Entering the cybersecurity field can be complex but can be approached from various angles, depending on one’s background, interests, and career aspirations. Here are the top 25 ways to pivot into a cybersecurity career.
- Educational Background: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in fields like Computer Science, Information Technology, or Cybersecurity.
- Certifications: Acquire foundational certifications like CompTIA Security+, CySA+, Isaca’s CCSF, (ISC)² SSCP, or Cisco’s CCNA CyberOps.
- Advanced Certifications: Consider professional-level certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CISA, GSEC, CEH, and CHFI.
- Internships: Secure internships at tech companies or firms with IT departments to gain practical experience.
- IT Roles: Start in broader IT roles like network administration to build foundational knowledge.
- Bootcamps: Enroll in cybersecurity boot camps to acquire hands-on skills quickly.
- Online Courses: Leverage platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Cybrary for specialized courses.
- Networking: Attend cybersecurity conferences like BSides, Black Hat, DEF CON, or local meetups.
- Capture The Flag (CTF) Competitions: Participate in these competitions to hone practical hacking skills.
- Specialize: Focus on niche areas like penetration testing, cybersecurity analysis, or compliance.
- Higher Education: Consider pursuing a master’s or other advanced degrees in cybersecurity or related fields (check into Western Governors University, for example)
- Cyber Ranges: Practice skills in simulated environments like cyber ranges.
- Government Programs: Explore cybersecurity training programs offered by government agencies.
- Research: Conduct vulnerability research or ethical hacking to discover and report security flaws.
- Blog or Content Creation: Share knowledge, write articles, or create videos to build a presence in the cybersecurity community.
- Open Source Contribution: Contribute to open-source cybersecurity projects on platforms like GitHub.
- Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of groups like ISACA, (ISC)², or SANS.
- Military or Law Enforcement: Several defense and law enforcement agencies have dedicated cyber units.
- Freelance Work: Offer freelance services for vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, or cybersecurity consulting.
- Stay Updated: Regularly read cybersecurity news from Bleeping Computer, KrebsOnSecurity, or The Hacker News.
- Home Lab Setup: Set up a home lab to experiment, practice skills, and test new tools.
- Job Platforms: Regularly check job platforms like LinkedIn, CyberSecJobs, or InfoSec Jobs for opportunities.
- Soft Skills: Develop skills like communication, essential for roles that convey technical findings to non-technical stakeholders.
- Diversify Skills: Learn about related areas such as data privacy, compliance, or risk management.
- Mentorship: Seek mentors in the field to guide your career path and provide industry insights.
Additional Tips and Salary Insights
Continuous Learning
The cybersecurity field is ever-evolving. Dedicate time for regular learning to stay updated with the latest threats and defense mechanisms.
Networking: Building strong professional relationships can open doors to job opportunities and collaborations.
Typical Salaries (U.S. figures as of 2022, which may vary depending on location, company, and experience):
- Entry-Level Cybersecurity Analyst: $55,000 – $90,000
- Cybersecurity Engineer: $85,000 – $130,000
- Penetration Tester: $80,000 – $130,000
- Information Security Manager: $105,000 – $165,000
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO): $150,000 – $300,000+
It’s essential to note that salaries can vary widely based on location, years of experience, industry demand, and individual qualifications. Refer to the latest industry reports or salary surveys for the most up-to-date figures.
Use this interactive mapping if you’re interested in cyber but unsure of the path or role. You can always find something new and exciting in understanding blue teaming, such as monitoring bad actor activity on the dark web; read more here.
