How To Get Into Tech — CyberSecurity.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, getting into tech has now become a new trend. In Nigeria, it was oil but now it is tech and the rest. There are a lot of exciting roles there and I have been on a journey to teach people how to get started in them. We have talked about virtual assistance, technical writing, public speaking, web development, and the rest. Today, the topic is one of my favorites, as we are going to be talking about getting into cyber security. We have been talking about how to get into tech as a product designer, Public Speaker, Software Developer, digital marketer , product manager, Technical Writer, Virtual Assistant, Project Manager , Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Human Resource, Web Developer, UI/UX Designs, Cloud Computing and Social media management.
Since the world is going cyber, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. This is obvious when you look at trends and see the rise in demand for cybersecurity professionals. Different industries are going digital and there is always a need to protect their properties in the digital space. The cyber security industry now offers a promising and rewarding career path for those who are passionate about technology and eager to protect against digital threats.
What is Cyber Security?
According to Kaspersky, Cyber security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. In an attempt to be general, I would say that it involves protecting digital assets. From the definition, you will understand that what is required to excel here would be technical skills. Cybersecurity professionals play a vital role in identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, responding to incidents, and staying ahead of cybercriminals who are constantly evolving their tactics.
Skills Required to Excel in Cyber Security
Just as we have said, there are technical skills you will need to have to excel here. Most times I will say that there are skills to learn and skills you must have naturally. With cybersecurity, however, the skills you must have a very few. You need more technical skills and most times you would have to learn these skills to excel here. Some of them include;
1. Ethical Hacking: Ethical hacking (penetration testing) has to do with simulating cyber attacks to identify weaknesses in the systems and networks you are going to be protecting. This skill helps security professionals stay one step ahead of potential threats.
2. Information Security: This involves understanding information security principles, and best practices. It also involves knowing which frameworks are essential for designing and implementing secure systems.
3. Technical Proficiency: A strong foundation in computer systems, networks, and programming languages is crucial. Knowledge of operating systems (Windows, Linux, etc), networking protocols, and scripting languages is highly beneficial.
4. Incident Response: Being able to effectively respond to and recover from security incidents is vital in minimizing damage and maintaining business continuity.
5. Cryptography: Knowledge of encryption algorithms, cryptographic protocols, and secure communication is vital to protect sensitive data.
6. Security Tools: Familiarity with security tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), antivirus software, and vulnerability scanners is essential for monitoring and safeguarding procedures.
7. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Cybersecurity professionals must think critically and analytically to identify and respond to complex threats.
8. Communication Skills: Effective communication is necessary for articulating technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborating with teams.
9. Continuous Learning: Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, and professionals need to stay updated on the latest threats, technologies, and best practices.
10. Presentation skills: Cybersecurity personnel are often required to explain very technical topics to normal people. The ability to simplify complex topics and simply present them is vital.
How to Get Into CyberSecurity — A Step-by-Step Guide
There are a lot of skills to learn already but the good thing is, that is the easy part. Once you have the skills, bringing them together and building a career in cyber security is pretty straightforward if you ask me. So, let’s talk about where you start.
Assess Yourself
The first step is to evaluate your interest in cyber security and determine if it is something you want in the first place. Cybersecurity requires dedication, continuous learning, and problem-solving skills. There will be a lot of learning and sacrifices before you start earning, so it is important to understand where you stand in all this. Giving up along the way because it was not meant for you, shouldn’t be an option, so you have to be sure. Engage in self-assessment and then you should probably explore taking an introductory course just to be sure it is what you thought it was.
Acquire a Relevant Education
A university degree is not a must however I must say that it helps. From my experience, a university degree enhances your resume and opens more doors regardless of the field of tech you are pursuing. So you see that las las school na scam talk, well it shouldn’t be for you. If you can, pursue a degree in computer science, information security, or a related field. I have put together a list of courses that you can take to get started especially if you didn’t study something relating to computer or cybersecurity while in the university. Some of these courses offer certification and some do not.
Courses/Resources. Platform/Author. Type
Raef Meeuwisse. Book
The Basics of Hacking and Penetration Testing
Patrick Engebretson. Book
Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking
Christopher Hadnagy. Book
Flatiron School’s cybersecurity. Blog
Krebs on Security. Blog
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. Coursera Course
Cyber Security Course for Beginners. Udemy. Course
IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate. Coursera. Course
Free cyber security courses EC-council learning. Course
Foundations of Cybersecurity. Coursera. Course
Introduction to Cyber Security. Great Learning. Course
Cybersecurity for Everyone. Coursera. Course
Digital and Cyber Security Awareness. Alison. Course
Introduction to Cyber Security. SkillUp. Course
Python for Cybersecurity Specialization. Coursera. Course
Information Security Principles. Alison. Course
Introduction to Cyber Security: stay safe online. Class Central. Course
Certified in Cybersecurity Specialization
Coursera. Course
Diploma in Ethical Hacking. Alison. Course
For cyber security, you can also consider obtaining industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Others, you can go for include;
Certifications can significantly enhance your credibility and employability in the cybersecurity field. So, I advise that you pursue certifications that are relevant to your path and recognized within the industry.
Gain Practical Experience
Practical experience is invaluable in the cybersecurity field in fact, it is invaluable in all fields. So your priority when you get your certifications and learn your skills should be internships and volunteer opportunities. This will allow you to work alongside experienced professionals and gain hands-on experience.
You should also engage in personal projects and add them to your portfolio alongside your volunteer and internship experience. These would help boost your skills and expertise. Personal projects could include writing technical blog posts, contributing to open-source projects, or participating in online security challenges.
Specialize in a Niche
The industry for cybersecurity is huge and it pays to focus on one even if you should have some knowledge of others. You have things like ethical hacking, security analysis, incident response, and risk management. Identify a niche that interests you and aligns with your strengths, then focus your learning and experience on that area.
Networking and Professional Associations
Join cyber security forums, attend industry events, and network while you are there. Referrals will always be the easiest way to get jobs, so you must spend time knowing the right people. You should also always stay updated with trends in the industry. Be on the lookout for the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and technologies by following reputable sources, reading cybersecurity blogs, and joining relevant online communities.
Conclusion on how to get into tech — cyber security
Embarking on a career in cyber security can be a dynamic journey filled with ups and downs. However, the truth is the juice is worth the squeeze. After learning, you are going to move into an era of enjoyment — who knows I might even have to induct you into the Chop Life Gang. So, acquiring the necessary skills, gaining experience, and continuously learning. Cyberseek, says the average salary for entry-level cybersecurity personnel falls between $88,230 — $110,000 every year.
The world needs skilled professionals like you to protect the digital realm and create a safer online environment for everyone but until you start, remember to stay bullish and don’t forget to come back with a testimony when you land your first job.
Thanks for reading, do not forget to follow and remember to stay bullish.
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