Cybersecurity professionals are a specially trained group of IT specialists specialising in protection and reacting to a potential cyber attack. It’s a very complex area, and many skills are needed to do the job right. Because of this, the correct course should be taken to ensure the training is broad and deep enough. This is also a fast-moving area, and any training will become quickly outdated. Regular training is needed to stay on top of the latest trends and techniques cyber hackers are using.
To start with, a career in cybersecurity begins with a thorough knowledge of information technology, both concerning hardware and software, as well as an understanding of networks, and how they can be manipulated. From the basics, we recommend industry standard qualifications from large companies like Microsoft and HP. As you gain your foundation knowledge, you can then begin to get more specific. You’ll need to become well-versed in the common risks and hacks that are used to get into information systems and look at things like how hardware architecture works, incident management, and security system audits.
If you’re looking to apply for most jobs in the cyber security industry, you’ll need a 4-year university degree from a reputable school. You’d most likely want to major in a subject like a computer programming or science, information systems, or computer engineering. Good knowledge of English, maths, and science will also be helpful.
Some universities offer cyber security-specific modules such as an introduction to operating systems, security networks, and more. This will give you a good introduction into what the job will entail. You may also want to consider modules in law and criminal justice, technical writing, and other similar classes.
Once you have your qualifications, you’ll be interested in the type of work you’ll be doing. This will generally be focused on looking at security files and adding or updating software, doing tests on the security systems to make sure they’re tight, and performing tests on virus protection software. You’ll then most likely be training the broader company, looking at things like common security breaches, and how they can be avoided. You’ll also most likely consult on the correct processes that need to be implemented to ensure that breaches through employee mistakes won’t happen.
The first jobs you’ll be applying for will be along the lines of a data management administrator. It specialises in training to be an information systems director. You’ll then be able to work your way up to a management role, or move into a consulting position. Once you get to this level, you can expect to be compensated well, with jobs starting at around $38k and going up to $111k. If you’re interested in a career in cybersecurity, we recommend contacting your local university to get information on the courses that may be available, or contacting an agency like white hat hackers who are already in the job, and asking them their advice on the best way into the profession.
