If you’re looking to advance your career in the cyber-security field, you can start by acquiring the necessary hard skills. These skills include certifications and volunteering. While this may be difficult to accomplish if you don’t already have experience, it can be done. Just keep in mind that this will be a slower road. You’ll have to learn many of the same skills as techies, and it may take longer to gain experience.
Certifications
Whether you’re a student or are already in the cybersecurity workforce, there are several cyber security certifications that can enhance your skills and provide you with a competitive advantage. A CompTIA Security+ certification, for example, are a basic certification that requires some basic knowledge and a background in computer science and security. This certification is not as advanced as the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), which is geared toward managers and senior-level jobs.
Obtaining CISSP certification proves you have the knowledge and expertise necessary to implement best-in-class cybersecurity programs. Similarly, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certifications demonstrate your ability to design and implement a security infrastructure for networks. These credentials align with the job description of a Cisco Certified Network Security Engineer (CCNE), which is responsible for network security on Cisco routers, switches, appliances, and other devices.
The GSEC certification consists of a single exam that covers seven domains, including access controls, security operations, risk management, cryptography, and network security. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and carries a seventy percent passing score. The exam is web-based and requires remote or onsite proctoring. The exam costs USD 949 and includes two practice tests.
If you’re interested in pursuing a cybersecurity career, a graduate degree is recommended. There are several cybersecurity specializations to choose from, including cybersecurity architects, auditors, and penetration testers. There are also many points of entry into the field, from high school through college, and even from a different IT specialty. Additionally, there are entry-level cybersecurity certifications to help you build your resume and demonstrate your knowledge of the field.
Hard skills
If you’re considering a career in cybersecurity, you’ll need to learn new hard skills and develop soft skills. In addition to having an extensive understanding of technical issues, a cybersecurity professional must also maintain current knowledge of procedures and standards. Additionally, good communication skills are essential for this field. These include the ability to explain difficult concepts clearly understand the needs of others. Furthermore, cybersecurity professionals need to have a thorough understanding of social engineering, which is a common way for hackers to gain access to otherwise secure systems.
Another important skill is collaboration. Many companies use teams of cybersecurity experts to protect their systems. By working well together, they can identify potential weaknesses and develop a strong defense strategy. It also promotes open dialogue and allows different perspectives to emerge. In addition, a cybersecurity team benefits from the unique knowledge of each team member.
While hard skills are important, soft skills are equally as important. Cybersecurity professionals should be flexible and adaptable, as they need to apply their technical knowledge to the broader organization. A curiosity about new technologies can also help them progress in their career. Finally, cybersecurity professionals must be adaptable to new threats.
Regardless of your educational background, cybersecurity is a growing field and there are plenty of jobs to be found. It’s not uncommon to find cybersecurity jobs that involve solving problems, building strong defenses, and preventing and recovering from data breaches. Many companies run training classes that can prepare students for certification exams.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to expand your professional network and supercharge existing skills. It allows you to interact with other people from different backgrounds and experience a new environment. This kind of experience can also enhance your soft skills, which employers highly prize. Moreover, volunteering also gives you a chance to give back to your community and explore your own passions.
As a volunteer in the cybersecurity industry, you’ll be able to network with IT heads, gain new skills, and make new friends. You’ll also gain contacts that will be able to inform you of new opportunities in the industry. Moreover, you’ll be able to impress potential employers and get a professional reference from your volunteer work.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned veteran, volunteer work is a great way to enhance your professional development. Many organizations offer opportunities for cybersecurity professionals. Volunteering in a nonprofit organization can give you the opportunity to network with cybersecurity authorities and improve your networking skills. You can also find cybersecurity associations in your city to network with other professionals in the field.
Volunteer work will allow you to acquire real-world skills, which is much more important than certification. Certifications don’t teach you how to deal with real-world scenarios, and outside a lab, things can get messy. Volunteering in the field will give you hands-on experience in challenging conditions that will impress potential employers.