How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist?

Career Advice

How to Become a Cybersecurity Specialist?

Data exchange is happening all over the internet today, more than ever before. It is also considered a major business aspect today, as data can make or break a business.

To protect this data from fraud or theft, or any other method of violation, some professionals are working towards safeguarding it. 

If you are considering a career in cybersecurity, you are in the right place. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about cybersecurity as a career, and how you can prepare to succeed as a cybersecurity specialist.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the methods used in the protection of data. Every technological process and practice is designed to protect devices, networks, and programs from any attack or damage of valuable data. 

Access of personal data by unauthorized personnel is also considered a privacy breach and requires protection. Cybersecurity is also known as information technology security.

Woman typing, coding looking into system

Why is cybersecurity important?

Cybersecurity ensures the protection of every category of data from damage or theft. Such information may contain personal identification, health information, government information, intellectual property etc. 

Ensuring the security of data is very important because cyber attacks can cause huge damage to a business and its reputation. 

Leaks of private data will damage customers’ trust in a business or service and can also result in losses. With the increasing number of cyber attacks today, cybersecurity has become extremely important. 

What is the difference between information security vs cybersecurity?

  1. Cybersecurity refers to protecting cyberspaces from any attack. Cyberspaces refers to all digital spaces used for the transfer or storage of information like storage sources, or devices etc.
  2. Information security is different from cybersecurity in the sense that it protects data from any type of threat and that it protects data regardless of whether it is analogue or digital.
  3. While cybersecurity deals with cyber crimes, fraud, and cyber law enforcement, information security does not have to.
  4. Information security, in simple terms, refers to the protection of data by preventing it from unauthorized access. Such instances can happen during the storing or transferring of data from one system to another.
  5. Information security deals with people’s private information like social media profile login credentials, or search history on mobile phones, galleries, emails etc.
  6. Information security, therefore, covers a wide range of sectors like digital forensics or even cryptocurrency. 

Two systems, headphone, mobile on the table

What does a cybersecurity specialist do?

Cybersecurity experts are highly trained professionals responsible for securing and protecting data that is important or private. Cybersecurity specialists monitor data and detect or analyze it to look for possible vulnerabilities or any threats. 

How to start a career in cybersecurity? 

Follow these important steps to proceed with a cyber security career path.  

1. Learn the cybersecurity fundamentals

Earn a cybersecurity degree by doing coursework in related subjects that will help you gain the necessary skills to get a job done. For example, you can pursue a program in information security or something along the same lines.

Most cybersecurity specialists come from undergrad subjects like information technology, computer science, statistics etc. These subjects will support you with learning most topics covered in cyber security studies. 

There’s also options for higher education, like a master’s in the field to expand your career options.  

Want to learn the most valuable skills from the best cybersecurity program? Check out the brilliant programs offered by CCTB, or The Canadian College of Technology and Business offers a brilliant Diploma in Cyber security analysis. The co-ops are specially curated for professionals to hone the latest industry  skills. 

The Canadian College of technology and business offers classes taught by industry experts & professionals. The programs are highly interactive, and classrooms are smaller in size to encourage participation and communication. To learn more about the cybersecurity program, click here

2. Get proper certification

Get yourself certified to earn your dream position. Certificates can help you chisel your existing skills and learn new ones to ensure your knowledge is up to date. It will also highlight the areas of your expertise like— CISM (Certified Information-Security Manager) or in ethical hacking, etc. 

Gaining certification will also emphasize your good qualities like determination and proactiveness, which will allow you to establish trust in your potential employers. 

You can also find certificates that are more vendor-specific. Research what is available to you. 

3. Networking

Increase your reach by associating with a diverse group of people from diverse backgrounds. You can do that through separate activities such as volunteering or professional contacts. 

Many cities also run cybersecurity organizations which you can join. Most of them work in educating people about cyber crimes and how they can help prevent them. 

What is the average salary of a cybersecurity specialist?

A cybersecurity specialist position is an entry-level role and is often referred to as information security specialist and sometimes as a computer security specialist. 

The average salary of a cybersecurity engineer in the US is about $69,000 to $76,000 every year. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does cybersecurity require coding?

Most entry-level positions in cyber security do not require coding work. But the knowledge of coding is important and can be very beneficial to further your career plans in the future. 

2. How to get into cybersecurity with no experience?

Start by gaining some experience and earning some exposure that will help you in your career as a cybersecurity specialist. For example, take up a diploma course and learn the necessary skills, volunteer or sign up for projects to increase your experience level and expertise. Build your CV with the skills, network, and apply for positions. 

3. What is the best way to learn cybersecurity?

The best way to learn cybersecurity is by taking up related subjects during your undergraduate years including math, stats and engineering subjects. Learn coding to equip yourself with the knowledge required to complete high level work. Sign up for a good program to learn all the skills needed to be successful as a cybersecurity expert.

Join our Diploma in Cybersecurity Analyst Practicum today and move forward in your professional life. 

 

12 August, 2021

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