One of the best things about choosing a career in cybersecurity is the rising demand and surplus positions available. This can be seen in our last blog, where we discussed the increasing workforce gap in the cybersecurity field and the ways to overcome it. So if you’re a student or a professional who got inspired and is currently looking to enter the world of cybersecurity, you’ve come to the right place.

Is Choosing A Career Path in Cybersecurity Worth It?

Yes! At least in the present scenario, many organisations are struggling to fill the surplus positions in security. As surprising as it sounds, the unemployment rate for cybersecurity dropped to 0% in 2016 and has been the same ever since. Secondly, there are so many vast opportunities in the field of cybersecurity alone. From positions ranging from cybersecurity architect, security analyst, consultant, and security software developer to the chief information security officer, one can choose depending on their interests and needs. Cybersecurity professionals are the backbone of a company’s security infrastructure, so they get paid competitive salaries in the market. In India, a cyber security analyst can earn 5 lakhs per year on average, whereas in the USA, they can earn up to $92,552 per year.

Kickstarting Your Career In Cybersecurity

Firstly, we must understand there’s no ‘perfect way’ of doing this. Everyone starts from a different point and gradually transitions into it. If you’re a student exploring this career option, then you have an advantage, but for those of your working professionals, don’t worry! It’s never too late to pursue a career in cybersecurity. You need determination, perseverance and a knack for technical things to kickstart and succeed.

Earn A Bachelor’s Degree

This is one of the most common yet effective ways for those who have the time to pursue their undergrad in cybersecurity. This will teach you fundamental theories, IT skills, and data analytics and explores risk management, which is all essential in day-to-day activities. Some courses focus on cloud-based security, programming, cyber defence, security systems, etc. Apart from this, you also have options of doing a BS in Cybersecurity or a BS in Information Technology with a major in cybersecurity. Always remember to utilise the online resources and see which college or coursework would be a better fit for your profile.

Enroll Into Online Courses

The second most common and effective way of getting into the world of cybersecurity is by pursuing online courses to get acquainted with industry-wide practices. This is the best way for working professionals as, unlike a bachelor’s degree, they can watch online videos according to their convenience and availability. Many exciting courses are available online, such as ethical hacking, network security, social engineering, defence fundamentals, etc. These are usually offered by top organisations and universities worldwide, and you get an official certificate upon completion. Take a look at Coursera’s or Udemy’s popular cybersecurity courses to kickstart your journey immediately. 

Get Certifications For Extra Validation

While most companies are happy with a bachelor’s degree, the rest are explicitly looking for certifications to validate your knowledge and required skillset. There are hundreds of certificates available ranging from beginner to advanced level. With these additional certifications, you earn more money, transition into the job quickly and have a competitive edge of being the most qualified. Some of these popular certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
• GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

Building a career in cybersecurity is not easy, but proper determination and possessing the right technical and non-technical skills can definitely ease the process. Remember that cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries out there, so why not use this to explore and tap into the right opportunities?