encourage you to get in touch with us at Meriplex or connect with us on Linkedin.
