Cybersecurity is a booming industry, with an estimated 3.5 million job openings. As our lives become more digitally focused, the necessity of digital security is only becoming more relevant. Pursuing a career in cybersecurity is a great way to earn a comfortable living and stay at the forefront of digital evolution.

Starting a career in cybersecurity can be daunting. Fortunately, the right approach allows you to reap the benefits of this industry in weeks – not years.

Today we’re going to take a look at cybersecurity: what it is, why it’s important, the skills you’ll need to succeed and how to get started down a cybersecurity path.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity involves protecting computer networks and systems from information theft or disclosure alongside potential software, hardware or electronic data damage. Cybersecurity can also mean mitigating misdirection or disruption to the IT services a business provides.

Specific technologies, controls and processes are employed by cybersecurity experts to protect networks, systems, devices, programs and data from malicious or negligent interference. The malicious side of this coin is called a cyber attack. These are instances where nefarious individuals or groups will try to deliberately target a specific network or system.

When people think of cybersecurity, they often envision anti-spyware or antivirus software installed onto a computer or server. In reality, the field is much wider and more comprehensive, made up of different best practices to help preserve the integrity, safety and reliability of digital networks and systems.

Why is cybersecurity important?

Digital and social activity are no longer separate. Today we work, socialize, shop, and relax with the help of digital and online systems.

These practices require the digitization of a range of personal and professional data. Everything from passwords to credit card information to health information to sensitive documents is now stored digitally – often with online access.

With everything potentially accessible online, it’s essential that both businesses and individuals take steps to secure access to their networks and their information. Attacks from hackers and malicious individuals can result in damage to individual or business reputations, bank accounts – even physical health.

Information theft, while common, isn’t the only goal when it comes to cybercrime. Malicious hackers have been known to attack infrastructure controls, resulting in the disruption of supply chains, utilities, and transportation.

The importance of data security can’t be understated. It’s critical that both individuals and organizations take all possible steps to secure the data and systems we all rely on in today’s modern age.

Types of cybersecurity jobs

The cybersecurity industry is wide and varied. In a general sense, all cybersecurity jobs can be broken down into two overarching categories: analysts and engineers.

Cybersecurity analysts

Analysts focus on data analysis, research and creative problem-solving. They understand the way a system operates but aren’t necessarily the engineers responsible for fixing specific issues.

As a cybersecurity analyst, your day-to-day job might include preparing for and predicting future cyber threats while also analyzing internal data to flag system vulnerabilities.

Many cybersecurity analysts are high-level, managing the big picture of an organization’s cyber landscape. They have to have keen research, analytical, and project management skills.

Common job titles include:

• Incident analyst
• Threat intel analyst
• Security hunt analyst
• Compliance analyst

These and other career options represent some of the highest-paying cybersecurity analyst positions currently available.

Cybersecurity engineers

Cybersecurity engineers are far more technically focused than cybersecurity analysts. These IT professionals have high-level knowledge of computer networks, how digital information is shared and the specific steps that ensure the safety and integrity of digital data.

A computer network consists of both software and hardware. It’s an engineer’s job to understand how each system and subsystem works together, where their vulnerabilities lie, and how best to mitigate them.

Cybersecurity engineers must have robust technical knowledge of how security systems, information systems, and computer networks work. They must also have a comprehensive understanding of cryptography and information assurance – ensuring all data is secure while actively searching for points of vulnerability.

Common job titles include:

• Security engineer
• Data recovery specialist
• Penetration tester

Among other career options, these cybersecurity engineer positions provide long-term advancement opportunities.

What skills do I need for a career in cybersecurity?

There are a number of paths you can take when aiming for a career in cybersecurity. Gaining an undergraduate degree in cybersecurity or a related field can help you learn the basics but it’s not your only route. The right professional certification can help you get a foot in the industry door.

First, you’ll need to develop critical cybersecurity skills. The specific cybersecurity strategies you need will depend on the role you intend to fulfill but there are some overarching skills you’ll need no matter your respective cyber career.

1. Risk assessment and management

Risk assessment and management involve identifying potential cybersecurity threats and evaluating the risks an organization might face. By developing skills in this area you’ll be able to assess and implement protective measures that keep an organization and its digital touchpoints safe.

2. Authentication

Authentication is the process of confirming a user’s identity before allowing them to access digital resources. It’s the role of a cybersecurity professional to develop new authentication schemes while ensuring existing strategies are secure from data breaches/leaks.

3. Linux

Linus is an open-source operating system that is both flexible and transparent. The majority of cybersecurity tools are developed for the Linux operating system so it’s essential you have a good understanding of basic Linux operations before you dive into a cybersecurity career.

4. Information systems

Information systems refer to how organizational and individual information is harvested, used, stored, and distributed. Cybersecurity professionals must have a deep understanding of the paths data takes and how it’s used.

5. Programming languages

Digital systems run on code so familiarity (at the very least) with the programming languages used in cybersecurity is a must. Common coding languages include:

• Python
• Golang
• Javascript
• C
• C++
• SQL
• Assembly
• Powershell
• Ruby
• Java
• PHP

These and other coding languages form the basis for many cybersecurity careers, deployed whenever cybersecurity experts work to create, enhance or maintain an infrastructure.

How can I learn cybersecurity skills?

There are three common paths you can take to learn the skills you’ll need for a cybersecurity career.

College

Whether you’re switching careers or looking to break into the industry, having a degree at your back is a great way to pave the way.

You’ll want to consider college degrees that specialize in security or computer science. Many schools have cybersecurity-specific degree programs that provide an overarching understanding of the industry and the skills you must cultivate, though many of these programs take years and high corresponding tuitions to complete.

Self-study

It’s also possible to learn many of the skills you need for a cybersecurity career on your own. Many free, online resources can provide direction for aspiring cybersecurity professionals early in their careers.

It should be noted that cybersecurity is constantly evolving. Traditionally published books, while good foundational resources, can rapidly become obsolete when it comes to cutting-edge best practices. Cybersecurity is a digital industry – it’s essential that you look to trusted digital sources to stay on top of the latest news, skills, and resources.

Bootcamps

Bootcamps are a great way to rapidly acquire the skills you need to succeed in cybersecurity. They’re often much cheaper than a college degree and focus on teaching students the skills that today’s employers are looking for.

The best bootcamps also offer industry-recognized certifications, which help improve your earning power and separate you from other job candidates.

Break into cybersecurity in weeks – not years

Cybersecurity offers a lucrative, rewarding career path. With the right skills and a lot of determination, you’ll be able to take your place in this cutting-edge industry.

Looking to break into cybersecurity? Pace helps students of all ages develop the in-demand skills they need to succeed in the industry, through our IT Helpdesk bootcamp.

Get in touch today.